Selected Principles of Learning

1. It is better for students to be active seekers than passive recipients of learning.

2. Students tend to be most interested when subjects are defined in terms of experience and concrete problems.

3. Students are most likely to think about their subjects when asked to write and speak. Thinking is composing; composing is thinking.

4. It is difficult to learn ideas that are very similar unless the differences between them are emphasized. Conversely, it is easier to learn disparate ideas if their similarities are emphasized.

5. Students will learn most permanently and are encouraged to learn more when their learning is rewarded. However, students differ in the behaviors they find rewarding.

6. A moderate amount of anxiety or challenge activates most students and increases learning; however, excessive anxiety and little success interferes with learning.

7. Students can become more effective learners if teachers are explicit about the reasons for requiring instructional activities, (i.e., the desired learning outcomes). The improved effectiveness of college teaching may come as much or more from helping students understand their own learning process as from varying teaching methods.

   
   SOURCES:
   Eble, K. (1976). The craft of teaching. San Francisco: JosseyBass.
   McKeachie, W. (1986). Teaching tips: A guidebook for the beginning college teacher. Lexington, MA: Heath.

    

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