Most learners like to learn in a sequential way, one piece of accumulated knowledge at a time. These learners like to build a ‘big picture’ based on the detail. Other learners take a more global; view, starting with often very fuzzy big abstract ideas and then they find the knowledge needed to fill in the gaps. Have a listen to what these students think. Do you agree?
(Video transcripts can be downloaded here as PDF)
My tutorial group is arguing about the presentation we have to do next week
In some subjects it seems as though there are very definite right and wrong answers. But in some subjects there are not definite answers, only opinions and conjecture. It is natural that many students want to fond the answer their tutor appears to have, but often this answer does not exist and students can be confused about what is expected of them. Group work can make this even more complex and challenging. The task needs to be made very clear and the scope for disagreement outlined at the outset.
I am finding the complexity of the methods and rules we learn really difficult. Are you?
Some students like to see the big picture and then explore the detail. Others like to build up a picture based on details. Each student and each teacher will have a personal preference. Some people like to explore complexity and develop an idea of broad simple concepts and ideas. Others like to do it the other way around.
I am finding this class really hard. I like to learn one thing at a time!
Learning about things sequentially is how most of us prefer to learn. We learn one fact and then build on that knowledge with more facts. But not everybody learns the same way. Some people like to have lots of facts and then find connections between them. Your learning approach will dictate what you find ‘suits you’ in different classes.