Challenges:
Motivation is the biggest challenge. Getting students to want
to make a connection with the content can be very difficult.
Students are motivated by different things (e.g. graduating,
getting a job, making a certain grade, or being interested in
the subject). In order for learning to occur students have to
believe the material is worth learning. Students can get a good
grade, get a job, or graduate without ever actually learning
the content. Show students why your subject is worth learning
and how it affects their lives. Although extrinsic motivation
can produce learning, only intrinsic motivation can produce
self-regulated learning. Good learners have flexible study strategies
(i.e. when one thing doesn’t work they try another). They
are also aware of their own strengths and weaknesses and of
what they know and what they don’t know.
| Twenty-one percent of students surveyed
say they rarely or never switch to another study habit if
the one that they are using does not work (O’Phelan,
et al, 2002). |
Taking time out to teach study skills may also be a challenge
for you. However, by hooking the student on your subject and
teaching study skills, you are teaching them how to become independent
learners.
Another challenge for teachers and students is being aware
of the skills that are necessary to be successful. You can look
at your class from your students’ point of view. What
is it that a student needs to be successful in your class? Thinking
about the course from that standpoint will increase your own
awareness.
Finally, instructors need to appreciate their own high level
of study skills, and that good skills do not come naturally
to most students. Regular reminders about how to study or improve
study habits throughout the semester can help.
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