Page 103 - Keys To Community College Success

get thinking

MAXIMIZE YOUR CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE

Complete the following on paper or in digital format.
Considering what you know about yourself as a learner and about your instructors’
teaching styles this term, decide which classroom situation is the most challenging for
you. Use this exercise to think analytically, creatively, and practically about the situation.
1. Name the course and describe the instructor’s style.
2. Analyze the problem that is making this class challenging.

3. Generate and write down three ideas about actions you can take to improve the situation.
4. Finally, choose one action and put it to practical use. Briefly note what happened.
Was there any improvement as a result?

instructor or teaching assistant can be extremely rewarding. This is especially true
in large lectures where you are anonymous unless you speak up. For example, a
visual learner might ask the instructor to recommend figures or videos to study
that illustrate the lecture.

The adjustments you make for your instructor’s teaching style will build flexibil-
ity that you need for career and life success. Just as you can’t hand pick your instruc-
tors, you will rarely, if ever, be able to choose your work colleagues. You will have to
adjust to them, and help them adjust to you. Keep in mind, too, that research shows a
benefit from learning in a variety of ways—kind of like cross-training for the brain.
Knowing this, some instructors may challenge you to learn in ways that aren’t com-
fortable for you.
A final point: Some students try to find out more about an instructor by asking
students who have already taken the course or looking up comments online. Be cau-
tious, as you may not be able to trust an anonymous poster. Even if you hear a review
from a friend you trust, every student–instructor relationship is unique, and an instruc-
tor your friend loved may be a bad match for you. Prioritize the courses you need, and
know that you can make the most of what your instructors offer, regardless of their
teaching styles.

Study Choices
Start now to use what you learned about yourself to choose the best study techniques.
If you tend to learn successfully from a linear, logical presentation, look for order (for
example, a timeline of information organized by event dates) as you review notes. If
you are strong in interpersonal intelligence, you could work with study groups when-
ever possible.
When faced with a task that challenges your weaknesses, use strategies that boost
your ability. For example, if you are an Adventurer who does not respond well to linear
information, try applying your strengths to the material by using a hands-on approach.
Or you could try developing your area of weakness by learning study skills that work Learning How You Learn
well for Thinker-type learners.

65