MYTHS ABOUT LEARNING are commonly accepted beliefs that are not supported by educational research/evidence.
Assume you are capable of learning, especially when it is difficult.
Monitor your learning to figure out what works best for you. Feeling in control of your own learning will help you stay motivated.
Don’t let urban/learning myths limit your choices. Academic success is the result of hard work and effective studying skills, not innate talent.
Attend all of your classes. Ask for help at the beginning of the semester if you're struggling. Your instructors want to help you.
In what areas can you improve by adopting a new mindset?
If you view learning as a chore, how can you make learning joyful again?
When has failure or the fear of failure ever caused you to give up on a goal too easily?
How can you effectively focus on more than one thing at a time?
What more can you do to ensure learning is deep and long-lasting?
Truth: Learning takes time and effort in order to commit information to long-term memory.
Consequence: When we get confused or reach the limit of our existing ability, we might give up.
What works:
Truth: Becoming good at something is less about talent and more about hard work and preparation. In fact, struggle causes your brain to grow.
Consequence: Based on academic struggles in earlier education, we might avoid careers that could be a good match for us.
What works:
“'Hard working’ is what gets the job done… The students who thrive are not necessarily the ones who come in with the perfect scores.” (Dr. Carol S. Dweck – Stanford)
Truth: Male and female brains are structurally very similar. Cognitive differences are influenced by societal and cultural expectations.
Consequence: People of all ages may use these myths to excuse lack of effort. Students may choose courses or careers based on flawed beliefs. Unconscious gender bias influences hiring and promotion decisions, which only reinforces the myths.
What works:
Truth: There is no convincing evidence that this approach actually improves learning.
Consequence: Learning styles may be used to excuse a lack of motivation, learning strategies, or study skills.
What works:
The learner needs to interpret the input of their senses and give this input a meaning. Only through endeavouring to find a meaning is understanding and learning achieved.
Myth #5: People are either left-brained or right-brained.
Truth: We use both hemispheres. It’s a misconception that analytical types are more left-brained and creative types are more right-brained.
Myth #6: People use only ten percent of their brains.
Truth: Brain imaging has never shown any inactive areas in a properly functioning brain.
Myth #7: Young people are great multi-taskers.
Truth: Maybe, but multi-tasking has been proven to reduce productivity immensely even for young people.
Myth #8: Learning is for the young.
Truth: Our brains are plastic and malleable throughout life. They can grow, learn, and adapt at any age.
Myth #9: Learning happens only in the classroom.
Truth: When we’re kids, we respond to our world with wonder and curiosity. Sadly, many of us become convinced that learning is difficult, strict, or boring and lose our natural interest in figuring things out. Learning happens everywhere.
Tools for Studying:
Tools to Help You Keep Focused:
Tools for Improving Memory:
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