2008 Spring—Oral Training for Sophomores
Jo Ho

How Can I Learn Better

Think about the present

How interested am I in the subject under study?
How much time am I willing to spend learning it?
What other cares compete for my attention?
Are these circumstances right for success?
What can I control, and what is outside my control?
Can I change these conditions for success?
What affects my dedication to learning this?
Do I have a plan? Does my plan consider my past experience and learning style?

Consider the subject matter at hand

What is the heading or title? What are key words that jump out? Do I understand them?
What do I know about this already? Do I know related subjects?
What kinds of resources and information will help me? Am I relying on one source (for example, a textbook) for information? Will I need to look for additional sources?
Do I just need time to think it over and return later? Do I need to discuss it with other "learners" in order to process the information? Do I need to find an authority, such as a teacher, a librarian, or a subject-matter expert?

Review

What did I do right? What could I do better? Did my plan coincide with how I work with my strengths and weaknesses?
Did I choose the right conditions? Did I follow through; was I disciplined with myself?
Did I succeed? Did I celebrate my success?