Skills and Strategies:  What's the Difference?

Learning Strategies

You've probably tried several learning strategies over the years. We'd like to suggest some of the strategies outlined in Make it Stick Links to an external site. and the below concepts from Learning Scientists Links to an external site.:

Retrieval Practice
Practice bringing information to mind
Elaboration
Explain and describe ideas in many details
Spaced Practice
Space out your practice over time
Interleaving
Switch between ideas when you study
Concrete examples
Use specific examples to understand abstract ideas
Dual coding
Combine words and visuals

Feel free to try a blank page exercise Links to an external site. (which goes by several different names) or other strategies like flashcards, practice quizzes, labeling diagrams, or online tools such as Quizlet Links to an external site.. We'll talk about using AI to generate study tools in the next chapter. 

The main message: try various strategies and use ones that work for you. Depending on the subject matter, you might need to use a new approach.

Study Skills

Students studying with computersLet's take a moment to think about how truly important is is to have good, solid study skills so you can be successful in whatever learning experience that you encounter. The online environment is convenient and flexible for learners. However, it is important to know that it is ever more critical to develop strong study skills in a virtual classroom because it is hard to catch up if you fall behind.

Support Systems

  • Log into Canvas daily
  • Participate in study groups or connect to other classmates
  • Ask questions!
  • Talk to your teachers (office hours are meant for this!)
  • Don't wait until the last minute to ask for help
  • Seek Learning Center tutoring services early in the semester

Tips and Strategies

  • Have a time management schedule
  • Have a dedicated study area
  • Get good sleep, eat healthy, and exercise
  • Organize your study materials
  • Be an active reader, reading to understand
  • Write drafts of papers
  • Study for exams in advance

Take Notes Effectively

You've been taking notes for quite a while. Want to up your game? Here are some ideas on improving your thinking while in class and ways to retain and use course content.