University Learning I
How is learning at university different than learning at high school? "It is not enough to simply know something; the learner must possess the ability to do something with that knowledge, whether to solve a problem, reach a conclusion or present a point of view. This plexus of content knowledge and cognitive skills is what a (university) education . . . seeks to develop." (Pew Report, pg 9)
The Pew study revealed that the development of cognitive (or learning and thinking) skills is vital for academic success in university. For the best results, these skills need to grow out of effective, strategic, and discipline-specific approaches to studying. High school students often find that memorizing is the only study strategy necessary to succeed in their courses. At university, successful approaches to learning involve more sophisticated and varied study strategies, and depend much more on the course "learning context." Students must first define the particular learning demands for each of their courses, and then determine the most effective study approaches to meet those demands. Memorizing is still sometimes appropriate, but it's important for students to recognize when learning effectively involves more — analysing and synthesizing information, thinking critically or creatively, and understanding and applying concepts.