1. Learners recognize that learning (the growth of dendrites/synapses) only occurs when they are actively engaged in some activity.

2. Learners pay attention to only those things that are important to them. They are very effective at recognizing what information they need and what is of no importance.
   · When a students does not do their reading or prepare for class they may not be able to determine what is important to know.

3. Learners constantly seek to find the order, organization, or pattern of the information they need to learn. Information that has a context or framework (a connection to their background) is much easier to learn.
   · The ways in which students organize their information and the ways in which they chose to input it into their memory has a great deal to do with how easy or difficult it will be to learn and remember the information.
   · Visual images are a powerful way to build memory.

4. Learners recognize that practice increases learning. Practice causes significant numbers of dendrites and synapses to grow. This not only makes it easier to recall the information from memory, but increases the speed at which students can recall and use the information.
   · Practice makes the transference of the information for use in other areas of learning much easier and efficient.

5. Learners are good at monitoring their own learning. They know when they have learned something completely and they know when they need more study. This includes having a well-developed set of "fix-up" strategies that help them find answers or understand when they struggle while learning.
   · Using study systems that give immediate feedback such as quizzing, note cards, or others questioning them help develop monitoring.

6. Learners see the value in learning with others. They want the varied perspectives and different ideas that others have. They are open to help from others.
   · Tutoring serves mostly A and B students who are open to seeking any help they can to succeed.

7. Learners are goal oriented. They do not allow factors such as the demeanor of the teacher (voice, dress, etc.) to distract them from their learning goal. They accept that they may have to learn in spite of the teacher rather than because of them.

8. Learners use learning tools effectively. They understand that learning is not just a "happening" but rather occurs because the learner has developed the skills and strategies needed to learn.
   · These include using mind maps, note-taking skills, reading approaches (SQR4), review strategies, information-finding skills (like use of search engines and library resources).

9. Learners are efficient in their learning. This means they discover their best learning style and approach and try to use them when ever possible.

10. Learners have discipline. They recognize their weaknesses and work to overcome them. Learners find study area (environments) that best suit their learning, they study and learn at times of day that are best for them, they are capable of delayed gratification, they are not afraid of hard work.

Faculty wanting further information about any of these topics are encouraged to contact Terry Doyle at doylet@ferris.edu



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