This Week We Focused On Learning How We Are Constantly Learn

This Week We Focused On Learning How We Are Constantly Learning New T

This week we focused on learning, how we are constantly learning new things, how it is beneficial to have a growth mindset approach to learning, and how it is helpful to reflect on our strategies as a learner. As you reflect on these strategies, think about how you previously learned a new skill, subject, or process. What strategies and approaches did you use? How can you apply those to learning new concepts and skills while you’re a student at University of Maryland Global Campus? Even if the university environment is new to you, you come to learning with skills, strengths, and strategies you can draw from to connect new knowledge to what you already know.

For example, think about how you learned to cook a new dish by following a recipe. Perhaps you first blocked out time to read the recipe all the way through, noting the ingredients and tools you would need to make the dish. When it came time to make the dish, you might have followed the recipe step by step, then asked your partner or a friend to taste it and share his or her opinion. Based on that feedback, you adjusted and customized the recipe. After that, you practiced making the dish several times, adding your own flavors and spices to perfect the recipe to your liking.

Once you became familiar with the recipe, you may have progressed to making the dish from memory. As a university student, you can apply this same learning process and strategy to your academics. Let’s look at the correlation between the two. When you’re learning a new concept or skill in one of your courses, first, set aside time in your schedule to learn. Next, read about the topic and take notes to deepen your understanding.

Practice what you learned, maybe by using flashcards or completing a set of exercises. Next, share what you learned with others, such as your instructor or classmates, to get their feedback on your work and to enhance your learning from their input. Finally, practice a few more times until you can readily transfer what you learned to different contexts. For this assignment, take some time to reflect on the following questions: 1. Consider a learning experience that was successful for you. What were you able to learn? What did you do that helped you succeed in your learning? 2. How would you apply those strategies to your classwork at University of Maryland Global Campus? 3. In one to two double-spaced pages, provide your answers to the questions in a Word document.

Paper For Above instruction

Reflection and effective strategies play vital roles in lifelong learning. The iterative process of learning—comprehending new concepts, practicing, receiving feedback, and refining—mirrors everyday activities and academic pursuits alike. Recognizing how personal experiences with learning translate into academic success allows students to harness their strengths and adopt effective techniques to enhance their educational journey.

One successful learning experience I recall involved mastering a new language. Initially, I dedicated time to learning vocabulary and basic grammar rules through flashcards and language apps. The key to my success was consistency—studying regularly and gradually increasing the difficulty of exercises. Engaging with native speakers for conversation practice significantly improved my speaking proficiency. Feedback from these interactions helped me identify areas for improvement, and I adjusted my learning methods accordingly. Over time, I was able to converse fluently and understand native speakers better, which heightened my confidence and motivation.

This experience illustrates the importance of deliberate practice, feedback, and persistence in learning. Several strategies contributed to my success. First, setting a schedule created a routine that made learning habitual. Second, breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable parts made the process less overwhelming and allowed for focused practice. Third, actively seeking feedback—whether from teachers, peers, or native speakers—enabled me to make targeted improvements. Lastly, integrating learning into real-life situations, such as conversations, solidified my understanding and fluency.

Applying these strategies to my university coursework at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) involves several steps. First, I will establish a dedicated study schedule, allocating specific times for reading, note-taking, and review sessions. This routine will foster consistency and help me stay on track. Second, I will divide complex subjects into smaller units, focusing on mastering foundational concepts before progressing to more advanced topics. This scaffolding approach will prevent overwhelm and boost confidence.

Third, I will actively seek feedback from instructors and peers by participating in discussion forums, submitting assignments early for review, and engaging in study groups. Constructive feedback is crucial in identifying misconceptions and refining my understanding. Fourth, I plan to utilize various practice strategies, such as creating flashcards for self-testing, completing practice exercises, and applying concepts in practical scenarios whenever possible. These methods will deepen my understanding and promote retention.

Moreover, I will adopt a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This attitude encourages resilience and persistence through setbacks. Reflecting periodically on my strategies, successes, and areas for improvement will allow me to adapt and optimize my approach continually. For instance, if I find myself procrastinating or struggling with certain topics, I will analyze the causes and implement targeted interventions, such as breaking tasks into smaller parts or seeking additional resources.

In conclusion, my prior successful learning experiences, particularly in language acquisition, have underscored the significance of habits, feedback, and targeted practice. These principles are directly transferable to my academic endeavors at UMGC. By systematically applying structured learning strategies, actively seeking opportunities for feedback, and maintaining a growth mindset, I can enhance my learning efficacy and achieve academic success. Embracing this reflective approach ensures continuous improvement and maximizes my potential as a graduate student.

References

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• Brown, P., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. Harvard University Press.
• Ambrose, S. A., et al. (2010). How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching. Jossey-Bass.