Learning Strategies and Academic Performance

Simsek and Balaban (2010) looked into the relationship between learning strategies of university students and their academic performance. The results indicated that students who implemented more learning strategies, in frequency and variety, were able to academically perform better. To ensure that students in your classes succeed regardless of their individual preferences, consider allowing time for discussion and practice of different learning strategies such as:

• Rehearsal (going over the material repeatedly, reading aloud to yourself, making side notes for yourself, using a highlighter for important terms, using mnemonics);
• Elaboration (making summary of the read material, putting sentences into your own words, comparing material);
• Organization (creating outlines, tables, concept maps);
• Metacognition (being aware of own performance in school, reflection, better studying habits);
• Motivational (using time management, stress reduction, being focused, motivating yourself for success).

Simsek, A., & Balaban, J. (2010). Learning strategies of successful and unsuccessful university students. Contemporary Educational Technology 1(1), 36-45.