... an accom-
plished dancer by simply observing.
LEARNING BY DOING
33
P
LAY THE
P
ART
Y
OU
W
ANT TO
B
E
One way to be an active learner is to act the part of a learner. By doing so,
you will feel ... to use movement
and doing to study
more effectively.
H
ow did you learn to ride a bike? To
dance? To speak? You learned by doing. Nothing can replace
the physical act of doing t...
... while you
wash dishes.
• If you learn best by doing: You might want to go back and
forth, spending 10 to 20 minutes on reading and/or writing,
then 10 to 20 minutes on meal preparation, and so ... studying.
While Doing Chores
Household chores occupy your hands, but free your mind—and ears—
for thinking, talking (even if it’s to yourself!), and listening to tapes. For
example:
• If you...
... third color,
and so on.
If You Learn Best by Hearing
Talk and listen. Read texts aloud, and read your notes out loud into a tape
recorder, so you can review by re-listening. Use different intonations ... most people can stay really focused on the
task at hand. But perhaps it’s less for you—maybe 10 or 15 minutes. Or
maybe it’s more like 25 or 30 minutes. Whatever you find is best for you...
... two.”
• If you learn best by ordering things: You might say, “The order
is right. I know that I start with two individual pencils and end up
with a pair.”
• If you learn best by doing: You might pick ... learn best by hearing: You might say, “Here’s the sound of
one pencil making a tap on the table, and here’s the sound of a
second pencil tap. I hear two taps.”
• If you learn best by...
... doesn’t have
a street sign. How do you know if you’ve arrived? You stop someone
passing by and ask again.
1.
2.
3.
... dictionary’s
definition. For example, the dictionary definition of crumpet is “a light
bread, often toasted.” By coming to your definition first, you’ve made
what you learned meaningful to you. And you’ve used ... to follows a clear order.
• You’ve answered all your own q...
... learn best by seeing: Write or draw what you know, and
what questions you have.
• If you learn best by hearing: Read aloud as you write, and/or use
a tape recorder.
• If you learn best by images: ... pictures.
• If you learn best by order: Make a list and/or timeline—focus on
when that’s unclear; ask questions to develop a clearer order.
• If you learn best by doing: Imagine your...
... subject when
you involve yourself in it, even when you’re just role-playing. (See Chap-
ter 5, Learning by Doing, ” for more on role-playing and other ways to be
an active learner.)
• Pretend you’re ... you like, and begin reading there. As you read, remember to take
Try It!
GETTING INVOLVED IN LEARNING
71
notes or make drawings in your notebook, or speak into your tape
recorder. Reco...
... subject when
you involve yourself in it, even when you’re just role-playing. (See Chap-
ter 5, Learning by Doing, ” for more on role-playing and other ways to be
an active learner.)
• Pretend you’re ... GETTING INVOLVED IN LEARNING
71
notes or make drawings in your notebook, or speak into your tape
recorder. Record what was ... lot—don’t overlook them!
75
CHAPTER
10
GETTING MORE
OUT...
... re-read the text, and use your learning style to help you
understand.
Put It in Your Reading Log
If you’re having trouble understanding something you’re reading, start by
writing about it or talking ... may wish to review Chapter 4,
“Making Images, Making Order, Making Sense.”)
Use Your Learning Style
Use your learning style or styles as you stop and become comfortable
with the new ma...