How do I encourage development of learning skills?

In addition to gaining subject knowledge, young learners are learning how to learn everyday. In a language classroom, not only do we teach new communication mannerisms and tools through teaching the language, we also give them new perspectives and life experiences that are in many ways different from their own. We provoke curiosity, nurture respect and love through achieving understanding and meaning in another language. We should encourage the development of their learning skills according to their cognitive capacity, one step at a time, through language learning and critical thinking.

Effective learning skills are gained through good learning habits. A teacher should guide learners to foster good habits in learning. Here are a few tips that help young students succeed in learning:

1.      Remind students to keep things in good order:

1) Organize study materials.

2) Organize notes.

3) Organize study time.

( Make it routine or requirement for students to do so.)

2.      Ask students to pay attention to details:

1)      When getting back homework, pay attention to the teacher’s corrections, and try not to make the same mistake twice.

2)       Provide opportunities for learners to discover patterns and rules, and define rules through summary.

3)       Encourage students to compare points of difference and similarity.

4)       Guide students to make connections between new learning, previous learning, and personal experience.

3.      Invite students to ask questions about:

1)      something they are not sure of clear about,

2)      something they are curious about, and

3)      something that seems odd to them.

( You never know, other students may benefit from the answers to your questions.)

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