Is Study Really an Individual Matter?
The need to individualize becomes urgent in our society in its present stage of development. One may think that study is an individual matter and the methods which suit some individual will not suit others. It`s true. Different methods are appropriate to different subjects. The best methods of learning Maths will not necessarily be the best methods of learning Chemistry.
What does success in study depend on? Study still remains an art. Although methods of learning different subjects can differ, there must be certain general principles of learning appropriate to different subjects. Both students and teachers shouldn`t forget about these principles, because they enable a person to work out his own personal methods of study more effectively with less trial and error. Every teacher knows that success in study depends not only on ability and hard work but also on effective methods of study. Some students can do more work in a given time than others and do it more easily. No doubt that this is a matter of ability. Important study skills such as note-taking, revising, making plans and time-tables have to be learned and practiced by students but as a rule very few students get systematic instruction in these matters. Most students rely on the traditional study techniques they learned at school. If a student works out his own methods of study and practice new study skills he will be able to enjoy his learning and to succeed in it. A teacher`s task is to explain his student that he can become efficient in learning through proper organization and method.
What is the most effective method of learning from textbooks? Nowadays students spend a great deal of time preparing their individual tasks. They read a lot and learn a lot from their textbooks. There is no wonder that the question of the most effective method of learning from textbooks concern all students all over the world. The method of reading and then making brief outline notes proves to be the most effective. In this situation some training in note-taking is absolutely necessary, because without practice this method may be inferior to the traditional method of reading and rereading. Whatever method a student may use he must first of all understand what he is studying. To understand doesn`t mean to remember easily, because the important thing is not what you know, but what you can do with what you know. To understand thoroughly is to be able to apply your knowledge in new situations.