Effective Learning Strategies

When doing a skills program or learnership, you need to employ effective learning strategies to work through the information provided to you. Effective learning strategies include:

Be a Critical Reader

Critical readers have the following traits:

• They are honest with themselves
• They resist manipulation
• They overcome confusion
• They ask questions
• They base judgments on evidence
• They look for connections between subjects
• They are intellectually independent

Ask yourself the following questions as you read:

• What is the topic of the book or reading?
• What issues are addressed?
• What conclusion does the author reach about the issue(s)?
• What are the author's reasons for his or her statements or belief?
• Is the author using facts, theory, or faith?

Facts can be proven:

• The theory is to be proved and should not be confused with fact
• Opinions may or may not be based on sound reasoning

Faith is not subject to proof by its nature:

• Has the author used neutral words or emotional words?
• Critical readers look beyond the language to see if the reasons are clear
• Be aware of why you do, or do not, accept the arguments of the author