Almost every class requires students to learn new terms or concepts, whether it is new math theorems and definitions, new vocabulary words, or new science terms, for example. What is the best way to learn these new concepts? The answer is it depends on the student.
Some students work well with Quizlet flashcards, while others are too distracted by the technology and would do better with good old fashioned paper flash cards. However, I suggest not just basic flashcards, but flash cards with more than words: for example, if a student has to learn the stages of mitosis in Biology class, they can create a card with each stage name on the front, and a colored pencil detailed drawing on the back. In this instance, a large index card would be suitable, rather than the 3×5 size. Flash cards for vocabulary words can also include drawings, and color drawings at that if the student is so inclined. Afterall, color makes studying more interesting. I recently had a student, for example, who had to learn the vocabulary word, “established.” Rather than just including the word definition on the back of the card, she also drew a picture of a building, since, to her, this represented the meaning and feeling of the word, “established.” By including a picture, the student is engaging more of the brain and will therefore more likely remember the word on the upcoming test.
Another great way to learn new terms is to use a medium-sized poster board and colored pencils (or markers that do not bleed through the paper). The terms can be written all over the poster board with space around them for written explanations and pictures (whether printed from a website or drawn by hand). By engaging in this activity, students are learning the material while they are creating their study aid, it’s more fun than just memorizing from a piece of paper, and it uses several learning modalities, which creates stronger neural pathways.
There are endless possible study aids: mind maps, sketch notes, manipulatives, and more.
The best way to learn new concepts is with a method the student invents themselves, sometimes with the help of an academic coach. When the student makes learning their own, this is the best possible scenario.
