Study Skills Report: Learning, Brain, Mind Mapping and Collaboration

This report delves into the multifaceted realm of study skills, providing a comprehensive overview of various learning approaches, the critical role of the brain in the learning process, the utility of mind mapping as a study tool, and the benefits of collaborative learning. It begins by defining study ski...Read More

Study Skills

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
Covered in PPT...........................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Study skills are termed as an array of skills which tackle the process of organizing and
taking in new information, retaining information or dealing with all the data that is provided.
These studies helps in assessing the provided information and bringing the required results that
are important for enhancing skills related to study material. Study skills helps in developing
learning skills which supports high motivation level. A motivated learner will move towards
goals and achieve them more easily and efficiently. These skills help to gain success in life. In
this project different approaches to learning and capabilities of brain and relevance of academic
study is provided (Atmatzidou and Demetriadis, 2016). Together with this concept of mind
mapping and application of collaborative learning is mentioned.
TASK 1
Learning is a continuous process that starts with acquiring knowledge and information
that is helpful in day to day operations and understanding several concepts in smooth manner.
For enhancing learning several methods are used through these methods learning skills are
developed in individuals and study skills gets generated. Approaches to learning have been
developed over the years and there are several approaches introduced for learning.
Behaviourist approach to learning is based on the idea that learners respond to execute in
their environment. In this approach the learning facilitator provides useful information required
by learners to respond towards required knowledge and experience. Learning as per this theory is
based on the constant and repetitive task which is combined with the view point of facilitator to
make improvement. One of the main ways to use this approach to learning in training and
teaching is specify learning opportunities.
Social approach to learning theory provides learning through direct and indirect manner.
Learning through them and by observing others are the two approaches for social learning
theory. This approach is focused using a model and learning takes place through observations of
model’s behaviour. The social learning approach places great significance on learning with other
people through interpersonal interactions or through face-to-face conservations (Approaches to
learning, 2019).
Humanistic theory of learning involves the concept of learning through watching the
behaviour of others and results of other behaviour. This learning does not involve a behaviour
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change. Learning comes about as a result of observations. It is an approach to psychology that
enhances good human behaviour. This is one of the most common form of learning as a child
starts learning by noticing others.
The Experiential approach of learning is given by David Kolb in which four aspects of
learning cycle is provided. As per this theory learning experience is keeps on reviewed and
challenged. Learning skills is developed through personal life experience of an individual and
this becomes basis of observation and reflects what is encountered in learning process.
Knowledge that is already possessed by an individual is assimilated and new conceptual map is
prepared for taking actions in future (Cottrell, 2019).
Bandura’s Self Efficiency Theory takes into consideration how an individual perceives or
appraises level of their competence in the process of learning. In this theory situation of
inadequacy will be taken as challenge rather than a problem and focus will be provided on
solutions. Self-efficiencies helps in defining judgements of their capabilities to organise and
execute course of actions required to attain desired results.
Cognitive approach of learning is concerned with the role of the active mind in
processing learning opportunities and developing. Concentration of this theory is based on how
information is processed by learners. It is an internal learning process that involves memory,
thinking, reflection, abstraction, motivation. Provided approaches of learning will help in
generating learning skills among each individual who is interested in enhancing study and
learning skills.
Most powerful computer is termed as human mind. The human brain possesses about 100
billion neurons and connecting of these is known as synapses writing which makes them work
together. The cerebrum which is large outer part of brain controls reading, thinking, learning,
speech, emotions and planned muscle movements like walking and running. Brain is capable of
controlling all the activities that are performed by human body (Fisher, Reynolds and Sheehan,
2016). In the process of learning envision of brain is done for taking data and running those data
through some unknown processes. The process which is used for analysing the data is unknown.
As how data that is reflected through eyes, ears or mouth is stored, recalled and turned into
information which is required to make a particular decision. Brain has capability of storing large
amount of information that an individual starts receiving since time of birth. Together with this
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huge amount of information is processed so that relevant information required for particular
decision making can be grabbed.
Brain plays important role in enhancing learning through academic studies. In academic
learning subjects whose knowledge is important for basic life of a person is provided and
designed in such manner that day to day operations can be conducted smoothly. An academic
study provides knowledge in tones of amount and that knowledge is processed in such manner
that basis for acquiring complex information is created. Brain helps in analysing all the
information and storing it for future (Hagedorn and Kuznetsova, 2016). Academic learning’s
starts at early stage and when mind is concentrated for gaining information and storing them so
that a person can became intelligent with lots of knowledge. Brain is the most important tool for
learning skills as no information can be stored or analysed without brain. For humans brain is
one of the vital tools that help in generating study skills and enhancing learning. When cerebrum
(part of human brain) performs properly and concentration is provided on skills such as learning
and reading it will improve academic performance. A good academic study helps in establishing
a solid base for future so that more complex information when acquired will be processed on the
basis of past information. Brain when used for storing information in correct manner then it will
simplify process of learning at every stage and all the decision made on such information will
provide best results.
Mind mapping is the process through which acquired information is recorded through
creating maps that helps in storing all the information in most easy and understandable manner
(Manikandan and Sia, 2016). It is a visual thinking tool that helps structuring information, helps
to analyse in better manner, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas. Power of
mind mapping lies in its simplicity because it makes all the data in simplest form that enhance its
understanding in correct manner. Through these technique connections between many related
ideas or piece of information is visualized. In the process of learning huge amount of information
is collected. Recording all the small details of the acquired information is not possible and this
affects study skills.
Effective learning requires that information that is received needs to be retrieved well.
Issue of retrieving information in the process of learning is resolved through adaptation of mind
mapping process. Through mind mapping all the information acquired will be recorded in form
of small maps that are available with all the information required in relation to a particular topic.
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Recording n information through mind maps not only helps in recording information but when
information is recorded through writing it also enhances learning. Storing large amount of
information and processing the whole information is a very complex process for mind.
Information collection process is never ending same as learning and holding on all the
information is not possible (Otero, Petch and Catapan, 2015).
Mind mapping is an effective process that helps to aid the issues related to storing and
retrieving all the information. When information is recorded in simplest manner then it will
become easy to understand them all and analysing in better manner. Mind maps are created using
specific key words that helps to trigger associations in the brain to spark further ideas. Storing
information in large amount through writing them or keeping them in mind is not possible as
amount if very large and it make mind bulky to hold this much information. Key points that are
related to a topic are recorded and in future these points are recalled to understand the whole
process in complete manner. There are several advantages for mind mapping but this comes with
a small disadvantage that mind maps become to big when a structure is not designed properly
and key words left missing. When this situation arises then reason for creating mind map become
unaccomplished and information gets wasted.
Recording all the information in correct manner so that key words those are required to
access the information is recorded properly (Persky, Henry and Campbell, 2015). A mind map
needs to be compact so that at the time of recall it becomes an easy task to analyse available
information for most productive results.
Collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves
group of students working together to solve a problem, complete a task or to create a product. In
collaborative learning a group of people learn and attempts to learn something together. Through
this approach of learning skills and resources that are available with an individual provides
benefits to all the individuals who are there in the group. This form of learning approach is
introduced with some benefits such as it helps in enhancing problem-solving skills of an
individual. When more than one person is involved in learning then skills of other person is
analysed and used for resolving issues. One individual in group gets inspired with other and take
all the actions for resolving issue. This also helps in enhancing critical thinking of learners. As
more skills and knowledge is available with groups then an individual and this enhances thinking
capacity of each member in the group. Social interaction of an individual is developed when they
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are grouped together for learning. An oral communication skill gets enhanced through
collaborative learning by communicating among groups for each issue that arises.
Collaborative learning is performed for a task or activity and small groups are formed. These
groups develop co-operative behaviours for an individual and gives interdependence for learning
and resolving an issue. When collaborative learning is implemented in academics then it gives
opportunity to students to work and collaborate together to learn and grow from each other. This
learning style not only helps in developing higher-level of thinking skills but also boost
confidence and self-esteem of students. For example- students are provided with an assignment
to write regarding historical monuments present in the city (Rodriguez and Armellini, 2017).
This group work when performed by all the students will leads to develop a communication
system among them. Through this communication system skills and knowledge regarding history
of monuments available with each student is exchanged. This group task will enhance learning of
whole group and make all of the effective learners at the same time. In collaborative learning
when two individuals have different speed and perspective to analyse information then results
provided as per this learning will not be that appropriate.
CONCLUSION
From the above project report it has been concluded that learning is very important to
develop study skills. There are different approaches to learning and implementation of these will
help in enhancing learning at every stage. Brain plays important role in developing learning
skills as all the information required for learning is recorded in brain. Mind mapping which is
used to store information in short and precise manner is an aid to storing and retrieving
information as it provides trigger points that helps in memorising all the information.
Collaborative learning when implemented in academics positive results for enhancing group
performance is achieved through this.
PART 2
Covered in PPT
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Atmatzidou, S. and Demetriadis, S., 2016. Advancing students’ computational thinking skills
through educational robotics: A study on age and gender relevant differences. Robotics
and Autonomous Systems. 75. pp.661-670.
Cottrell, S., 2019. The study skills handbook. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Fisher, S. D., Reynolds, J. L. and Sheehan, C. E., 2016. The protective effects of adaptability,
study skills, and social skills on externalizing student–teacher relationships. Journal of
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. 24(2). pp.101-110.
Hagedorn, L. S. and Kuznetsova, I., 2016. Developmental, remedial, and basic skills: Diverse
programs and approaches at community colleges. New Directions for Institutional
Research. 2015(168). pp.49-64.
Manikandan, D. and Sia, S. K., 2016. The influence of economics in cognitive activities and a
correlation study on economics and study skills of the students. Indian Journal of
Health & Wellbeing. 7(7).
Otero, W. R. I., Petch, J. R. and Catapan, A. H., 2015. Developing high-level cognitive skills in
e-learning. InterSciencePlace. 1(20).
Persky, A. M., Henry, T. and Campbell, A., 2015. An exploratory analysis of personality,
attitudes, and study skills on the learning curve within a team-based learning
environment. American journal of pharmaceutical education. 79(2). p.20.
Rodriguez, B. P. and Armellini, A., 2017. Developing self-efficacy through a massive open
online course on study skills. Open Praxis. 9(3). pp.335-343.
Online
Approaches to learning. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/learning-approaches.html>
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