Deep Learning
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Understand
- Think about applications
- Think about implications
- Make associations
- Invent
- Theorize
Surface Learning
Strategic Learning
Look for meaning behind the page
Identify arguments
- Distinguish between evidence and conclusions in those arguments
As you study and do problems
Mull over concepts
Look for meaning behind the problem
Make connections with other ideas
Question yourself and the quick impressions you gather
Realize this is hard work
If you are not confused at first, the work is too easy or you are wrong
No strain; no gain
Exercise your mind
Strengthen your brain
- Talk it out
- Talk to yourself; talk to other students
- Explain an idea to a new learner
- Discuss idea with an advanced learner
Some students will go through school with one primary intention. They want to survive, pass the course, get the credit, and get out. They think the best way to do so is to memorize. Remember information. Remember steps for doing a problem. To these surface learners, that sounds like the easiest way to 'get through school.' But that turns out to be the hardest approach. Who can remember stuff you don't even understand?
Other students will try simply to make the highest grade. They fight for those extra points and do what it takes to wrack up the high grades and an appearance on the Dean's list. These strategic learners have several major shortcomings: They seldom pursue their passion, follow their interest, take risks, or enjoy their learning. Strategic learners tend to learn procedures rather than concepts. They know the procedures for solving problems, but they don't understand the concepts because they never intend to do so. Because they are procedural learners, they seldom become adaptive experts who enjoy taking on new kinds of problems, creating new approaches, inventing stuff, living a creative life.
Only the Deep Learners will intend to understand deeply, to make associations in their mind, to mull things over, to find new applications and meaning, to ask new kinds of questions. Only the Deep Learners are likely to become those adaptive experts.
You can become a deep learner, but, first, you must intend to learn deeply. Intentions play a big role. Our world is changing rapidly. We need lots of adaptive experts. You can become one of them and make contributions that no one else will make. You are unique. One of a kind. Not even your siblings have exactly your body chemistry and life experiences. You came from a certain place at a certain time. Live the creative life and make your special contributions to the world
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Learn how to become a Deep Learner
"Amazing book, I would strongly recommend it to anyone wishing to build their own education, success and happiness. This book can change lives.
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"Ken Bain has written an excellent book on how to be a successful college student , better , a successful human being. Lots of examples of how learning deeply, instead of being overly concerned with achieving good grades is the keys to be a healthy, happy and successful "
Randy Ades
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I got this for school. I thought it was going or be a boring read that was mandatory. I read through the entire book 2 times already. It's one of the best books I've read in a long time"
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