The start of the school year is also a window for incoming grade 12 students to gear up for college entrance exams like the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) and the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) Scholarship exam. It’s also the perfect time for parents to help establish effective study habits.
Understanding the 14 Learner-Centered Psychological Principles
The American Psychological Association (APA) has identified 14 learner-centered psychological principles that provide a framework for understanding the learning process. These principles are categorized into four major areas: cognitive and metacognitive, motivational and affective, developmental and social, and individual differences.
By applying these principles, students can enhance their study habits and parents can support their children more effectively.
Cognitive and Metacognitive Factors
- Nature of the Learning Process: Learning involves active thinking and problem-solving. Engage with the material through summarizing, teaching, and using flashcards.
- Action: Schedule daily sessions for reviewing and actively engaging with the material. For example, after reading a chapter, summarize key points in your own words and create flashcards for important terms and concepts.
- Goals of the Learning Process: Setting clear, achievable goals helps focus attention and direct effort.
- Action: Create a summer study calendar with specific weekly and daily goals. For instance, set a goal to complete one math chapter and solve ten related problems per day.
- Construction of Knowledge: Knowledge is built on prior experiences and new information. Concept maps or mind maps can help visualize connections.
- Action: Use concept maps to link new concepts to existing knowledge. Draw maps that connect historical events you are studying to previously learned concepts.
- Strategic Thinking: Successful learners use various strategies to achieve their goals, like summarizing, questioning, and predicting.
- Action: Plan study sessions, monitor understanding, and adjust strategies as needed. For example, before starting a new topic, outline what you know and what you aim to learn.
- Thinking about Thinking (Metacognition): Being aware of one’s learning processes helps in regulating and guiding learning.
- Action: Keep a study journal to reflect on what strategies work best and why. After each study session, write down what you learned, what strategies you used, and how effective those strategies were.
- Context of Learning: The learning environment influences learning. A quiet, organized space is essential.
- Action: Designate a distraction-free study area with all necessary materials. Ensure the study space is well-lit, quiet, and equipped with all required resources like textbooks, notebooks, and stationery.
Motivational and Affective Factors
- Motivational and Emotional Influences on Learning: Positive emotions and motivation enhance learning, while negative emotions can hinder it.
- Action: Create a positive attitude towards studying by focusing on progress and celebrating small wins. For example, after completing a challenging chapter, reward yourself with a favorite snack or a short break.
- Intrinsic Motivation to Learn: Personal interest and enjoyment in the task are more effective for deep learning.
- Action: Discuss how subjects relate to future goals and interests. If you’re interested in engineering, explore how math and science are foundational to that career.
- Effects of Motivation on Effort: Higher motivation leads to increased effort and perseverance.
- Action: Use motivational quotes, vision boards, and role models to inspire effort. Create a vision board with pictures and quotes that align with your goals and dreams.
Developmental and Social Factors
- Developmental Influences on Learning: Learning is affected by the learner’s developmental stage.
- Action: Use study materials and methods that match the cognitive level. For instance, prioritize complex problem-solving tasks and advanced reading materials.
- Social Influences on Learning: Social interactions and relationships impact learning. Group study sessions and discussions enhance learning.
- Action: Organize study groups with peers to discuss material together. Arrange weekly study sessions where you can collaborate on assignments and explain concepts to each other.
Individual Differences Factors
- Individual Differences in Learning: Recognize and address diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles.
- Action: Tailor study activities to fit the unique learning style. For instance, if you are a visual learner, use diagrams and visual aids to explain concepts.
- Learning and Diversity: Cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds affect learning. Use diverse resources to make learning relatable.
- Action: Incorporate examples that reflect your background. Use culturally relevant texts and examples to make the material more engaging.
- Standards and Assessment: High standards and meaningful assessments guide learning.
- Action: Schedule regular practice exams and review results to focus on weak areas. For example, take practice tests every Saturday and review the answers on Sunday to identify and address weaknesses.
Enjoying the process of learning and studying in a meaningful way is important. Remember that each step taken is a move towards achieving your goals.
You are capable of great things, and with the right strategies, you will succeed in your college entrance exams and scholarship exams. Stay motivated, believe in yourself, and know that the hard work you put in now will pay off in the future.
Also for parents, by providing a supportive and structured environment, you play an important role in helping your children reach their full potential.
References
- American Psychological Association (APA). (1997). Learner-Centered Psychological Principles: A Framework for School Redesign and Reform. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
- Link: https://www.apa.org/ed/governance/bea/learner-centered.pdf