33 Learning Methods Every Elementary School Student Should Master

Author: Long Xiaoyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Learning is a long-term process. Many people, when they struggle to learn, see their academic performance decline and feel helpless, often blaming themselves for being dull. In reality, there are no unlearned children, only those who haven’t learned yet; there are no children who cannot learn, only those who don’t know how to learn. For primary school students, what matters most is not short-term academic performance but the ability to learn and master effective learning methods that suit them. Learning in the primary school stage is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is more about learning to think and learn. This stage of learning is not simple classroom knowledge acquisition, nor is it exam-oriented learning—it is about learning methods, cultivating learning habits, and fostering learning interest. Therefore, for primary school students, learning does not only refer to book learning but also includes learning from life, discovering knowledge, and applying it in daily life. Darwin said, "Of all knowledge, the most valuable is knowledge of methods." In the book Learn to Survive, it is written: "The future illiterates will no longer be those who cannot read, but those who have not learned how to learn." Learning how to learn means acquiring the necessary foundational knowledge and basic skills while mastering effective learning methods, as well as the ability to regulate one’s learning mindset, monitor one’s learning process, and set learning goals. American psychologist Jerome Bruner believes that the essence of learning how to learn lies in mastering effective learning strategies and discarding failed, ineffective ones. In other words, it is not enough to learn; one must also know how to learn. Learning methods, in fact, determine academic performance—methods are the tools to conquer the unknown. A logger can cut down only one large tree with an axe in the morning, but with a chainsaw, it takes only ten minutes. If you lack good methods, even if you study hard every day, you will not achieve good results. That is why you often see those who spend all day with books and thick glasses being completely defeated in exams. Why? Because their learning methods are wrong. Many students lack confidence in learning and are disinterested, leading to frustration. On the surface, it seems that students do not understand the knowledge, do not grasp it, or do not learn it well, resulting in poor grades. In reality, it is because they do not know how to learn, do not use the correct learning methods, and cannot regulate their psychological state and learning activities. Due to the lack of learning methods, the higher the grade, the more knowledge they accumulate, and the harder it becomes for these students to learn, eventually leading to a complete loss of confidence in learning, aversion to learning, and avoidance of learning. But is there no suitable learning method for these students? No. Everyone has effective learning methods that suit them—the key is to correctly understand themselves and find the right methods. Many of our students do not have a clear understanding of themselves, their current learning situation, or their personality traits. In other words, without understanding themselves, they cannot change their attitude toward learning, enhance their problem-solving abilities, or unlock their creative thinking. Basic information about your brain and intelligence can be described numerically. These numbers can reveal your brain’s potential. Did you know? You have trillions of brain cells, one hundred billion neurons, and two billion possible connections between neurons. You have seven types of "intelligence," and your three-in-one brain has three basic learning modes. According to scientific discoveries, we generally only use 2% to 10% of our brain’s potential. If we could develop over 90% of it, the results would be unimaginable. Just as the left and right sides of our brains always have one that dominates, there is always one learning mode that suits us best. The best learning mode can be simply divided into three types: visual learning, auditory learning, and kinesthetic learning. Visual learners excel at learning through seeing diagrams, written text, or actual demonstrations. Auditory learners excel at learning through "hearing." Kinesthetic learners excel at learning through hands-on activities. Research shows that everyone is naturally good at one learning mode, but each mode has its advantages and disadvantages. If you combine these three modes, your learning efficiency will amaze you. When these three modes are combined, your seven intelligences can be fully utilized. These seven intelligences are: linguistic and writing intelligence, mathematical and logical intelligence, musical and rhythmic intelligence, visual and spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal self-reflection intelligence. Everyone possesses all seven intelligences. Proven evidence shows that if we can apply all seven intelligences in learning, we will learn more, faster, and better. The knowledge we learn will be better converted into long-term memory, not only helping you recall more during exams but also ensuring that these memories remain vivid years later. In summary, the most important thing for primary school students is to learn how to learn and master methods that suit them. Only those who learn how to learn can experience the joy and motivation of learning. Only by learning in a happy way can we become smarter.