Learning To Learn By Karl Wirth And Dexter Perkins

LEARNING TO LEARN Name Course Introduction Learning to Learn is an article by Karl Wirth and Dexter Perkins which focuses on teaching how to learn. Learning is a process through which a person acquires new ideas or modifies the existing ones on their view of life. Learning is an ability to grasp new concepts and practice them in the daily livelihoods. One can learn to have the ability to accomplish a specific task, for long-term sustenance, to relate to/with people, amongst other reasons. Learning is a delicate process in various measures. However, learning how to undergo this process of learning? How do you know and understand how to learn? Wirth and Perkins focus their article on teaching how to learn. Learning to Learn The article opens with a quote that states that I ask you a question, that you answer instead of giving a lecture. The reason being, by the use of questions, you will learn how to learn. The target of this concept is to show how students are taught to teach themselves. Giving lectures is just teaching what the teacher has to teach. However, it is not teaching students how to teach themselves. Use of the questioning-answering technique helps develop the ability to comprehend and analyze complex facts. Wirth and Perkins were inspired to write by statistics that show that despite the high number of students who transition to college, there still is a deficit of good knowledge and adequate skills applicable in today’s society (Wirth, et al. 2008). They sighted some examples like the lack of difference between people who had attended college and those who hadn’t in the ability to handle tasks. The lack of critical and creative thinking among college graduates were some of the things that were quoted to have motivated the writing on learning how to learn. Wirth and Perkins, therefore, concluded that there was a need of new learning methods. The first method quoted was the Socratic method which is a question-answer method. It involves the tutor asking the students questions which they answer instead of lecturing to them. The method will help develop ability of the students to comprehend and analyze complex materials. Lectures are good in teaching concepts, however, they do build on students’ abilities. The main goal of most students in school is to develop their skills and abilities (Andrychowicz, et al. 2016). Lectures do not build on these since the goal is to deliver knowledge on intended topics. Use of the questioning-answering method helps not only in the gaining of knowledge but also on the ability and skills of students. It expands critical and creative thinking in the learners. Wirth and Perkins also proposed the use of Feedback in learning. Not only positive feedback, but also negative feedback (Wirth, et al. 2008). Feedback is important since it is used as a guide for future revisions. Learning is a process hence the need for feedback to make it better with time and correct mistakes that may have occurred. It is also used a commendation where something went well so as to focus on keeping it that way or even making i...