essay on learners

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write Stanford’s “Excited About Learning” Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Johnathan Patin-Sauls and Vinay Bhaskara in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Choosing an idea vs. an experience, learning for the sake of learning, learning as a means to other ends, be specific.

Stanford University’s first essay prompt asks you to respond to the following:

“ The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100-250 words)”

For this short answer question, your response is limited to a maximum of 250 words. In this article, we will discuss considerations for choosing to write about an idea or experience, ways to demonstrate a love or enthusiasm for learning, and why you should be as specific. For more information and guidance on writing the application essays for Stanford University, check out our post on how to write the Stanford University essays .

Regardless of if you choose either an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning as a topic, there are a few considerations for each.

Most people gravitate towards writing about an idea. One challenge that arises with an idea-focused essay is that applicants who are passionate about an idea often become hyper focused on explaining the idea but neglect to connect this idea to who they are as a person and why this idea excites them.

When writing about an experience, it is important to strike a balance between describing the experience and analyzing the impact of the experience on you, your goals, and your commitment to learning.

This essay question allows you to expand on your joy for learning and your genuine curiosity. Stanford is searching for students who are naturally curious and enjoy the process of learning and educating themselves. For example, a compelling essay could begin with a riveting story of getting lost while hiking the Appalachian Trail and describing how this experience led to a lifelong passion for studying primitive forms of navigation.

There is a strong tendency among applicants to write about formal academic coursework, however, the most compelling essays will subvert expectations by taking the concept of learning beyond the classroom and demonstrating how learning manifests itself in unique contexts in your life.

If you’re someone for whom learning is a means to other ends, it is important that you convey a sense of genuine enthusiasm and purpose beyond, “I want to go to X school because it will help me get Y job for Z purpose.” You may be motivated to attend college to obtain a certain position and make a comfortable income, however these answers are not necessarily what admissions officers are looking for. Instead, it can be helpful to relate an idea or experience to something more personal to you.

Academic & Professional Trajectory

Consider relating the idea or experience you choose to a major, degree program, research initiative, or professor that interests you at Stanford. Then go beyond the academic context to explain how the idea or experience ties into your future career.

For instance, if you are interested in the concept of universal health care, then you might describe your interest in applying to public health programs with faculty that specialize in national health care systems. You might then describe your long term career aspirations to work in the United States Senate on crafting and passing health care policy.

Personal Values & Experiences

Another way to tie the ideas in this essay back to a more personal topic is to discuss how the idea or experience informs who you are, how you treat others, or how you experience the world around you.

You could also focus on an idea or experience that has challenged, frustrated, or even offended you, thereby reinforcing and further justifying the values you hold and your worldview.

Community Building & Social Connectedness

You may also explore how this idea or experience connects you to a particular community by helping you understand, build, and support members of the community. Stanford is looking to find students who will be engaged members of the student body and carry out the community’s core mission, values, and projects, so this essay can be an opportunity to highlight how you would contribute to Stanford.

Be specific in your choice of idea or the way in which you describe an experience. For example, a response that focuses on the joys of learning philosophy is too broad to be particularly memorable or impactful. However, the mind-body problem looking at the debate concerning the relationship between thought and consciousness is a specific philosophical idea that lends itself to a rich discussion.

How to Be a Lifelong Learner

People around the world are hungry to learn. Instructor Barbara Oakley discovered this when her online course “ Learning How to Learn ”—filmed in her basement in front of a green screen—attracted more than 1.5 million students.

Part of the goal of her course—and her new book, Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential —is to debunk some of the myths that get in the way of learning, like the belief that we’re bad at math or too old to change careers. These are just artificial obstacles, she argues.

“People can often do more, change more, and learn more—often far more—than they’ve ever dreamed possible. Our potential is hidden in plain sight all around us,” Oakley writes.

She should know: Throughout her early schooling, she flunked math and science classes and resisted family pressure to pursue a science degree. Today? She’s a professor of engineering at Oakland University, after many different jobs in between.

Her book aims to help readers discover their hidden potential, by offering them both the tools and the inspiration to transform themselves through learning.

The benefits of lifelong learning

Besides being fun, Oakley explains, continued learning can serve us well in the workforce. Many professionals today are engaging in a practice called “second-skilling”: gaining a second area of expertise, whether it’s related to their work (like a marketer learning programming) or completely different (a fundraiser training to be a yoga instructor).

When we lose our job, or work just starts to feel unsatisfying, having other skills can give us more choice and flexibility. We can quit our job and find a new one, of course, but we can also choose to move horizontally within the same organization, taking on different responsibilities.

Mindshift tells the story of one Dutch university employee who enriched her career thanks to her passion for online video gaming. Though she didn’t necessarily think of that as a “second skill,” it ended up benefitting her (and her employer) greatly: She became community manager of the university’s online courses, devising strategies to keep digital interactions civil just as she had done in the gaming world. This goes to show, Oakley writes, that we can never tell where our expertise will lead us or where it will come in handy.

Keeping our brains active and engaged in new areas also has cognitive benefits down the line. According to one study , people who knit, sew, quilt, do plumbing or carpentry, play games, use computers, or read have greater cognitive abilities as they age. Other research found that the more education you have , or the more cognitively stimulating activity you engage in , the lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Learning could even extend your life. People who read books for more than 3.5 hours a week are 23 percent less likely to die over a 12-year period—a good reason to keep cracking books after college!

Learn how to learn

Whether you’re inspired to learn woodworking or web development, Mindshift offers many tips that can make your learning more efficient and enjoyable.

Focus (and don’t focus). In order to absorb information, our brains need periods of intense focus followed by periods of mind-wandering , or “diffuse attention,” Oakley explains. So, learners will actually retain more if they incorporate time for rest and relaxation to allow this processing to happen. Perhaps that’s why aficionados love the Pomodoro technique , which recommends 25-minute bursts of work followed by five-minute breaks.

We should also experiment with different levels of background noise to achieve optimal focus, Oakley advises. Quiet promotes deeper focus, while minor distractions or background noise—like what you’d find at a cafe—may encourage more diffuse attention and creative insight . (While your favorite music could help you get in the zone, music that’s loud, lyrical , or displeasing might be a distraction.)

Practice efficiently. Neuroscience research is now exploring what learning looks like in the brain—and it’s bad news for those of us who loved to cram in college. Apparently the brain can only build so many neurons each night , so regular, repeated practice is crucial.

Oakley recommends learning in “chunks”—bite-sized bits of information or skills, such as a passage in a song, one karate move, or the code for a particular technical command. Practicing these regularly allows them to become second nature, freeing up space in our conscious mind and working memory so we can continue building new knowledge. (If this doesn’t happen, you may have to select a smaller chunk.)

It also helps to practice in a variety of ways, at a variety of times. To understand information more deeply, Oakley recommends actively engaging with it by teaching ourselves aloud or creating mindmaps —web-like drawings connecting different concepts and ideas. We can also try practicing in our downtime (in line at Starbucks or in the car commuting, for example), and quickly reviewing the day’s lessons before going to sleep.

Exercise. One of the most surprising—and easiest—ways to supercharge our learning is to exercise. Physical activity can actually help us grow new brain cells and neurotransmitters ; it’s also been shown to improve our long-term memory and reverse age-related declines in brain function. In fact, walking for just 11 minutes a day is enough to reap some benefits.

While clearly informed by neuroscience, Mindshift focuses more on telling stories than explaining research—which makes it a fast read. After hearing so many tales of curiosity and transformation, you yourself may be inspired to pick up that random hobby you’ve fantasized about, or take one of many college-level courses now available online for free (like our very own Science of Happiness course ). Me? The one I signed up for starts next week.

About the Author

Kira M. Newman

Kira M. Newman is the managing editor of Greater Good . Her work has been published in outlets including the Washington Post , Mindful magazine, Social Media Monthly , and Tech.co, and she is the co-editor of The Gratitude Project . Follow her on Twitter!

You May Also Enjoy

Wired to Wonder

The Happiness of Pursuit: A Review of Curious?

The Dark Side of Believing in Natural Talent

Learning might buffer brain against addiction.

Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity

Essay on Importance of Learning

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Learning in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Learning

The value of learning.

Learning is a crucial part of our lives. It helps us understand the world, make informed decisions, and grow as individuals.

Knowledge and Skills

Learning equips us with knowledge and skills. It makes us competent and confident, enabling us to face challenges and solve problems.

Personal Growth

Learning stimulates personal growth. It encourages curiosity and creativity, fostering a lifelong love for exploration and discovery.

Building Connections

Learning helps us connect with others. It promotes empathy and understanding, strengthening our relationships and communities.

In conclusion, learning is essential for our development, success, and happiness.

250 Words Essay on Importance of Learning

The power of learning.

Learning is an integral part of human existence. It is a process that starts at birth and continues throughout our lives, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it. Learning is not confined to the acquisition of knowledge in a formal education setting. It extends to our daily interactions, experiences, and the continuous process of personal and professional development.

Learning and Personal Growth

Learning is the cornerstone of personal growth and self-improvement. It broadens our perspectives, fosters curiosity, and encourages us to question the status quo. Our ability to learn and adapt is what has allowed humankind to evolve and progress over time. Learning cultivates critical thinking skills, enabling us to analyze situations, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

The Socio-economic Impact of Learning

Learning also plays a significant role in socio-economic development. Education equips individuals with the skills needed to contribute to the workforce effectively, thereby driving economic growth. Moreover, it promotes social cohesion by fostering a shared understanding of societal values and norms.

Learning and Technological Advancements

In the era of rapid technological advancements, the importance of learning cannot be overstated. With the advent of AI and automation, the job market is in a constant state of flux, and the ability to learn new skills is more crucial than ever. Lifelong learning is now a necessity, not a luxury.

In conclusion, learning is a powerful tool that not only enriches our personal lives but also contributes to societal progress. It is the key to unlocking our potential and adapting to the ever-changing world around us.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Learning

The essence of learning, personal growth and development.

Learning is essential for personal growth and development. It equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate life effectively. Through learning, we acquire the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. It fosters creativity and innovation, enabling us to generate new ideas and solutions. Learning also facilitates emotional growth, helping us understand ourselves better, manage our emotions, and build strong interpersonal relationships.

Contributions to Society

On a societal level, learning plays a crucial role in driving progress and development. It is through learning that we gain an understanding of societal norms, values, and structures, enabling us to function effectively within our communities. Additionally, learning fosters social cohesion by promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse groups. It equips us with the tools to challenge societal injustices and contribute to social change.

Global Impact

The role of lifelong learning.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and societal change, lifelong learning has become increasingly important. It enables us to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving job market, adapt to technological advancements, and navigate societal changes effectively. Lifelong learning fosters resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, qualities that are crucial for success in the 21st century.

In conclusion, learning is a vital aspect of human life that shapes our personal growth, contributes to societal development, and drives global progress. It equips us with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate life effectively, foster social cohesion, and address global challenges. In the face of rapid technological and societal change, lifelong learning has emerged as a critical component of learning, enabling us to adapt and thrive in the evolving world. Therefore, it is essential that we embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit, striving to expand our knowledge, enhance our skills, and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

How to Learn More Effectively

10 Learning Techniques to Try

Knowing the most effective strategies for how to learn can help you maximize your efforts when trying to acquire new ideas, concepts, and skills. If you are like many people, your time is limited, so it is important to get the most educational value out of the time you have. Speed of learning is not the only important factor, however.

It is also important to be able to accurately remember the information that you learn, recall it at a later time, and use it effectively in a wide variety of situations. How can you teach yourself to learn? As you approach a new subject, incorporate some of the following tactics:

Find ways to boost your memory
Always keep learning new things
Use a variety of learning techniques
Try teaching it to someone else
Connect new information to things you already know
Look for opportunities to have hands-on experiences
Remember that mistakes are part of the process
Study a little bit every day
Test yourself
Focus on one thing at a time

Knowing how to learn well doesn't happen overnight, but putting a few of these learning techniques into daily practice can help you get more out of your study time .

Improve Your Memory

There are a number of different strategies that can boost memory . Basic tips such as improving your focus, avoiding cram sessions, and structuring your study time are good places to start, but there are even more lessons from psychology that can dramatically improve your learning efficiency.

If you're wondering how to learn better by improving your memory, these strategies can help:

Getting regular physical exercise , which is linked to improvements in memory and brain health
Spending time socializing with other people
Getting enough sleep
Eliminating distractions so you can focus on what you are learning
Organizing the information you are studying to make it easier to remember
Using elaborative rehearsal when studying; when you learn something new, spend a few moments describing it to yourself in your own words
Using visual aids like photographs, graphs, and charts
Reading the information you are studying out loud

For example, you might use general learning techniques like setting aside quiet time to study, rehearsing, and reading information aloud. You might combine this with strategies that can foster better memory, such as exercising and socializing.

If you're pressed for time, consider combining study strategies. Listen to a podcast while taking a walk or join a group where you can practice your new skills with others.

Keep Learning New Things

Prasit photo / Getty Images

One surefire way to become a more effective learner is to simply keep learning. Research has found that the brain is capable of producing new brain cells , a process known as neurogenesis. However, many of these cells will eventually die unless a person engages in some type of effortful learning.

By learning new things, these cells are kept alive and incorporated into brain circuits.

If you want to learn a new language, for instance, it is important to keep practicing the language to maintain the gains you have achieved. This "use-it-or-lose-it" phenomenon involves a brain process known as "pruning."

In pruning, certain pathways in the brain are maintained while others are eliminated. If you want the new information you just learned to stay put, keep practicing and rehearsing it.

Learn in Multiple Ways

Another good "how to learn" strategy is to focus on learning in more than one way. For example, instead of just listening to a podcast, which involves auditory learning, find a way to rehearse the information both verbally and visually.

This might involve describing what you learned to a friend, taking notes , or drawing a mind map. By learning in more than one way, you’re further cementing the knowledge in your mind.

For example, if you are trying to pick up a new language, try varying learning techniques such as listening to language examples, reading written language, practicing with a friend, and writing down your own notes.

One helpful tip is to try writing your notes on paper rather than typing on a laptop, tablet, or computer. Research has found that longhand notes can help cement information in memory more effectively than digital note-taking.

Varying your learning techniques and giving yourself the opportunity to learn in different ways and in different contexts can help make you a more efficient learner.

Teach What You Are Learning

Educators have long noted that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Remember your seventh-grade presentation on Costa Rica? By teaching to the rest of the class, your teacher hoped you would gain even more from the assignment.

You can apply the same principle today by sharing newly learned skills and knowledge with others. Start by translating the information into your own words. This process alone helps solidify new knowledge in your brain. Next, find some way to share what you’ve learned.

Some ideas include writing a blog post, creating a podcast, or participating in a group discussion.

Build on Previous Learning

Tara Moore\ / Getty Images

Another great way to become a more effective learner is to use relational learning. This involves relating new information to things that you already know.

For example, if you are learning a new language, you might associate the new vocabulary and grammar you are learning with what you already know about your native language or other languages you may already speak.

Gain Practical Experience

LWA / Dann Tardif / Getty Images

For many students, learning typically involves reading textbooks, attending lectures, or doing research in the library or online. While seeing information and then writing it down is important, actually putting new knowledge and skills into practice can be one of the best ways to improve learning.

If it is a sport or athletic skill, perform the activity on a regular basis. If you are learning a new language, practice speaking with another person and surround yourself with language-immersion experiences. Watch foreign-language films and strike up conversations with native speakers to practice your budding skills.

If you are trying to acquire a new skill or ability, focus on gaining practical experience.

Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Research suggests that making mistakes when learning can improve learning outcomes. According to one study, trial-and-error learning where the mistakes were close to the actual answer was actually a helpful part of the learning process.

Another study found that mistakes followed by corrective feedback can be beneficial to learning. So if you make a mistake when learning something new, spend some time correcting the mistake and examining how you arrived at the incorrect answer.

This strategy can help foster critical thinking skills and make you more adaptable in learning situations that require being able to change your mind.

Research suggests that making mistakes when learning can actually help improve outcomes, especially if you correct your mistake and take the time to understand why it happened.

Use Distributed Practice

David Schaffer / Getty Images

Another strategy for how to learn better is known as distributed practice. Instead of trying to cram all of your learning into a few long study sessions, try a brief, focused session, and then take a break.

So if you were learning a new language, you might devote a period of time to an intensive session of studying. After a break, you would then come back and rehearse your previous learning while also extending it to new learning.

This process of returning for brief sessions over a long period of time is one of the best ways to learn efficiently and effectively.

What is the best way to learn?

Research suggests that this type of distributed learning is one of the most effective learning techniques. Focus on spending a little time studying each topic every day.

While it may seem that spending more time studying is one of the best ways to maximize learning, research has demonstrated that taking tests actually helps you better remember what you've learned—even if the topic wasn't covered on the test.

This phenomenon, known as the testing effect, suggests that spending time retrieving information from memory improves the long-term memory of that information. This retrieval practice makes it more likely that you will be able to remember that information again in the future.

Stop Multitasking

For many years, it was thought that people who multitask had an edge over those who did not. However, research now suggests that multitasking can actually make learning less effective.

Multitasking can involve trying to do more than one thing at the same time. But it can also involve quickly switching back and forth between tasks or trying to rapidly perform tasks one after the other.

According to research, doing this not only makes people less productive when they work but also impairs attention and reduces comprehension. Multitasking when you are studying makes it harder to focus on the information and reduces how much you understand it.

Research has also found that media multitasking, or dividing attention between different media sources, can also have a detrimental impact on learning and academic performance.

To avoid the pitfalls of multitasking, focus your attention on the task at hand and continue working for a predetermined amount of time.

If you want to know how to learn, it is important to explore learning techniques that have been shown to be effective. Strategies such as boosting your memory and learning in multiple ways can be helpful. Regularly learning new things, using distributed practice, and testing yourself often can also be helpful ways to become a more efficient learner.

This process can take time, and it always takes practice and determination to establish new habits . Start by focusing on just a few of these tips to see if you can get more out of your next study session.

Perhaps most importantly, work on developing the mindset that you are capable of improving your knowledge and skills. Research suggests that believing in your own capacity for growth is one of the best ways to take advantage of the learning opportunities you pursue.

Chaire A, Becke A, Düzel E. Effects of physical exercise on working memory and attention-related neural oscillations . Front Neurosci . 2020;14:239. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00239

Mazza S, Gerbier E, Gustin M-P, et al. Relearn faster and retain longer: Along with practice, sleep makes perfect . Psychol Sci. 2016;27(10):1321-1330. doi:10.1177/0956797616659930

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Memorization strategies .

Forrin ND, Macleod CM. This time it's personal: the memory benefit of hearing oneself . Memory. 2018;26(4):574-579. doi:10.1080/09658211.2017.1383434

Cunnington R. Neuroplasticity: How the brain changes with learning . IBE - UNESCO.

Mueller PA, Oppenheimer DM. The pen Is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking . Psychol Sci . 2014. 2014;25(6):1159-1168. doi:10.1177/0956797614524581

Cyr AA, Anderson ND. Learning from your mistakes: does it matter if you’re out in left foot, I mean field? Memory . 2018;26(9):1281-1290. doi:10.1080/09658211.2018.1464189

Metcalfe J. Learning from errors . Ann Rev Psychol . 2017;68(1):465-489. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044022

Kang SHK. Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications for instruction . Policy Insights Behav Brain Sci . 2016;3(1):12-19. doi:10.1177/2372732215624708

Pastotter B, Bauml KHT. Retrieval practice enhances new learning: the forward effect of testing . Front Psychol . 2014;5:286. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00286

Jeong S-H, Hwang Y. Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis . Hum Commun Res . 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089

May K, Elder A. Efficient, helpful, or distracting? A literature review of media multitasking in relation to academic performance . Int J Educ Technol High Educ. 2018;15(1):13. doi:10.1186/s41239-018-0096-z

Sarrasin JB, Nenciovici L, Foisy LMB, Allaire-Duquette G, Riopel M, Masson S. Effects of teaching the concept of neuroplasticity to induce a growth mindset on motivation, achievement, and brain activity: A meta-analysis . Trends Neurosci Educ . 2018;12:22-31. doi:10.1016/j.tine.2018.07.003

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Featured Topics

Featured series.

A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.

Explore the Gazette

Read the latest.

Computer using a search bar in multiple languages to search the term "Buddhism."

The answer to your search may depend on where you live

Putting human past on the MAPS

Does AI help humans make better decisions?

Lessons in learning.

Two students in lecture hall sharing notes.

Sean Finamore ’22 (left) and Xaviera Zime ’22 study during a lecture in the Science Center.

Photos by Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer

Peter Reuell

Harvard Staff Writer

Study shows students in ‘active learning’ classrooms learn more than they think

For decades, there has been evidence that classroom techniques designed to get students to participate in the learning process produces better educational outcomes at virtually all levels.

And a new Harvard study suggests it may be important to let students know it.

The study , published Sept. 4 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that, though students felt as if they learned more through traditional lectures, they actually learned more when taking part in classrooms that employed so-called active-learning strategies.

Lead author Louis Deslauriers , the director of science teaching and learning and senior physics preceptor, knew that students would learn more from active learning. He published a key study in Science in 2011 that showed just that. But many students and faculty remained hesitant to switch to it.

“Often, students seemed genuinely to prefer smooth-as-silk traditional lectures,” Deslauriers said. “We wanted to take them at their word. Perhaps they actually felt like they learned more from lectures than they did from active learning.”

In addition to Deslauriers, the study is authored by director of sciences education and physics lecturer Logan McCarty , senior preceptor in applied physics Kelly Miller, preceptor in physics Greg Kestin , and Kristina Callaghan, now a physics lecturer at the University of California, Merced.

The question of whether students’ perceptions of their learning matches with how well they’re actually learning is particularly important, Deslauriers said, because while students eventually see the value of active learning, initially it can feel frustrating.

“Deep learning is hard work. The effort involved in active learning can be misinterpreted as a sign of poor learning,” he said. “On the other hand, a superstar lecturer can explain things in such a way as to make students feel like they are learning more than they actually are.”

To understand that dichotomy, Deslauriers and his co-authors designed an experiment that would expose students in an introductory physics class to both traditional lectures and active learning.

For the first 11 weeks of the 15-week class, students were taught using standard methods by an experienced instructor. In the 12th week, half the class was randomly assigned to a classroom that used active learning, while the other half attended highly polished lectures. In a subsequent class, the two groups were reversed. Notably, both groups used identical class content and only active engagement with the material was toggled on and off.

Following each class, students were surveyed on how much they agreed or disagreed with statements such as “I feel like I learned a lot from this lecture” and “I wish all my physics courses were taught this way.” Students were also tested on how much they learned in the class with 12 multiple-choice questions.

When the results were tallied, the authors found that students felt as if they learned more from the lectures, but in fact scored higher on tests following the active learning sessions. “Actual learning and feeling of learning were strongly anticorrelated,” Deslauriers said, “as shown through the robust statistical analysis by co-author Kelly Miller, who is an expert in educational statistics and active learning.”

Those results, the study authors are quick to point out, shouldn’t be interpreted as suggesting students dislike active learning. In fact, many studies have shown students quickly warm to the idea, once they begin to see the results. “In all the courses at Harvard that we’ve transformed to active learning,” Deslauriers said, “the overall course evaluations went up.”

Co-author Kestin, who in addition to being a physicist is a video producer with PBS’ NOVA, said, “It can be tempting to engage the class simply by folding lectures into a compelling ‘story,’ especially when that’s what students seem to like. I show my students the data from this study on the first day of class to help them appreciate the importance of their own involvement in active learning.”

McCarty, who oversees curricular efforts across the sciences, hopes this study will encourage more of his colleagues to embrace active learning.

“We want to make sure that other instructors are thinking hard about the way they’re teaching,” he said. “In our classes, we start each topic by asking students to gather in small groups to solve some problems. While they work, we walk around the room to observe them and answer questions. Then we come together and give a short lecture targeted specifically at the misconceptions and struggles we saw during the problem-solving activity. So far we’ve transformed over a dozen classes to use this kind of active-learning approach. It’s extremely efficient — we can cover just as much material as we would using lectures.”

A pioneer in work on active learning, Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics Eric Mazur hailed the study as debunking long-held beliefs about how students learn.

“This work unambiguously debunks the illusion of learning from lectures,” he said. “It also explains why instructors and students cling to the belief that listening to lectures constitutes learning. I recommend every lecturer reads this article.”

Dean of Science Christopher Stubbs , Samuel C. Moncher Professor of Physics and of Astronomy, was an early convert. “When I first switched to teaching using active learning, some students resisted that change. This research confirms that faculty should persist and encourage active learning. Active engagement in every classroom, led by our incredible science faculty, should be the hallmark of residential undergraduate education at Harvard.”

Ultimately, Deslauriers said, the study shows that it’s important to ensure that neither instructors nor students are fooled into thinking that lectures are the best learning option. “Students might give fabulous evaluations to an amazing lecturer based on this feeling of learning, even though their actual learning isn’t optimal,” he said. “This could help to explain why study after study shows that student evaluations seem to be completely uncorrelated with actual learning.”

This research was supported with funding from the Harvard FAS Division of Science.

Share this article

When should Harvard speak out?

Institutional Voice Working Group provides a roadmap in new report

Had a bad experience meditating? You're not alone.

Altered states of consciousness through yoga, mindfulness more common than thought and mostly beneficial, study finds — though clinicians ill-equipped to help those who struggle

College sees strong yield for students accepted to Class of 2028

Financial aid was a critical factor, dean says

Cambridge Core (Institutional access)
Books Catalogue (Individuals)
English Language Learning
Digital Products
Rights & Permissions
Conference Venues
Digital Learning
Professional Development

Mathematics
Modern Foreign Languages
Active Learning
Approaches to Learning
Assessment for Learning
Dedicated Teacher Awards
Differentiation
Teacher Development
Teaching Tips

Reading empowers: the importance of reading for students

Peter Lucantoni

Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter

Research shows that students who are reading for pleasure and are reading widely, are more likely to achieve academic success at school and in examinations.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader Margaret Fuller, 19th century American journalist

Teaching students why reading empowers

The problem nowadays of course is that there seems to be less of a desire to read than in the past. Teachers often complain that ‘our students don’t read!’ and that ‘reading is not part of our culture’. What’s more, most teachers believe that trying to encourage students to read is an enormous, and often time-wasting, challenge. We know that reading is a source of knowledge and language, but it should also be a source of entertainment, and I think that here lies part of the answer to the problem of our students not reading.

We need to ask ourselves when we last gave our students the chance to read something just for the pleasure of reading it, just for the pure enjoyment of reading it. The fact that reading is so often linked to eight comprehension questions, a test, or another form of ‘checking that my students have understood’, it isn’t really so surprising that there is little enjoyment for students. Therefore, we need to show our students the benefits of reading for fun, by allowing them to have the time to do so during the day.

Witnessing students reading for fun

On a recent visit to the UK I was genuinely surprised by two things I saw. The first was in a bookshop. I went inside because it had started to rain and it seemed a good opportunity to have a coffee and browse some books in the dry. I searched around for somewhere to sit but all the comfortable, easy chairs were occupied – by teenagers with their heads buried in books.

The second surprise was a little later the same day as I sat on the top deck of a double-decker bus. The front three rows were occupied by youngsters, again with their heads buried in books, and all of them oblivious to anything and everyone else around them. In both cases, the readers were not reading school textbooks, but stories written for their specific age group. It was obvious to me that those young people were highly motivated by what they were reading, most likely because they themselves had chosen to read the text because it was of interest to them.

How to get students reading for pleasure

The dilemma we face is how to get our students to behave in this way in the classroom. First and foremost, we need to remove their fear of always being formally questioned during or after reading. Secondly, students have to be given opportunities to read simply for the pleasure of reading, and part of this approach is to give students a choice in what they read.

Teachers may argue that there isn’t enough time to allow this to happen, but I believe that even five minutes of reading for pleasure every day or every lesson will soon increase students’ motivation to want to read through their own choice. Of course, in reality, students cannot choose what to read in a coursebook unit, and it may often be the case that due to lack of resources or funds a school may not be able to supply students with choices in terms of what they read. But a start has to be made somewhere.

Remember, reading empowers! If parents are not encouraging their children to read independently, then this encouragement has to take place in the classroom.

Oscar Wilde said: “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.”

The importance of reading for students is no secret. Try and implement these strategies in the classroom and you could find some amazing results. For more information, view our English resources online.

Peter Lucantoni has had a long career in English language teaching and teacher training in Europe, the Middle East, and, since 1993, in Cyprus. He is the author and co-author of several popular coursebooks for students, including Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language .

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Learning — The Benefits of Lifelong Learning

The Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Categories: Learning

About this sample

Words: 719 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 719 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Benefits of lifelong learning, professional advantages of lifelong learning, cognitive and health benefits of lifelong learning, overcoming barriers to lifelong learning, promoting lifelong learning in society.

National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)
World Economic Forum survey
Journal of Vocational Behavior study
Neurology research study

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

Expert in: Education

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 945 words

8 pages / 3586 words

7 pages / 3056 words

1 pages / 553 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Learning

Learning is a multifaceted and intricate concept that encompasses various definitions and theories. In this essay, we will delve into the diverse interpretations of learning and examine different theories that explain how it [...]

The essay in the video explores how libraries can promote equity and inclusion within their communities through diverse collections, inclusive programming, and access to resources for underserved populations. It also [...]

Culture learning, the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding of different cultural perspectives, behaviors, and practices, plays a critical role in today’s interconnected world. As globalization continues to bring [...]

In an era characterized by globalization and unprecedented connectivity, the ability to speak multiple languages has become an increasingly valuable skill. Learning a foreign language transcends mere academic pursuit; it serves [...]

Learning is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and it is a complex process that involves multiple stages of information processing. When we hear something for the first time, our brains must first encode the information, [...]

Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” If you know how to read and write, the sky is the limit from there. It can help expand your mind, your critical thinking, and make you see the world [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Learning - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values through study, experience, or teaching. Essays on learning might delve into the various theories of learning, the role of education, the impact of technology on learning, or the differences between individual learning styles and the methodologies that cater to diverse learning needs. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Learning you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Cyberbullying: Exploring Components of Offending in the Lens of the Social Learning Theory

Introduction As technology continues to advance in the 21st century, adolescents have become susceptible to the potential dangers that the Internet poses. Cross et al. (2015), stated that 98% of adolescents aged 12-14 years old have accessed the internet and have electronic devices such as cell phones and computers. It is suggested that the more time adolescents spend online in chat rooms, emails, and other social networking sites the more likely they are to be victims of various online crimes […]

What is Learning

Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent influence on a person's knowledge, thinking and behaviour. However, not everything that we know is learnt, some knowledge is inborn or inherits, e.g. the culture of blinking when something comes close to your eyes. Behaviorism is a concept that behaviour should be seen, heard or observed. It can be verbal or non-verbal, e.g. A student playing with another student. Cognitive approaches to learning include social cognitive approach emphasized how environmental factors, behavioural […]

My Experience as Teacher

I am applying for the post of teacher at the Catholic University on the request of Mater on his position. I am graduated in Bachelor of Arts with English Literature and Language from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. I have chosen this degree to fulfil my dream of becoming an English teacher. I found that, I love teaching in my first year of college. At that time, I was a Sunday school teacher, who teaches and serves the girls […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

The Advantages of Online Learning over Traditional

Online schooling is a tool that can be used by many more students because of the benefits that is offers. The benefits strongly outweigh the negatives. By using online schooling students would be able to have a flexible schedule, a comfortable environment, lower cost and debts, lessons in self discipline and responsibility, and it gives the student a greater pool of courses to choose from. With using online schooling, the student will be able to choose their own learning environment. […]

Poor Nutrition and its Effects on Learning

Nutrition is essential to human welfare, however, numerous number of people are badly affected by poor nutrition especially children. Malnutrition is a major concern which ranges from undernutrition to problems of overweight and obesity. It’s usually caused by deficiency in essential vitamins and nutrients needed for intellectual development and learning. The most critical stage for brain development is mainly from conception to the first 2 years of life. It’s highly important that pregnant mothers are given the necessary vitamins and […]

Effects of Homelessness and Student Academic Achievement

Supporting and understanding the differing at-risk students, especially students experiencing homelessness, in the classroom is an important aspect of being an educator. Teachers are often seen as important referents in a community. The ways that teachers interact with homeless children and families convey important messages to children and families. Teacher views about children and families can indeed foster feelings of worthiness or the lack thereof (Powers-Costell & Swick, 2011 p.208). For teachers to teach these at-risk students, they must fully […]

Personal Learning Goals for Public Speaking

I was born and raised in Cap-Haitian, Haiti, the country that is known as the poorest in the western hemisphere. It is a country where morals and values are learned in the street rather than the classroom. A great education is possible but unaffordable for some, yet, I dared to dream, even though a better future was not promised. Unexpectedly, I migrated to America, the land of endless opportunities and I knew then, it was time to go beyond my […]

A Learning Disability Issue

A learning disability is a problem that affects how a child is able to receive, process, and understand information in regards to reading, writing, and arithmetic. According to webmd.com, "Between 8% and 10% of children under age 18 in the U.S. may have some type of learning disability." Learning disabilities are very common and does not discredit a person's intelligence just because a child understands things differently. Some learning disabilities a child may face are dyspraxia, dyslexia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder […]

A Cultural Value

A cultural value is a term which is widely used to describe the people's way of living in their own community. This can as well be discussed as the people's way of life which is considered to be acceptable and it does not offend anyone in the community at large. It also clearly explains how a certain group of people do their things systematically according to their society. This can include both the acceptable and inacceptable where the acceptable is […]

Mind Gymnastics: Assimilation Vs. Accommodation in Learning

Dive into the world of cognitive development and you'll find two superheroes of learning: assimilation and accommodation. These aren't just fancy psychological terms; they're the bread and butter of how we all – from toddlers to adults – learn and make sense of the world around us. Think of assimilation and accommodation as the dynamic duo in our mental toolkit, introduced by none other than the bigwig of child psychology, Jean Piaget. Let's break it down. Assimilation is like your […]

Single Gender Schools: a Better Learning Environment?

For years, educators have searched for better and more effective ways of teaching. Their efforts have resulted in the specialization of instruction according to the specific needs of different students. Therefore, we have seen specific classes for dyslexic children, special instruction for visual learners, teaching methods targeted at non-native English speakers, etc. At a more basic level, however, the separation of our educational efforts by gender has proven to be controversial at best. I believe that grouping young students according […]

Advantages and Disadvantages of Active Listening

Active listening it a type of communication used in a learning environment. It entails getting the finest details from the spoken language. It has been used in counselling, conflict resolution, and training. The art requires increased concentration understanding and responding to the sentiments made. The method is used to impact the knowledge. Advantages Understanding better Active listening makes the learner have an increased understanding of the factors discussed in the topic. It enhances the concentration of the audience. It makes […]

Evolutionary Learning: Fear Conditioning is the Product of Evolutionary Learning in Humans

Fearless individuals do not have normal fear responses to scary situations ("Eight Facts You Didn't Know About Fear," 2011). Fear can be characterized by anxiety and agitation due to the anticipation of impending danger (Delgado, Olsson, & Phelps, 2006). Research is lacking in the realm of fear conditioning and its relation to evolution and overall human development. Fear conditioning is a product of evolutionary learning in humans. Because of this evolutionary learning, humans can unconsciously develop fears. Lipp et al. […]

Research Related to Learning a New Language

There have been many research findings when it comes to the topic of bilingualism. Whether it is how it comes with good or bad things, how it can affect your cognition and even what it takes to possibly learn a new language. We have seen the positives with being bilingual and that is having better cognitive abilities, different parts of the brain can be seen differently and even in the neurological area we have seen some changes. Some positive that […]

Experiential Learning in Literature

As most know, it is impossible to survive on intelligence alone. While gaining intelligence develops the process of self-growth, wisdom is the vital necessity of success and survival. In different circumstances, the knowledge obtained as street and book smarts is interpreted and valued in different ways for different individuals. The question on the importance of book smart and street smart has been greatly debated. Although both forms of knowledge are essential to one’s development in reasoning, it is often questioned […]

Dominance of English in the World

1. Introduction As English has established its position as the commonest language in the world, its imperialistic and dominant aspects have been often discussed among scholars. It is even argued that the world has been dominated by English and its speakers and English has had strong power. Indeed, English is spoken by a variety of speakers all over the world not only in English speaking countries which are called 'inner circle countries' but also in other countries which have other […]

The Role of the Community and their Impact on Education

The term curriculum has often been used to describe the sequence and scope of subject or unit that is being taught in a school or college. Therefore, curriculum development entails organization and selection of specific skills and knowledge with the aim to fulfill developmental requirements for the student and the overall operation structure of the school. Curriculum development does not address the social context altogether of which the learning takes place at, nor does it focus on the content derived […]

MY TEACHING CAREER

Dear Mrs. Bisdorf I chose teaching as my career because although it might be challenging the job at some point rewarding. Teachers hold the ability not only to influence change in the world but also improve it. Everyone in the world including great presidents, popes, athletes among others go through the teachers in their lives. The teachers were a bit of inspiration to these great people as the career forms the labor of love. As a teacher, I will prepare […]

Cultural Autobiography

Knowing and understanding your own child development is such an important part of being a teacher because you need to understand your own development to be able to understand your students development. My own perspective on students development is that all students grow and learn differently. This is so vital to recognize because as a teacher you need to be able to attend to your students needs as efficiently as possible. Each student is going to need something different, and […]

Functional Behavior

A very important aspect in any classroom and to teachers is behavioral management. A teacher may have a student that displays a pattern of episodes of challenging behavior that are typically frequent and on a regular basis. Before a teacher can create a positive behavior support plan for the child, they will first need to determine the function of the behavior. Teachers first need to make an informal observation of the child's behavior to figure out how often the behavior […]

The Psychology of Reading Behavioral and Cognitive

There is not a generic way to explain how people acquire knowledge. The learning process does not occur with cognition alone. Psychological theories classify learning into the behavioral and cognitive categories. Behavioral Theory The child's environment makes learning possible. Skinner (1957) noted that a reinforcer, such as a child being able to successfully pronounce or making meaning of a word, encourages the repetition of a stimulus, which is the word that is written. Teachers can be on the same page […]

Psychological Assessment

Sheldon white is an American twenty-two year old born in Britain and raised in the family farm. Sheldon is a child of a widow Sarah white who was departed by his beloved husband when Sheldon was eighteen years old. Being a peasant family who depended highly on the sale of beef to a packaging firm nearby, Sheldon didn't have it soft in life. Furthermore, he has three siblings all boys except the precious lastborn daughter to the family. Mercy, the […]

Four Components of Developing Successful Reading Skills

Oral language Oral language is an important medium of communication among a child. It is crucial means through which a kid can be able to evaluate and be able to describe and control her practice. Many children oral language is the main intermediary of culture. In schools, the oral language at the basic level is about communicating with other people. According to Kirkland and Patterson journal "developing oral language in a primary classroom" states that oral language is one way […]

Why have there been no Great Women Artists?

The article, Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?, by Linda Nochlin focuses on feminist controversy. The author fabricates the nature of the topic while at the same time insidiously gives its answer. The author aims to highlight how women have been oppressed over time in relation to undertaking art" " institutionally made impossible for women to achieve artistic excellence or success, unlike men, no matter their potential (Nochlin, 1971). This article is significant to the modern society since […]

Video Games and Their Impact in Sports

Introduction As an avid fan of Soccer and a fondness for the Fifa video game franchise, I was interested in delving deeper into the details and trying to find an arbitrary relation between the two. While the importance of physical abilities and motor coordination is non-contested in sport, more focus has recently been turned toward cognitive processes important for different sports. Coaches should be innovative in their methods and use concepts familiar to children. If that means allowing the next […]

Early Childhood Providers as Adult Learners

Early childcare providers can be a child's first teacher. The quality of early childcare depends on the education and skills of the childcare provider. Multiple research studies link positive outcomes for young children with higher levels of teacher education (Garavuso, 2016, p. 182). A college degree is usually not a requirement to care for young children, yet when childcare providers show evidence of a college degree, the result can be two fold, quality early care for children and higher pay. […]

Video Games in Education

The use of a video game for education is a two-sided coin with each side pushing strong arguments for and against the use of them to teach and help students retain information. There is supporting research for both the detrimental effects of games and the real learning power they can foster. It is my belief, however, that games can truly be harnessed to promote the development of learning behaviors, not only in children but in adults and the elderly as […]

Threatening and Disruptive Behavior in College Classroom

This paper will include many difference ways of relieving the disruptive behavior. First citation will include the relationship between a teacher and student. My personal beliefs are that having a positive relationship creates more structured environment built on respect and trust. The second citation will deal with disruptive behavior. Lastly, the final citation will address preventing disruptive behavior with personal thoughts included. Positive relationships between a student and teacher is important for success. In my classroom, the instructor made me […]

Psychology Scientific Journal Article

This experiment was designed to reflect reproducibility as a defining feature of science based on conducted replications several experimental and correlational published in psychological journals using original materials and high powered designs. It focuses on the role of explaining the reasons and the argument basing on making decisions when faced with the need to choose and make solutions by constructing facts that resolve the conflict and justify the made choice to the involved party. In this experiment, the role of […]

About the Early Childhood Education

The inspiration to join early childhood education is the children. They are unique in certain ways. Children are God best gift. I believe that we can cultivate many wonderful skills in children. Before this, I went to Culinary arts programme. My initial plan was to do cooking classes for children. I finally realize that it is important for me to join this BCE because I have to learn child psychology and development first. The cooking skills I can easily acquire […]

Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Teacher Strategies for Making Learning More Relevant to Students

Today’s post is the fourth in an ongoing series exploring relevance in the classroom.

‘Authentic Projects’

Michael Hernandez is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker whose work focuses on digital and civic literacy, social justice, and student-centered learning experiences. His book about using storytelling as a framework for learning by igniting student curiosity was published by ISTE in fall 2023:

The pandemic shone a light on the flaws of traditional learning methods, both in terms of their effectiveness and the willingness of both students and teachers to play the game of direct instruction/memorization/regurgitation, which often only benefits privileged students. We struggled to give ourselves and our students a good reason why school (in person or remote) was important. Suddenly, everyone had new clarity on what was most important to them, their lives, and the good of the planet—and school often wasn’t.

Now with AI presenting an existential threat to our curriculum and how we assess students, it’s time to redefine what we mean by “learning” and the role teachers play in providing meaningful learning experiences that help our students become digitally and civically literate and productive citizens. Creating assignments that have purpose and are relevant to students’ lives are often the key to igniting passion and engagement.

1. Leverage student curiosity as the engine for learning

Science, math, literature, and the arts all start with observation and wonder—noticing something about our world, asking questions about it, and seeking the answers. Begin lessons with student questions about their community to reframe our curriculum as learning quests, which create a sense of ownership and helps students personalize learning.

Start units with these activities to engage curiosity:

Quest Questions: Have students write a set of questions they have about a topic.
Empathy Interviews: Students interview experts or stakeholders related to a topic to get background information, hear diverse perspectives, find their blind spots, and inspire further research on the topic.

2. Authentic Projects

If student work just ends up in the trash, it sends a powerful message about what we value in our curriculum and the effort we ask our students to put into their learning. For me, authenticity often means creating something useful as the purpose and outcome of the learning experience. This might include:

· Designing an infographic about data collected in a community-based science experiment.

Curating and editing a digital literary magazine for ELA students.
Offering financial-literacy tutoring for the community by math students.

The end product of these learning quests is a tangible, useful product, which provides an uncheatable assessment of student knowledge. Everyone involved wins.

3. Publish publicly

The best way to learn something is to teach it. When we ask students to present or perform for an audience beyond our classrooms, the experience increases student motivation, elevates quality, and provides purpose for their effort.

In the examples above, posting infographics on a website or social media accounts helps people around the world see and use the student scientists’ findings and maybe even drive people to take action or change policy. Publishing the literary magazine as a digital book is an easy and low-cost way to distribute student work globally, while simultaneously providing context for student work when it’s placed side by side with work created by other students. A financial-literacy tutoring project helps connect students to their community as well as math curriculum and builds bridges between generations and demographic groups that wouldn’t have happened if projects stayed in the classroom.

In each of these cases, the students can palpably sense the public’s need for accuracy. Their work can make a difference in peoples’ lives, so they need to get it right.

Climate Change

Xochitl Bentley is a high school English teacher and NBCT in Los Angeles. She is a co-director of the CSUN Writing Project and a contributing writer at Moving Writers:

Students increasingly encounter the word “sustainability” but rarely with any situating context. Taking the time to unpack this concept benefits students and teachers alike. In the U.N. Brundtland Commission report, “Our Common Future ,” sustainability is defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition highlights the need for cultivating intergenerational awareness as we prepare students to mitigate the harmful human impacts associated with climate change.

Often, teachers are hesitant to bring up climate change, feeling they lack the disciplinary knowledge to competently address it. In these moments, I remember a piece of advice often shared in teacher-preparation programs: “Remember your why.” Thinking as a future ancestor means remembering to think beyond ourselves with a sense of solution-oriented urgency and modeling this commitment for our students.

One way to help students become climate stewards is to model how reading paired climate texts enhances our ability to both problem-spot and problem-solve. While reading the novel Dry , for example, my students and I pore over local newspaper headlines concerning water scarcity. As we zoom in on passages, I still guide students to consider foundational questions, such as, “What does the text say?” “What does the author mean?” “Why does this matter?” But I then layer on questions such as, “What are the stakes?” Who gets a say?” “How do we repair and restore?” This means that we’re considering who will feel the most immediate impact of prolonged drought conditions.

It means we’re getting specific about who makes decisions concerning how water is allocated and shared. It means we’re identifying water-efficiency models that can be replicated in a wide-scale manner. Layering questions in this guided manner helps us think about how the environmental problem appearing in a fictional story is emerging in recognizable real-world contexts.

An important aspect of helping students become responsible climate stewards is articulating the difference between the root causes of our climate crisis and the symptoms that show up as signs of these root causes. One way educators can help students engage in root causes analysis is by modeling the “five whys” strategy. By repeatedly asking the question “Why,” learners can peel away the layers of symptoms that can lead to the root cause of a problem. When pondering the question, “Why do many people feel disconnected from nature?,” my students generated these responses:

Because people are too busy working or don’t have access to the outdoors.
Because many communities lack parks/open green spaces.
Because redlining practices (residential segregation) caused many communities to be “park poor.”
Because most people don’t strive to live in balance with nature or value this practice/mindset for all.
Most people see themselves as existing hierarchically above other living beings, instead of existing at one point of a web (within interrelated ecosystems).

Not only did this strategy give students practice in generative responding and building on ideas, but the intersection between environmental and social issues became more perceptible. Once students feel comfortable making these connections, teachers can help them navigate the policy landscape and mull which policymakers are in the best position to effect change. In this instance, my students initiated a postcard campaign about the need for urban-forestry funding (CA Assembly Bill 1530).

By intentionally shifting the focus from passively learning about climate change to actively advocating with future generations in mind, teachers can create learning conditions for helping students become climate stewards in any classroom.

‘Connections’

Dennisha Murff, Ph.D., is an award-winning administrator, author, adjunct professor, consultant, and relentless advocate for equitable education. Throughout her career, she has worked to incorporate equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and cultural responsiveness in her work:

As an educator, I have always strived to look for ways to create meaningful learning opportunities for students. I know that as educators go through the planning process, they desire to develop lessons students can connect with. Many times, I have heard staff members share how they taught a lesson, but students did not seem to retain the information.

During vertical articulation meetings, staff members would ask the previous grade-level team to share if a particular skill was taught. It literally felt like they were starting from scratch! As the school leader, I began to ask staff members to share how they were making relevant connections to students’ lives. In the quest to cover the curriculum, we discovered there were missed opportunities to develop relevance and true connectivity to the skills and strategies being taught.

We all know students need opportunities for differentiated and personalized learning, but there are particular techniques that need to be enhanced to ensure relevance of activities. If we intend to create relevance in daily lessons, we must commit to several concepts during the planning process.

1. Develop clear connections to students’ lives

Building positive relationships with students is a vital first step in this process. In order to develop relevance, educators must get to know their students. They need to understand who their students are in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner.

Students need to be able to share their lived experiences in the classroom. This must be a physically and psychologically safe learning environment where students feel free to share. As you get to know your students, ask yourself if you are able to identify students’ strengths, challenges, hobbies, and interests. Find out what is important to them. Once teachers have a clear understanding of who their students are, they are better equipped to develop lessons that have meaning and relevance.

2. Provide opportunities for hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities

Educators must create learning experiences that give students the opportunity to dive into projects that are hands-on. This approach helps to tap into the various learning styles of students through multisensory engagement. Students are able to develop collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. These hands-on options also allow students the chance to engage in learning tasks that have real-world application.

When students have the chance to connect with community partners and industry experts, they can learn more about how the world works. These types of learning tasks also allow students to solve issues impacting their lives (and the lives of others) in a meaningful way. It is important to note that the neural connections made during this process help increase opportunities for long-term-memory storage of skills and strategies.

3. Implement student agency in learning spaces

Student agency is a vital part of this process. Students want voice and choice in their learning tasks. They desire to make valuable contributions to the spaces around them. As students are provided with opportunities to ask questions, communicate what they’ve noticed, and express new ideas in a safe environment, the level of engagement and relevance increases. The opportunity to embed student agency into lessons requires a shift in the power dynamics in the classroom. The classroom becomes a learning space for all, including the teacher. Students will find themselves in a powerful decisionmaking process that enhances their ability to make contributions to the community and, ultimately, the world they live in.

As adult learners, we want to engage in activities that stretch our thinking. We expect to see the meaning and relevance of these experiences. Our student learners desire the same thing! Learning tasks that allow for deep connection are the experiences we remember the most.

Thanks to Michael, Xochitl, and Dennisha for contributing their thoughts!

Today’s guests answered this question:

What are ways to make lessons more relevant to students’ lives?

In Part One , Meagan W. Taylor, Tonia Gibson, and Alexis Wiggins shared their ideas.

In Part Two , Georgina Rivera, Kelly Gallagher, and Mike Kaechele answered the same question.

In Part Three , Whitney Emke, Valerie King, Samantha Holquist, and Tameka Porter discussed their recommendations.

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on X formerly known as Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

Just a reminder; you can subscribe and receive updates from this blog via email . And if you missed any of the highlights from the first 12 years of this blog, you can see a categorized list here .

The opinions expressed in Classroom Q&A With Larry Ferlazzo are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

A field of lightbulbs, only a couple are lit. Concept idea of light bulb, creative, thinking, motivation, success, and thinking, surreal conceptual art, 3d illustration, painting artwork.

Sign Up & Sign In

How Liberal College Campuses Benefit Conservative Students

Right-wing culture warriors ignore the value of being surrounded by ideological opponents.

Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

Updated at 1:14 p.m. ET on July 8, 2024

Right-wing commentators relish painting elite college students as ignorant , weak , and unprepared to meet the real world. Students have bolstered this perception by struggling to articulate positions on issues for which they profess deep concern.

But this grim picture leaves out an important distinction: Conservative students, rather than being coddled , face significant intellectual and social challenges in college. These challenges impart educational advantages by forcing conservatives to defend their points of view. Liberal students, surrounded by like-minded peers and mentors, have less opportunity to grow in this way.

At Princeton University, where I have taught political science for seven years, conservative students make up just 12 percent of undergraduates. Throughout college, they hear alternative perspectives and hone their own arguments, anticipating opposition. In research for a book in progress— Tested: Why Conservative Students Get the Most Out of Liberal Education —I conducted dozens of in-depth interviews with students at Princeton and other competitive schools. Of the 28 conservatives I’ve spoken with so far, more than 90 percent report attending events featuring speakers with whom they disagree, compared with less than half of the 15 liberals I’ve interviewed. Nearly all of the conservatives said that they’ve been challenged by professors or other students in classroom discussions, but just two of the liberals said the same. These reports echo national surveys , which find that conservative students are more open to speakers of any ideological bent than are liberal students, who tend to support only speakers they agree with.

Robert P. George: Universities shouldn’t be ideological churches

These divergent experiences produce a striking asymmetry in preparedness for policy discussions on many topics: abortion, affirmative action, environmental policy, economics, Israel-Palestine. Conservative students tend to know both sides of the issues cold. For example, though they are typically pro-Israel, I’ve found that they can easily cite critiques of the country’s strategy. “Israel’s military actions make it logistically tougher to get the hostages out,” one conservative student said. “Israel’s actions in Gaza breed more bad will toward Israel in the long run,” said another.

The pro-Palestine students I interviewed, by contrast, couldn’t describe pro-Israel arguments. They often didn’t even want to engage. “It’s too icky,” one student, who identifies as “a leftist or a socialist,” said. When I asked him what Israel should have done differently after October 7, he obfuscated. “That’s where it gets tough,” he said. “Obviously, they can’t do nothing.” Another student who identifies as socialist told me that pro-Palestine students have been “actively doxxed” and “harassed” at Princeton, but he couldn’t provide examples. I asked if he’d spoken with pro-Israel students about the issue. “No,” he said, explaining that pro-Israel students are too “well-connected with national conservative publications producing anti-Palestine propaganda.” He questioned “the ulterior motives” of “Zionist” students.

Abortion is another issue on which conservative students seem to know the weak spots in their position. “The hardest thing to argue against is the ‘where does life begin’ argument,” a pro-life Princeton junior said. “If someone believes a pregnancy is a clump of cells, then I have a hard time arguing against that without bringing in religion.” A pro-life University of Chicago senior said that the “personhood” question gives pro-choicers a strong foundation: To them, “a woman’s right to her body is the most important thing, because there is only one person, not two people, being considered.”

But the pro-choice students I interviewed hadn’t thought much about the other side. “I think pro-life people are just pro-life because that’s what their family believes,” a Wake Forest junior said. “Do you think there should be any restrictions at all on abortion?” I asked. “I don’t really think that’s an issue,” because late-term abortions “are so infrequent,” she said after a long pause.

Some conservatives see a direct connection between their experience defending their views on campus and their success after graduation. Abigail Anthony, a conservative 2023 Princeton graduate, now a reporter at National Review , made her first big journalistic splash as a student: She wrote a 2021 National Review article about how Princeton ignored COVID policies to allow a social-justice event but invoked them to prevent students from attending Easter Mass. Anthony said that the article led to the reopening of the campus chapel. The following year, she wrote another National Review op-ed criticizing Princeton’s Ballet Club for its Instagram statement claiming that the group is “complicit” in “systemic racism” and “white supremacy.” This article received even more attention and prompted Anthony’s removal from a Ballet Club group chat. The thick skin Anthony grew as a conservative at Princeton has already benefited her journalism career, in which she regularly takes on powerful institutions and popular opinions. “I was prompted to defend my own views and commit them to print, and it toughens you up for sure,” she told me.

Alan Jacobs: Creating conservative universities is not the answer

Other conservative students at Princeton have also emerged more resilient than when they started. Both Danielle Shapiro and Alexandra Orbuch, Jewish student journalists covering pro-Palestine protests, received “no-communication orders”—university directives that bar students from communicating with one another—from pro-Palestine Princeton students after Shapiro and Orbuch reported on public events on campus.

In response, Shapiro wrote a scathing Wall Street Journal article, “I Committed Journalism, and Princeton Told Me Not to Communicate.” Orbuch enlisted the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and the Anti-Defamation League. “I got pushed off from one person to another, and I wasn’t able to accomplish anything until I brought in outside lawyers,” Orbuch told me. Less than a week after a FIRE/ADL letter condemning the orders, Princeton changed its policy.

Who is better prepared for life after college: the conservative students who learned how to mobilize the nation’s leading publications and free-speech organizations, or the progressive students who tried to censor peers for documenting a public protest? I think it’s the former.

So do conservative students. Shapiro said that her first year at Princeton was “like boot camp.” She would read her peers’ Instagram posts and ask herself, “ Why is that point they made wrong? Why do I disagree with it? Every single day, I’m getting sharper and sharper, and they’re not, because they’re not hearing the other side … How can you have a good argument against an argument you’ve never heard before?”

Conservative culture warriors argue that education at highly selective colleges is worthless , and recommend that conservative students who don’t want to be silenced or indoctrinated opt out . I disagree. Conservative students experience what higher education has long claimed to offer: exposure to different perspectives, regular practice building and defending coherent arguments, intellectual challenges that spur creativity and growth. Liberal academia has largely robbed liberal students of these rewards.

This article originally stated that Abigail Anthony had been removed from all Ballet Club communications. In fact, she was dropped from a club group chat.

Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets: The impact of culture, local education ecosystems, and prevailing learning theories on classroom practice and policy reform

Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets: Developing a contextual understanding of pedagogies
Moving Away from "Best Practices": Towards relevant pedagogical approaches and reforms
Linking Research to Policy to Practice: Collaborative research for evidence-informed policymaking in education

Subscribe to the Center for Universal Education Bulletin

Ghulam omar qargha and ghulam omar qargha fellow - global economy and development , center for universal education rachel dyl rachel dyl senior project coordinator and research analyst - global economy and development , center for universal education.

July 18, 2024

Purpose of the Working Papers

The SPARKS Working Papers serve as references and conversation starters for policymakers, educators, and researchers navigating pedagogical reform. These three papers explain how pedagogical reform can benefit from locally driven collaborative research on how culture, local education ecosystems, and learning theories—collectively called “Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets”—influence pedagogical choices in the classroom and how policymakers imagine reform.

The Focus on Pedagogical Reform

The 2022 United Nations Transforming Education Summit (TES) emphasized the urgent need to overhaul education systems, centering on transforming teacher classroom practices. Student-centered pedagogies are a key focus of education reforms, especially in low- and medium-income countries. These pedagogies are often promoted as “best practices” by international agencies, governments, and education experts. Research shows that efforts to introduce these approaches have not significantly changed classroom practices. The term is considered vague, and the concept often lacks alignment with local realities, making implementation challenging.

The gap between pedagogical research, policy, and practice

Additionally, there is a gap between research on pedagogy, policies aimed at shifting pedagogical approaches, and actual teacher practices. Most research and reform efforts do not address the socially influenced aspects of pedagogy— the Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets —and are often detached from problems relevant to local policymakers and teachers.

Working Paper I: Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets: Developing a Contextual Understanding of Pedagogies

Working Paper I explores what different definitions of “pedagogy” promote, emphasizes the importance of Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets for pedagogical reforms, and introduces collaborative research for policymakers, researchers, and other education actors to understand the impact of Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets in local contexts.

There is no clear consensus on the practical meaning of “pedagogy,” and pedagogical reforms occur in complex ecosystems involving various education actors, such as policymakers, teachers, students, and administrators. In this paper, we explore how culture, local education ecosystems, and prevalent learning theories impact and are impacted by pedagogical approaches in specific contexts. We encourage education actors to use a tailored definition of “pedagogy” that is contextually relevant for policy reform efforts. We explain why global education outcomes have not improved to the extent expected, and we propose that a collaborative research approach can help us understand how Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets affect pedagogical approaches.

Working Paper II: Moving Away from “Best Practices”: Towards Relevant Pedagogical Approaches and Reform

Working Paper II explains why it is important, especially for policymakers, to examine Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets to guide local pedagogical reforms and highlights the challenges of a “best practices” approach, such as the generalized use of student-centered pedagogies.

Similar to the difficulty in defining “pedagogy,” there is uncertainty about which innovative approaches improve classroom practice. While many innovative pedagogies are student-centered, their principles and characteristics depend on the student’s context and cannot be universally defined. Pedagogical approaches are interconnected with many aspects of the education ecosystem, including the curriculum, teacher professional development, technology, and teachers’ prior experiences. Since education ecosystems have different purposes, “best practices” do not always transfer successfully between contexts. We recommend that education actors avoid implementing innovative pedagogies, like student-centered approaches, as standalone solutions. Instead, they should consider the culture, local education ecosystem, and prevalent learning theories to promote pedagogical approaches responsive to their specific contexts.

Working Paper III: Linking Research to Policy to Practice: Collaborative Research for Evidence-Informed Policymaking in Education

Working Paper III details how collaborative research methodologies can ensure that pedagogical research accounts for Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets and responds to local contexts. The paper explores the complexity of decision-making in education, the importance of communicating and disseminating research, and reasons to use collaborative research to contribute locally driven evidence for education policymaking.

The growing demand for evidence-based policymaking in education often results in favoring certain types of evidence. But basing decisions on only certain types of evidence ignores the complexity of education policymaking. To account for this complexity, we encourage education actors to adopt an evidence-informed or evidence-inspired approach to decision-making, considering not only a variety of evidence types but also the variety of other factors that affect policy decisions. Often, there are barriers between researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other education actors. Collaborative research can contribute evidence that is beneficial for all parties involved and help build supportive relationships among them. We highlight the SPARKS project at the Center for Universal Education as an example of collaborative research partnerships in action.

The Strengthening Pedagogical Approaches for Relevant Knowledge and Skills (SPARKS) project is a collaborative mixed-method research initiative and global network focused on examining the gaps between research, policy, and classroom practice in primary and secondary education in three purposefully selected locations. SPARKS launched Research Policy Collaboratives in Egypt, India, and Mexico to serve as local hubs for collaborative research on pedagogical reform and innovation. In each context, the Research Policy Collaboratives will bring together policymakers, educators, researchers, parents, students, and other community collaborators from the local education ecosystems to discuss how Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets can contribute to or hinder education system transformation . The SPARKS Research Policy Collaboratives also make up the core of the SPARKS Global Network, which meets periodically to share knowledge, research findings, and insights around innovative pedagogies and across contexts.

The SPARKS team welcomes your feedback on the topics covered in these working papers. You can share your ideas, thoughts, or reflections by emailing us at [email protected] .

Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment
Introduction
Thesis Statement

Background study

Impacts of online education

Introduction to Online Education

Online learning is one of the new innovative study methods that have been introduced in the pedagogy field. In the last few years, there has been a great shift in the training methods. Students can now learn remotely using the internet and computers.

Online learning comes in many forms and has been developing with the introduction of new technologies. Most universities, high schools, and other institutions in the world have all instituted this form of learning, and the student population in the online class is increasing fast. There has been a lot of research on the impacts of online education as compared to ordinary classroom education.

If the goal is to draw a conclusion of online education, considerable differences between the online learning environment and classroom environment should be acknowledged. In the former, teachers and students don’t meet physically as opposed to the latter, where they interact face to face. In this essay, the challenges and impact of online classes on students, teachers, and institutions involved were examined.

Thesis Statement about Online Classes

Thus, the thesis statement about online classes will be as follows:

Online learning has a positive impact on the learners, teachers, and the institution offering these courses.

Online learning or E learning is a term used to describe various learning environments that are conducted and supported by the use of computers and the internet. There are a number of definitions and terminologies that are used to describe online learning.

These include E learning, distance learning, and computer learning, among others (Anon, 2001). Distant learning is one of the terminologies used in E learning and encompasses all learning methods that are used to train students that are geographically away from the training school. Online learning, on the other hand, is used to describe all the learning methods that are supported by the Internet (Moore et al., 2011).

Another terminology that is used is E learning which most authors have described as a learning method that is supported by the use of computers, web-enabled communication, and the use of new technological tools that enhance communication (Spector, 2008). Other terminologies that are used to describe this form of online learning are virtual learning, collaborative learning, web-based learning, and computer-supported collaborative learning (Conrad, 2006).

Impacts of Online Classes on Students

Various studies and articles document the merits, demerits, and challenges of online studies. These studies show that online study is far beneficial to the students, teachers, and the institution in general and that the current challenges can be overcome through technological advancement and increasing efficiency of the learning process.

One of the key advantages of online learning is the ability of students to study in their own comfort. For a long time, students had to leave their comfort areas and attend lectures. This change in environment causes a lack of concentration in students. In contrast, E-learning enables the students to choose the best environment for study, and this promotes their ability to understand. As a result, students enjoy the learning process as compared to conventional classroom learning.

Another benefit is time and cost savings. Online students are able to study at home, and this saves them travel and accommodation costs. This is in contrast with the classroom environment, where learners have to pay for transport and accommodation costs as well as any other costs associated with the learning process.

Online study has been found to reduce the workload on the tutors. Most of the online notes and books are availed to the students, and this reduces the teacher’s workload. Due to the availability of teaching materials online, tutors are not required to search for materials. Teachers usually prepare lessons, and this reduces the task of training students over and over again.

Accessibility to learning materials is another benefit of online learning. Students participating in online study have unlimited access to learning materials, which gives them the ability to study effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, students in the classroom environment have to take notes as the lecture progress, and these notes may not be accurate as compared to the materials uploaded on the websites.

Unlimited resources are another advantage of online study. Traditionally, learning institutions were limited in the number of students that could study in the classroom environment. The limitations of facilities such as lecture theaters and teachers limited student enrollment in schools (Burgess & Russell, 2003).

However, with the advent of online studies, physical limitations imposed by classrooms, tutors, and other resources have been eliminated. A vast number of students can now study in the same institution and be able to access the learning materials online. The use of online media for training enables a vast number of students to access materials online, and this promotes the learning process.

Promoting online study has been found by most researchers to open the students to vast resources that are found on the internet. Most of the students in the classroom environment rely on the tutors’ notes and explanations for them to understand a given concept.

However, students using the web to study most of the time are likely to be exposed to the vast online educational resources that are available. This results in the students gaining a better understanding of the concept as opposed to those in the classroom environment (Berge & Giles, 2008).

An online study environment allows tutors to update their notes and other materials much faster as compared to the classroom environment. This ensures that the students receive up-to-date information on a given study area.

One of the main benefits of E-learning to institutions is the ability to provide training to a large number of students located in any corner of the world. These students are charged training fees, and this increases the money available to the institution. This extra income can be used to develop new educational facilities, and these will promote education further (Gilli et al., 2002).

Despite the many advantages that online study has in transforming the learning process, there are some challenges imposed by the method. One of the challenges is the technological limitations of the current computers, which affect the quality of the learning materials and the learning process in general.

Low download speed and slow internet connectivity affect the availability of learning materials. This problem is, however, been reduced through the application of new software and hardware elements that have high access speeds. This makes it easier to download learning materials and applications. As computing power increases, better and faster computers are being unveiled, and these will enable better access to online study facilities.

Another disadvantage of online learning as compared to the classroom environment is the lack of feedback from the students. In the classroom environment, students listen to the lecture and ask the tutors questions and clarifications any issues they didn’t understand. In the online environment, the response by the teacher may not be immediate, and students who don’t understand a given concept may find it hard to liaise with the teachers.

The problem is, however, been circumvented by the use of simple explanation methods, slideshows, and encouraging discussion forums between the teachers and students. In the discussion forums, students who don’t understand a concept can leave a comment or question, which will be answered by the tutor later.

Like any other form of learning, online studies have a number of benefits and challenges. It is, therefore, not logical to discredit online learning due to the negative impacts of this training method. Furthermore, the benefits of e-learning far outweigh the challenges.

Conclusion about Online Education

In culmination, a comparative study between classroom study and online study was carried out. The study was done by examining the findings recorded in books and journals on the applicability of online learning to students. The study revealed that online learning has many benefits as compared to conventional learning in the classroom environment.

Though online learning has several challenges, such as a lack of feedback from students and a lack of the proper technology to effectively conduct online learning, these limitations can be overcome by upgrading the E-Leaning systems and the use of online discussion forums and new web-based software.

In conclusion, online learning is beneficial to the students, tutors, and the institution offering these courses. I would therefore recommend that online learning be implemented in all learning institutions, and research on how to improve this learning process should be carried out.

Anon, C. (2001). E-learning is taking off in Europe. Industrial and Commercial Training , 33 (7), 280-282.

Berge, Z., & Giles, L. (2008). Implementing and sustaining e-learning in the workplace. International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies , 3(3), 44-53.

Burgess, J. & Russell, J. (2003).The effectiveness of distance learning initiatives in organizations. Journal of Vocational Behaviour , 63 (2),289-303.

Conrad, D. (2006). E-Learning and social change, Perspectives on higher education in the digital age . New York: Nova Science Publishers.

Gilli, R., Pulcini, M., Tonchia, S. & Zavagno, M. (2002), E-learning: A strategic Instrument. International Journal of Business Performance Management , 4 (1), 2-4.

Moore, J. L., Camille, D. & Galyen, K. (2011). E-Learning, online learning and distance learning environments: Are they the same? Internet and Higher Education, 14(1), 129-135.

Spector, J., Merrill, M., Merrienboer, J. & Driscoll, M. P. (2008). Handbook of research on educational communications and technology (3rd ed.), New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

General Curriculum for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Learners
Student Survival Guide to Research
Students With Children and Teachers’ High Expectations
Nursing Terminologies: NANDA International
Tutoring Programs for College Students
Strategies for Motivating Students
Importance of Sexual Education in School
New School Program in Seattle
General Education Courses
E-learning as an Integral Part of Education System
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, December 19). Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-online-courses-on-education/

"Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay." IvyPanda , 19 Dec. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-online-courses-on-education/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay'. 19 December.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay." December 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-online-courses-on-education/.

1. IvyPanda . "Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay." December 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-online-courses-on-education/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay." December 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/impact-of-online-courses-on-education/.

Vanguard News

Top Stories
Edo Decides
Advertise with us
Privacy Policy

July 16, 2024

Soyinka at 90: Abiodun awards scholarships to best students in essay

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State government has awarded scholarships to nine students who performed creditably well in an essay competition to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme, held at Prof. Soyinka’s ARI residence, Ijegba, Abeokuta, on Monday, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said they would also be given laptop, each for their efforts.

The gesture Governor Abiodun emphasized is to encourage the beneficiaries to keep writing, as well as motivate other students to participate in the next edition of the competition.

While describing the Noble Laureate as the most celebrated black African, who has excelled in his chosen career, Abiodun noted that as the key to bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world, it is imperative to engage the youth and ensure that their thinking and goals are oriented toward progress for the motherland and humanity.

He said, the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) was established to honour the legacy and reflects Prof. Soyinka’s lifelong commitment to education, cultural exchange, and in nurturing future leaders, adding that the initiative underscores his values, which include justice, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence in the arts and humanities.

According to Governor Abiodun, this year’s theme, “Engaging National Interest on Good Governance, Understanding Nation-Building (E.N.I.O.G.U.N),” perfectly encapsulates Professor Soyinka’s profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world.

The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) consists of three aspects, which comprise essay competition, the advocacy, and the performing arts, which include poetry, drama, and spoken word.

The governor said: “We celebrate a project that, for over 14 years, has upheld his ideals and vision. There is no doubt that the Nobel Laureate has optimally utilized the inherent values and wisdom of African culture and tradition in his global engagement as a world citizen of African descent.

“The mission and underlying objectives of WSICE are clear and commendable. They seek to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity, in line with the thoughts and guiding principles of Professor Wole Soyinka.”

The project, Abiodun said is designed to serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for future thinkers who are passionate about the progress and betterment of humanity, pledging that the State would take ownership of the event to make it international.

Related News

For Wole Soyinka @ 90: Hearty congratulations
Didn't know I would live to be 90 — Soyinka
Soyinka thrives on controversy – Razinat quotes Niyi Osundare

Speaking while answering questions from children on his life experiences for the past 90 years, Prof. Soyinka said that he did not envisage living up to 90, adding that he decided to be a writer to correct some anomalies from stories he listened to while growing up.

On why he broke into a radio station during the military era, the Nobel Laureate said: “I never broke into a radio station, but sneaked in. The radio station was holding on to something that belonged to the people, and I decided to retrieve it. If that item had been played, it would have demoralized the people and established the culture of brutality.”

He chided Nigerians for always critising the State, but refused to examine themselves.

He noted that crimes like kidnapping and robbery, among others, are not because of poverty or inequality, but selfishness and the desire to live a luxury life.

He lauded Governor Abiodun for helping in developing the environment around his abode and saving it from degradation, even as he emphasized that this has led to his not abandoning the country.

The 2024 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange Programme drew students from different parts of the country who participated in an essay competition on national and international topics.

About 383 students participated in the competition, 90 were chosen, while nine were selected with Alabi Oluwanifemi emerging the best essayist, Okoye Collins John came second, while Adebusi Adeoluwa, came third.

Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

Essay on Teacher for Students and Children

500+ words essay on teacher.

Teachers are a special blessing from God to us. They are the ones who build a good nation and make the world a better place. A teacher teaches us the importance of a pen over that of a sword. They are much esteemed in society as they elevate the living standards of people. They are like the building blocks of society who educate people and make them better human beings .

Moreover, teachers have a great impact on society and their student’s life. They also great importance in a parent’s life as parents expect a lot from teachers for their kids. However, like in every profession, there are both good and bad teachers. While there aren’t that many bad teachers, still the number is significant. A good teacher possesses qualities which a bad teacher does not. After identifying the qualities of a good teacher we can work to improve the teaching scenario.

A Good Teacher

A good teacher is not that hard to find, but you must know where to look. The good teachers are well-prepared in advance for their education goals. They prepare their plan of action every day to ensure maximum productivity. Teachers have a lot of knowledge about everything, specifically in the subject they specialize in. A good teacher expands their knowledge continues to provide good answers to their students.

Similarly, a good teacher is like a friend that helps us in all our troubles. A good teacher creates their individual learning process which is unique and not mainstream. This makes the students learn the subject in a better manner. In other words, a good teacher ensures their students are learning efficiently and scoring good marks.

Most importantly, a good teacher is one who does not merely focus on our academic performance but our overall development. Only then can a student truly grow. Thus, good teachers will understand their student’s problems and try to deal with them correctly. They make the student feel like they always have someone to talk to if they can’t do it at home or with their friends.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Impact of Teachers on a Student’s Life

Growing up, our parents and teachers are the first ones to impact our lives significantly. In fact, in the younger years, students have complete faith in their teachers and they listen to their teachers more than their parents. This shows the significance and impact of a teacher .

When we become older and enter college, teachers become our friends. Some even become our role models. They inspire us to do great things in life. We learn how to be selfless by teachers. Teachers unknowingly also teach very important lessons to a student.

For instance, when a student gets hurt in school, the teacher rushes them to the infirmary for first aid. This makes a student feel secure and that they know a teacher plays the role of a parent in school.

In other words, a teacher does not merely stick to the role of a teacher. They adapt into various roles as and when the need arises. They become our friends when we are sad, they care for us like our parents when we are hurt. Thus, we see how great a teacher impacts a student’s life and shapes it.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{ “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why are teachers important?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Teachers are the building blocks of a nation. They are responsible for making thousands of people educated. Teachers push us to do better and succeed in life.”} }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What makes a good teacher?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”:”A good teacher is one who is well-prepared. They always care for their students even outside the classroom. They instill good values in them and teach them subjects efficiently.”} }] }

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Travelling Essay
Picnic Essay
Our Country Essay
My Parents Essay
Essay on Favourite Personality
Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
Essay on Knowledge is Power
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on My Favourite Season
Essay on Types of Sports

Download the App

COMMENTS

What Is Learning? Essay about Why Learning Is Important
Introduction. Learning is a continuous process that involves the transformation of information and experience into abilities and knowledge. Learning, according to me, is a two way process that involves the learner and the educator leading to knowledge acquisition as well as capability. It informs my educational sector by making sure that both ...
Student Life Essay for Students and Children
500 Words Essay On Student Life. Student life is one of the most memorable phases of a person's life. The phase of student life builds the foundation of our life. In student life, we do not just learn from books. We learn to grow emotionally, physically, philosophically as well as socially. Thus, in this student life essay, we will learn its ...
How to Write Stanford's "Excited About Learning" Essay
Stanford University's first essay prompt asks you to respond to the following: "The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100-250 words)". For this short answer question, your response is limited to a maximum ...
How to Be a Lifelong Learner
People around the world are hungry to learn. Instructor Barbara Oakley discovered this when her online course "Learning How to Learn"—filmed in her basement in front of a green screen—attracted more than 1.5 million students. Part of the goal of her course—and her new book, Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential—is to debunk some of the ...
Essay on Importance of Learning
500 Words Essay on Importance of Learning The Essence of Learning. Learning is a fundamental aspect of human life, serving as the foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world. It is an ongoing process that begins at birth and continues throughout our lives, shaping our perspectives, abilities, and actions. This essay explores ...
Realizing the promise: How can education technology improve learning
Here are five specific and sequential guidelines for decisionmakers to realize the potential of education technology to accelerate student learning. 1. Take stock of how your current schools ...
How to Learn More Effectively: 10 Learning Techniques
Organizing the information you are studying to make it easier to remember. Using elaborative rehearsal when studying; when you learn something new, spend a few moments describing it to yourself in your own words. Using visual aids like photographs, graphs, and charts. Reading the information you are studying out loud.
Study shows that students learn more when taking part in classrooms
Students were also tested on how much they learned in the class with 12 multiple-choice questions. When the results were tallied, the authors found that students felt as if they learned more from the lectures, but in fact scored higher on tests following the active learning sessions. "Actual learning and feeling of learning were strongly ...
The Role Of Learning In My Life: [Essay Example], 1084 words
The Role of Learning in Life, and Its Factors. The process of learning is a continuous journey that lasts a lifetime. As Alvin Toffler once said, "learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to drop back," and this couldn't be truer. Learning is a crucial aspect of life that allows us to grow and develop as individuals.
General Definition of Learning and Its Forms Essay
Literature Review on Learning. Learning is a procedure that involves acquiring knowledge, which is achieved through experience, training and interaction (Lipshirtz, 2000). Ability to acquire, sustain and eventually change an aspect depending on interpretation of meaning and joint actions is very important.
Reading empowers: the importance of reading for students
Remember, reading empowers! If parents are not encouraging their children to read independently, then this encouragement has to take place in the classroom. Oscar Wilde said: "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.". The importance of reading for students is no secret.
The Benefits of Lifelong Learning: [Essay Example], 719 words
Cognitive and Health Benefits of Lifelong Learning. The benefits of lifelong learning extend beyond professional development and personal growth; it also has profound effects on cognitive function and overall well-being. Learning new things stimulates the brain, improves memory, and enhances mental acuity. Furthermore, numerous studies have ...
The pandemic has had devastating impacts on learning. What ...
Even more concerning, test-score gaps between students in low-poverty and high-poverty elementary schools grew by approximately 20% in math (corresponding to 0.20 SDs) and 15% in reading (0.13 SDs ...
PDF The School as a Community of Engaged Learners
of Engaged Learners Penelope Eckert Shelley Goldman Etienne Wenger This essay is the result of many discussions at IRL about school restructuring. Our research on the social nature of learning has led us to a very particular perspective on the principles that must dictate the structure of a learning community.
How is COVID-19 affecting student learning?
In almost all grades, the majority of students made some learning gains in both reading and math since the COVID-19 pandemic started, though gains were smaller in math in 2020 relative to the ...
How to Motivate Students in the Classroom: Essay Example
Among the very many factors that affect the motivation of learners, include interest in a given area, an aspiration to achieve, self-confidence, doggedness, expediency of knowledge and determination. The motivating factors such as principles, wishes, needs and wants vary from on student to another meaning. For example, to some, endorsement of ...
Learning Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas
Learning - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free. 192 essay samples found. Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values through study, experience, or teaching. Essays on learning might delve into the various theories of learning, the role of education, the impact of technology on learning, or the ...
Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence
The authors of the present review were charged with determining whether these practices are supported by scientific evidence. We concluded that any credible validation of learning-styles-based instruction requires robust documentation of a very particular type of experimental finding with several necessary criteria. First, students must be divided into groups on the basis of their learning ...
Teacher Strategies for Making Learning More Relevant to Students
Michael Hernandez is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker whose work focuses on digital and civic literacy, social justice, and student-centered learning experiences. His book about ...
Essay on Importance of Education for Students
Education is a weapon to improve one's life. It is probably the most important tool to change one's life. Education for a child begins at home. It is a lifelong process that ends with death. Education certainly determines the quality of an individual's life. Education improves one's knowledge, skills and develops the personality and ...
Learning Styles and Their Importance Research Paper
Learning styles are cognitive, affective and physiological factors that clearly define how a learner copes in a given environment. Auditory Learning Style. Auditory learning style entails using hearing senses to learn. It involves a teacher talking to learners. In other words, the learner requires information to be read aloud.
How Liberal College Campuses Benefit Conservative Students
Updated at 1:14 p.m. ET on July 8, 2024. Right-wing commentators relish painting elite college students as ignorant, weak, and unprepared to meet the real world. Students have bolstered this ...
Welcome to Turnitin Guides
For students who access Turnitin via an LMS or VLE, check out the subsection Submitting to Turnitin. Visiting the Administrator hub area to locate administrator guidance and release notes. iThenticate and Crossref Similarity Check guidance is now located on a separate site.
Essay Topics
While writing essays, many college and high school students face writer's block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades.
Students applying to UK universities will not need to write personal
People applying to university will no longer have to write an essay for their personal statement, Ucas has confirmed. Instead, those applying to start in 2026 will answer three guided questions.
The Focus on Pedagogical Reform
These three papers explain how pedagogical reform can benefit from locally driven collaborative research on how culture, local education ecosystems, and learning theories—collectively called ...
Impact of Online Classes on Students Essay
Distant learning is one of the terminologies used in E learning and encompasses all learning methods that are used to train students that are geographically away from the training school. Online learning, on the other hand, is used to describe all the learning methods that are supported by the Internet (Moore et al., 2011).
Soyinka at 90: Abiodun awards scholarships to best students in essay
The Ogun State government has awarded scholarships to nine students who performed creditably well in an essay competition to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole ...
Essay on Teacher for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay on Teacher. Teachers are a special blessing from God to us. They are the ones who build a good nation and make the world a better place. A teacher teaches us the importance of a pen over that of a sword. They are much esteemed in society as they elevate the living standards of people. They are like the building blocks of ...
Something Big Just Happened in Kenya
Guest Essay. Something Big Just Happened in Kenya. July 14, 2024. ... Some of his early political work involved organizing teams of university students to work for Mr. Moi during their school ...