Strategies For Success: Learning At Harvard University

Harvard University is a world-class institution with a rich academic history and a commitment to fostering a diverse community of bright, talented students. The university offers a transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional learning, empowering students to undergo intellectual, social, and personal growth. At the heart of Harvard's academic philosophy is the belief in the liberal arts and sciences, which provide students with critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear writing skills. This foundation equips them to navigate complex global issues and address future challenges. With a 98% graduation rate, Harvard's success is evident, and its students benefit from small class sizes, a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and groundbreaking research opportunities. The university encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, explore diverse disciplines, and develop their unique interests and concentrations.

Learning styles and metacognition

Harvard University is a close-knit undergraduate community with world-class faculty, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a diverse group of bright, talented students. The university is committed to providing an education that goes beyond the traditional college experience, transforming students' intellectual, social, and personal lives.

Harvard College, the undergraduate program at Harvard University, emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts and sciences education. This approach encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, think critically, reason analytically, and write clearly. To support this, Harvard offers General Education courses that showcase the liberal arts and sciences in action, challenging students to explore unfamiliar concepts and indulge their passion for inquiry and discovery across various disciplines.

The Houses are at the heart of Harvard College, providing a smaller, enriching, and supportive community where students live and learn alongside their peers, faculty members, and graduate students. This environment allows students to grow as individuals and as members of a diverse community.

Harvard University recognizes that each student has unique learning styles and encourages them to find what works best for them. Metacognition, or thinking about one's cognitive processes, is a crucial part of this. Jessie Schwab, a psychologist and preceptor at the Harvard College Writing Program, recommends that students engage in metacognition to determine the most effective study methods for themselves.

• Before reading a new chapter or watching a lecture, review what you already know about the topic and what you expect to learn.
• As you read or listen, take notes on new information, make connections to other topics or courses, and jot down any questions that come to mind.
• After completing the material, summarize what you've learned and seek answers to any remaining questions.
• Engage in self-checks throughout your learning journey by assessing your understanding of the material at specific points. Ask yourself guiding questions such as, "What is the main idea of this lecture or assignment?"
• Recognize that different disciplines have distinct ways of defining knowledge and transmitting it to future generations. This disciplinary transparency influences the assignments and classroom experiences designed by instructors.

By utilizing these metacognitive strategies, Harvard students can become more aware of their learning processes, adapt their study methods, and ultimately improve their understanding and performance.

Memory and attention

However, it is important to note that simply being able to recite memorised information is not the same as truly retaining it. Cramming for an exam, for example, may lead to good performance on the test, but it does not mean that the student has truly learned the material. Instead, it is more beneficial to study with the goal of long-term retention. This can be achieved by creating a study plan with set goals and sticking to it, rather than leaving all the studying until the last minute.

Harvard University also recommends various strategies to improve memory and comprehension, such as SQ3R, which is a form of reading and note-taking that draws attention to unknown material while building on pre-existing knowledge. Additionally, study groups can be beneficial, as they allow students to explain the material to one another, quiz each other, and build a supportive network.

Furthermore, the process of metacognition, which involves thinking about one's own cognitive processes, can help students figure out the most effective study methods for them. This can be done by reviewing what they already know about a topic, taking notes on new information, and then summarising what they have learned. Taking breaks between study sessions and creating a productive, distraction-free study space are also recommended for improving memory and attention.

Preparing for class

Plan ahead and stick to it

Creating a study plan with set goals can help you feel more prepared and give you a roadmap to follow. Don't fall into the trap of procrastination and cramming for exams at the last minute. Set a study schedule ahead of time and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.

Find your learning style

Different people have different learning styles. Take some time to figure out what study methods work best for you. You can do this through the process of metacognition, which involves thinking about your own cognitive processes. Try out different strategies and see which ones help you retain information most effectively.

Prepare before reading or listening to lectures

Before you start reading a new chapter or watching a lecture, review what you already know about the topic and what you expect to learn. This will help you actively engage with the material and make connections to your prior knowledge.

Take effective notes

As you read or listen to lectures, take notes that capture new information and make connections to related topics or other courses. Also, note down any questions that come to mind. This will help you stay engaged and deepen your understanding of the material.

Summarize and review

After completing a reading assignment or lecture, try to summarize what you've learned. Seek out answers to any remaining questions. Reviewing and practicing the information you've learned is essential for retaining it. Testing yourself with flashcards or other challenging tasks can create "desirable difficulties" that enhance your learning.

Cultivate a productive study space

Create a study environment that is free of distractions and has all the materials and supplies you need within reach. Make sure to eat a snack and stay hydrated during your study sessions to stay properly fueled. Also, remember to take breaks and get enough relaxation and sleep between study sessions to keep your brain refreshed and ready to absorb new information.

Study groups

Harvard University's Academic Resource Center (ARC) suggests that students form study groups to strengthen their understanding of course material. Being part of a study group provides an opportunity to engage with course content in a deeper way and allows students to build accountability into their week.

Benefits of Study Groups

• Understanding course material: Students can ask questions and practice participation in a smaller setting, which helps to reinforce their comprehension of the subject.
• Accountability: Regular meetings with a study group provide a sense of accountability, encouraging students to stay on top of their work and creating a structured study routine.
• Support and collaboration: Studying with peers provides a support network to navigate challenges and exchange ideas. Students can explain concepts to one another, quiz each other, and work together to make sense of complex material.
• Social connections: Study groups facilitate interactions with classmates, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie within the larger university setting.

Tips for Effective Study Groups

• Find the right group: Look for classmates who are committed to active participation and mutual support. A group with diverse strengths and perspectives can enhance the learning experience.
• Set clear goals: Establish specific goals for each study session to ensure productivity and focus. This may include covering a certain number of topics or practising for an upcoming exam.
• Encourage active learning: During study group meetings, incorporate a variety of activities beyond simply reviewing notes. This could include quizzing each other, discussing and debating ideas, or applying concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Share resources: Pool your resources and study materials. Group members can take turns sharing their notes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Create a supportive environment: Foster a non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Encourage active listening and respect for different viewpoints.

By forming and actively participating in study groups, Harvard students can enhance their learning experience, develop collaborative skills, and build a supportive community within their cohort.

Assessing understanding

Self-Assessment Techniques

Harvard students are encouraged to assess their understanding throughout the semester to prepare for formal assessments effectively. This involves conducting self-checks, where they ask themselves guiding questions such as, "What's the big idea of the week/lecture/assignment?" This reflective practice allows students to gauge their grasp of the material and identify areas requiring further clarification.

Metacognition and Learning Styles

Harvard psychologist Jessie Schwab emphasizes the importance of metacognition, which involves thinking about one's own cognitive processes. By reflecting on their learning journey, students can identify effective study methods that align with their personal learning styles. Schwab suggests that before engaging with new material, students should review what they already know and what they expect to learn. Taking notes on new information and related topics and asking questions are also encouraged. Summarizing what has been learned and seeking answers to lingering questions helps solidify understanding.

Study Groups and Peer Learning

Harvard recognizes the value of collaborative learning, and students are encouraged to form study groups or join existing ones. These groups provide a supportive environment where students can explain concepts to one another, quiz each other, and build a network of peers. This approach enhances understanding, fosters accountability, and allows students to learn from their classmates' diverse perspectives.

Reading Strategies

Harvard students are taught that different reading strategies can significantly impact memory and comprehension. Techniques such as SQ3R, which involves surveying material, questioning, reading, reciting, and reviewing, are recommended for processing and retaining information from textbooks and research articles.

Bloom's Taxonomy

Instructors at Harvard also draw on established frameworks, such as Bloom's Taxonomy, to design learning objectives and assessments that challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills. This framework categorizes learning objectives into different levels, including remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating, ensuring a comprehensive approach to assessing understanding.

By employing these strategies, Harvard students can effectively assess their understanding, identify areas of improvement, and enhance their learning experience.

Frequently asked questions