Active learning & learning strategies

LEHLOHONOLO NTLATLAPO

Lehlohonolo, who graduated from UCT in 2018, is a medical doctor in Mpumalanga. In 2017 he founded a non-profit organisation, the Help Me Up Foundation, and for this he was named one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2020.

First off, I'd like to put a twist on the common phrase “education is the key to success”. I would rather say that knowledge, growth and wisdom are the keys to success. These three most important factors in building one's career are attained through learning, whether formal or informal.

Education without active learning is, to some extent, pointless. Education is what the classroom is for, to equip us with knowledge, but this knowledge is useless to us unless we learn how to apply it. With the ability to apply this knowledge we grow as individuals, professionally and personally. Growth, as a never ending process, includes obtaining enough wisdom to understand that for us to be able to serve others efficiently in our careers, we must always leave enough room for learning. Life-long learning is what keeps us updated with the evolving world we live in.

Learning doesn’t end in the classroom with reading through the course material! At least, it shouldn’t. To be a well-rounded person, regardless of where you are, you should use every learning opportunity that presents itself to you.

5 Learning strategies

1. Know yourself

As we are exposed to various situations and opportunities, we evolve and re-think/ evaluate certain aspects of ourselves – this is an ongoing process. Regardless of these constant changes, knowing who you are, what you want and where you’d like to see yourself in the next number of years will help you filter all the knowledge you gain into the lessons best suited for your learning and growth. It is also important to know your capabilities and your limits – learn when to ask for help and work hard to become the best version of yourself.

2. Do research

The term “research” could mean conducting a full-on study, but it can also mean simply doing a thorough search on the internet. These are some of the formal ways of researching, which we learn in the classroom. However, informal research should also be an integral tool in our learning arsenal. The purpose of research is to expand our knowledge, identify a gap, and ultimately find innovative ways to close this gap. Everything and everyone that surrounds us poses an opportunity for learning – try to remain curious and ask questions. There might be certain structures, conversations or interactions that raise curiosity in you. Whenever this is the case, ask questions! Use people’s experiences on the topic at hand, the internet, books, YouTube – anything that can assist in you gaining access to the answers you’re looking for. As long as you get your answers and are able to verify them.

3. Listen

Conversations with our peers, mentors, families, lecturers, teachers, acquaintances and others all carry with them lessons. Do not fall into the trap of thinking someone with less experience than you can’t teach you a lesson or skill that’s applicable to your field or career. Every conversation worth having carries with it a lesson, some applicable to our careers and some filled with other opportunities. It is therefore important to always listen instead of just hearing. After all, experience is the best teacher – you can learn from your own as well as others’ experiences. Through listening to a client, for example, you might learn about an important skill needed to help you deliver the best service and become one of the best at what you do.

If there’s one thing that COVID taught us all, it’s that we live in an ever-changing and unpredictable world. It is therefore vital to make sure that we equip ourselves with skills enough to help us adapt in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Commit to active and life-long learning to stay relevant and resourceful

4. Complete tasks

The ability to complete small tasks efficiently prepares you for bigger and more challenging tasks. That’s part of growth because every time you complete a certain project or task, small or big, you learn to be better at doing whatever it is that you do. Avoid leaving tasks incomplete. Know your most productive times and which strategies work for you. As a student, try different study methods until you find what really works for you. Test out which times of day work best for you in terms of productivity – this will help you get to know yourself better and equip you with the best strategies and time to get things done in the future.

5. Volunteer

Join student-led organisations on campus, volunteer at animal shelters or old age homes, and help others where you can. Volunteering will help in ensuring that you apply the other four abovementioned strategies. Working without pay and serving others build character. The moment you learn and master service without pay is the moment you’ll appreciate the learning and growth that lies within the process of completing a task.