A Good Learner Is Someone Who...
One of the activities we do at the start of our fall term teacher trainings is to ask participants to introduce themselves and finish this sentence: “A good teacher is someone who…” The responses tend to be something like, “speaks clearly,” “ uses good examples,” “makes the material relevant,” “is passionate about the subject,” and so forth.
This year we decided to make a change in that activity as a response to an important shift going on in higher education. Since the shift is a move from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom, this year we asked the participants to finish the sentence, “A good learner is someone who….” We wrote down the responses as each person spoke and then read the list back to the group at the end. We asked, “How many of you think this describes the students you will meet in your classes next week?” Not a single hand went up. Then we asked, “Why not?” And our work together began.
A good learner is someone who . . .
- listens carefully.
- always tries.
- comes prepared.
- cares about what he or she is learning
- is curious.
- interacts with other students.
- enjoys learning.
- never stops learning.
- makes full use of class time.
- asks questions, any questions.
- is open to new ideas.
- reviews class notes regularly.
- is aware of when he or she doesn't understand and is able to communicate that to the teacher.
- is creative--able to challenge assumed knowledge.
- is respectful and tolerant of new ideas and information.
- actively listens, thinks and responds.
- is willing to work hard.
- is interested and willing to fully engage.
- is enthusiastic about learning. You don't have to be smart.
- is open to taking risks, exploring, playing. -knows that learning is more about the process than the product.
- listens intently and can make the material interesting for themselves.
- incorporates new knowledge into daily life, activities, and other courses.
- begins with being present--physically, mentally. Knows how he/she learns best and is creative.
- remembers to do the homework and asks for help when he or she doesn't understand.
- is not afraid to make mistakes.
- tries to apply what he or she is learning.
- is able to access resources--in and out of the classroom.
- analyzes new information and contrasts it with what he or she already knows.
- is able to question his/her own beliefs.
- is not afraid to question the teacher.
- listens, even if he or she disagrees.
- doesn't just study for an exam or for a grade.
- is willing to take a risk.
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
03/18/10