A Good Learner Is Someone Who...

(Responses from UO GTFs and faculty)

• actively participates.
• always tries.
• analyzes new information and contrasts it with what they already know.
• asks questions, any questions.
• begins with being present--physically, mentally. Knows how he/she learns best and is creative.
• cares about the material.
• cares about what they are learning.
• comes prepared.
• could think critically.
• doesn't just study for an exam or for a grade.
• enjoys learning.
• has "academic empathy."
• has a personal interest in the subject matter.
• has active listening, thinks and responds.
• has frustrations and asks a lot of questions.
• incorporates new knowledge into daily life, activities, and other courses.
• interacts with other students.
• is a good listener, loves what he/she is learning.
• is a listener, really listens--retains what is being said and is willing to ask questions.
• is able to access resources--in and out of the classroom.
• is able to question their own beliefs.
• is an active listener, comes up with a question beyond what they have learned in class.
• is aware of when they don't understand and able to communicate that to the teacher.
• is creative--able to challenge assumed knowledge.
• is curious.
• is enthusiastic about learning. You don't have to be smart.
• is interested in the material and motivated to learn as much as they can about it.
• is motivated and willing to learn always more.
• is not afraid to ask questions and question the teacher.
• is open to new and different ideas.
• is open to taking risks, exploring, playing. It's more about the process than the product.
• is open-minded.
• is proactive and responsible for their own learning. Finds out what they need to know and how it fits into their life.
• is respectful and tolerant of new ideas and information.
• is willing to be taught.
• is willing to put in the effort to learn.
• is willing to take a risk.
• is willing to work hard.
• knows what she/he is looking for in the chosen course--something in particular that attracts him/her.
• listens carefully.
• listens intently and can make the material interesting for themselves.
• listens to information and figures out what it means in your life and respects what it means to others.
• listens, even if they disagree.
• makes full use of class time.
• never stops learning.
• remembers to do the homework and asks for help when they don't understand.
• reviews class notes regularly.
• should be very curious, aware and focused on his/her mission.
• tries to apply what they are learning.
• tries to cultivate "beginner's mind".