Learning Strategies – Self-Regulated Learning Lab

What Is Help Seeking?

Help seeking is proactively gathering information about assignments and course content. Good help seekers ask questions when confused, clarify expectations for an assignment, and get feedback about their work.

"I feel comfortable emailing my teacher when I have questions."

Seeking Help Environment Management Time Management Learning Tactics

When you are stuck on an assignment and do not know what to do, you might feel anxious, intimidated, or unsure of how to ask for help. Here you will find tips for successfully taking advantage of the supports that are available to you in order to perform well in school.

"I always thought that I should just do things on my own. I don’t know who to reach out to when I am confused. What would I even say?"

Why Is Help Seeking Important?

Help seeking is a hallmark of self-regulated learning. The best students often ask others for the information they need to do well. It is important to recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness -- it is an attempt to advocate for yourself to ensure you are successful.

If You Often Seek Help, it is likely that…

you identify the topics or assignments that are challenging for you
you identify the most appropriate people from whom to seek help
you ask focused, specific questions and seek out key information

This Often Results in...

being able to reduce confusion

feeling more competent, prepared, and supported

learning new ways to deal with challenging course content

staying on track with a course’s schedule and pace, rather than falling behind

If you sometimes seek help, it is likely that…

you do not always know what is giving you difficulty
you reach out to some teachers but not others
you have difficulty admitting that you do not understand concepts and need assistance

This Sometimes Results in...

feeling lost, stuck, or confused about how to deal with challenges

occasionally falling behind on assignments and studying

feeling stressed and frustrated when you cannot determine what you are doing incorrectly

missing out on important information needed for success

If you rarely seek help, it is likely that…

you have not identified the specific topics or assignments to ask about
you do not feel comfortable contacting others for help
you give up easily if you do not get answers on the first attempt to get help

This often results in…

misunderstanding key topics or instructions for assignments

feeling lost, confused, and frustrated

struggling to overcome challenges

falling behind schedule in the course, which might prevent you from completing the class

How Help Seeking Improved Erica’s Experiences in School

In the following scenario, think about how Erica used help seeking strategies to overcome her recent challenges in school.

1

Experience before Seeking Help

Erica is a competent, hard-working student. She has recently noticed, however, that she is having a difficult time understanding the flow and content of her online English class. She has become increasingly overwhelmed and is falling behind in her course work.

"I am smart enough to have made it this far, I should be able to do this myself!"

2

Erica’s Help Seeking Actions

Although motivated to perform well and to complete all of her assignments in English class, she has developed a habit of ignoring the content she does not understand if she cannot resolve the issue herself. After struggling through a few lessons, Erica realized that she must not be the only student with these difficulties. Despite feeling hesitant to admit she was struggling, Erica decided that she should reach out to others for help. She learned a few tips to help her do this.

Erica started by honestly reflecting on and writing down the specific areas that gave her the most trouble.

For the first time, Erica began thinking about how she needs to approach her professor. She decided to email her and ask if they could meet for a few minutes after class. She also briefly described the two things that were giving her the most difficulty.

Erica also realized that her professors were not the only ones who could help her. She reached out to two of her classmates she knew were performing well to ask if they would create a study group with her.

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The Effects of Help Seeking

"I am so relieved that I decided to ask people for help. College is tough, and sometimes I just can't do everything on my own. Others often want to help--I have to have the confidence and courage to ask!"

Key Thought

Seeking help from others helps students better understand course material and assignments, and feel more prepared and capable. Help seeking is a fairly simple, straightforward, yet powerful strategy that students can use to perform well–if they allow themselves to reach out.

Improve Your Help Seeking

Improve your Help Seeking

Click on the links below to learn about how to get the support you need to succeed.

Help Seeking Strategies

Strategies for Effective Help Seeking

An illustration of a head with 5-6 lightbulbs

Identify the best sources of answers to your questions Identify and write down the specific areas that give you trouble Identify how best to approach your instructor or advisor Look to classmates as a source of support Advocate for yourself!

What Is Environment Management?

The human mind cannot parallel process: When you study in a distracting environment, your brain switches rapidly back and forth between your work and the distractions. As a result, your thinking is shallow, and you produce and remember less. Using strategies to manage the quality of your work spaces can make your learning more effective and efficient.

"The TV is too distracting, I am going to turn it off."

Seeking Help Environment Management Time Management Learning Tactics

Many things can distract students from their work at home — the TV, computer, cell phone, family and friends. Environmental management strategies help people take control of and optimize the places in which they complete assignments or study. As a result, school work is done better and faster.

"It’s okay if I check my phone. I won’t spend too much time on it."

Why is Environment Management Important?

Environment management strategies can help you create relaxing, quiet learning spaces. When distractions are kept to a minimum, you will be able to process and learn information much more efficiently.

If You Frequently Manage Your Environment, it is likely that:

you complete your work in a quiet place with few distractions (e.g., the library)
you turn off electronics, including the TV, cell phone, and/or radio
you vary the places you study to increase your focus

This Often results in...

producing higher quality and more accurate work

feeling confident in your ability to remember information

completing schoolwork in a timely manner

experiencing less stress and frustration

If You Sometimes Manage Your Environment, it is possible that:

you find a quiet place to study, but only when working on really challenging tasks
you minimize some distractions (e.g., electronics) but not others (e.g., family)
you do not always go to the best place for you to study or complete work

This Often Results in...

becoming distracted and losing your focus

not completing work in a timely way

getting frustrated when distractions occur

not remembering information or not producing high quality work

If you Rarely Manage Your Environment, it is likely that...

You study in locations that have many distractions
You find it difficult to ignore social media or use of technology (e.g., TV, phone, twitter)
You do not realize the importance of a quiet, distraction-free work space

This Often Results in You:

Feeling overwhelmed because you cannot focus

Having difficulty remembering information you learn

Becoming frustrated from distractions

Not completing work in a timely way

How Managing Her Environment Changed Gloria’s Experience in School

In the following scenario, think about how the changes Gloria made to her learning environment helped her overcome some challenges with studying.

1

Experience before Managing Environment

Gloria feels overwhelmed because she has not made any progress on a paper that is due in a week. She is repeatedly distracted by her phone. In addition, her warm, dimly lit room makes her feel sleepy, so she finds herself nodding off. If she studies in her living room, however, she is constantly distracted by other people.

"I am so stressed out. I have so much work to get done but I just can’t seem to concentrate."

2

Gloria’s strategies for Managing Environment

Gloria realizes that it is her workspace that is keeping her from getting her work done well and in a timely fashion. She decides to reach out to a friend who always seems to get her work done in advance. Gloria’s friend shares a few tips to help her overcome this challenge.

Gloria's friend told her that a workspace needs to be comfortable and relaxing. It shouldn't be too hot or cold. The lighting should be bright in the room and she should sit upright in a comfortable chair, rather than lying in bed.

Gloria also thought it was a good idea to do things to prevent friends or family from interrupting her studying. She turned off her cell phone and told her husband and children that she was not to be disturbed from 7pm - 9pm.

Gloria also found it helpful to identify two or three workspaces that she can use, including her home, a local library, and a cafe. If one of those spaces was overly distracting, she had the option of changing locations to ensure that she would do her work in a distraction-free space.

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The Effects of Managing Environment

"I can concentrate much better. I actually spend less time on school work when I study in a comfortable place where I can focus."

Key Thought

Creating a comfortable study environment with few distractions will help you to work in a more focused way and learn more efficiently.

How to Improve Your Environment

Strategies to manage your environment

It is important to pay attention to the things that can interfere with focus, attention, and thinking. Below are several strategies that can help you manage distractions and enhance your focus.

Environment Management Strategies

Strategies to Improve Your Environment

Study in a quiet place Establish “do not disturb” rules Minimize use of technology Alternate where you study Find the right level of comfort

What Is Time Management?

Time management involves organizing your calendar and schedule in order to study and complete assignments.

"I need about six hours to write this paper, so I should set aside at least two hours for three nights."

Seeking Help Environment Management Time Management Learning Tactics

Time management is all about planning and organizing your time. It involves being aware of assignment due dates, estimating how long assignments might take to complete, and prioritizing various assignments, projects, and test preparation activities.

"I can study the night before. That should be plenty of time, right?"

Why Is Time Management Important?

Time management strategies help you work more efficiently and productively in school. They can also help you to free up social and leisure time.

If You Often Manage Your Time, it is likely that...

you estimate how much time you need to complete each assignment
you keep track of how long it takes you to complete each assignment and adjust future estimates accordingly
you use a calendar or some other tool to organize and prioritize assignment completion

This will often result in...

completing assignments and studying on time

working more efficiently

feeling more relaxed and less stressed

having more time to engage in activities you enjoy

If You Sometimes Manage Your Time, it is likely that…

you do not consistently think ahead or estimate how long certain assignments will take to complete
you are inconsistent in tracking how long assignments take
you occasionally write down assignments in a planner or calendar

This will often result in...

working efficiently in some situations but not others

turning in some assignments late

feeling stressed due to last minute attempts to complete work

feeling like you can't always find time for both school and leisure activities

If You Rarely Manage Your Time, it is likely that...

you do not estimate how long your schoolwork will take to complete
you often begin assignments at the last minute
you feel guilty about doing leisure activities instead of completing school work

This often results in...

cramming your studying for tests

rarely doing your best

feeling like you don't have enough time for school and your social or leisure activities

turning in incomplete or late assignments

How time management skills improved Sam’s school experience

In the following scenario, notice the various tactics that Sam used to improve his time management skills.

1

Experience before Managing His Time

In the days leading up to his first math exam, Sam did not think much about the test, and often played basketball or on the computer with his friends. Unfortunately, Sam misjudged how long he needed to study. He had to stay up most of the night before the test, which caused him to be tired and unprepared.

"I have plenty of time to study for my test – I can go play basketball for awhile."

2

Sam’s Time Management Actions

Sam was angry and frustrated. He received another poor score on his math exam. Realizing that his poor time management skills were a key reason for his weak performance, he met with his advisor to learn about time management strategies.

Sam began making a list of assignments that were due each week. He then prioritized his to-do list based on due dates, level of importance, and the amount of time he believed he would need to complete them, and wrote task-specific study times into his calendar.

Sam also began using his calendar to keep track of major assignments and tests, as well as important family and social functions. This helped him to become more aware of heavy work days and potential conflicts between his schoolwork and his social life.

Sam also began to set specific goals for each study session. These goals helped him to focus on high priority work and feel a sense of accomplishment when everything was completed.

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The Effects of Time Management

"Wow! I am so less stressed knowing that I have plenty of time to get all of my work done."

Key Thought

Using a variety of time management strategies can help you work more efficiently and decrease your level of stress. In addition, using effective time management strategies can make you feel more confident in your effort and final products, and allow you to have more time to take breaks and engage in more activities you enjoy.

Improve Your Time Management

Strategies to manage your Time

Below are several strategies that can enhance planning and time management skills.

Time Management Strategies

Effective Time Management Strategies

An illustration of a head with 6 lightbulbs

Start working several days in advance of due dates Practice estimating the amount of time you need Set specific study goals Set aside regular times using a weekly calendar Prioritize tasks Take breaks

What Are Learning Tactics?

Learning tactics are methods or procedures that guide thinking and behavior when studying, reading text, writing, or performing other types of learning activities. Just as athletes use physical and mental strategies to enhance performance, good learners use the learning tactics that are most effective for particular tasks.

"I don't just re-read my notes when studying. I elaborate on information by relating it to what I already know."

Seeking Help Environment Management Time Management Learning Tactics

There is no single learning tactic that will work for all students in all situations. Some tactics, like using concept maps or quizzing oneself, are great ways to learn and remember information for tests. There are many other tactics that you can learn to use your mind well when studying, writing, reading, solving problems, etc.

"If I re-read this chapter a few times, I should learn the material well enough, I guess."

Why Are Learning Tactics Important?

Learning tactics help organize information and make it more meaningful. By providing the right tool for the task at hand, learning tactics guide thinking and direct attention to the key aspects of a learning activity.

If You Often Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

summarize important points or ideas after reading a book chapter
brainstorm or outline ideas before writing an essay
quiz yourself when studying to check your level of understanding

This Typically Results in...

feeling well-prepared for upcoming tests and projects

understanding when you do not understand something and need to relearn it

being more accurate and/or more creative

being able to learn and remember information more easily

If You Sometimes Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

use strategies for certain classes or assignments but not others
perform inconsistently in school
have a limited repertoire of strategies to choose from when learning

This often results in:

noticing how certain tasks seem easier than others

getting stuck and not knowing how to overcome a challenge

feeling somewhat prepared for upcoming tests

feeling frustrated when you are not always learning or performing as well as you can

If You Rarely Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

attempt to learn without thinking deeply about how you do so
read entire chapters or books without pausing to summarize what you read
use the same approach to study for tests, regardless of the class or topic

This often results in...

feeling overwhelmed by the amount and/or type of material you need to learn

lacking confidence about how to overcome challenges or difficult assignments

acquiring only superficial knowledge

feeling embarrassed because you perform below expectations

How Steven Became a More Strategic Learner

In the following scenario, notice on how Steven changed up his strategic approach to studying to improve his performance in school.

1

Experience Before Using Strategies

While studying for his science test, Steven began to feel defeated because he struggled to understand and remember the information. Instead of changing his study tactics, Steven continued to rely on the strategy of re-reading his textbook. He accepted that he would only learn some of the important information.

"I don’t get this stuff, but I don’t know what else I can do!"

2

Steven’s Approach To Managing His Understanding

After earning a poor test grade, Steven’s professor asked him how he had studied for the test. Steven could not provide a clear answer because he rarely paid attention to HOW he studied. His professor noted that it is difficult for students to improve their performance unless they become more mindful, and aware of new learning strategies. Steven expanded his repertoire of learning strategies by using the SRL website.

Steven began to understand that different strategies are needed for different learning activities or situations. He explored the strategies available for reading text, writing essays, and solving math problems.

Steven really liked the idea of using concept maps to summarize information from textbooks and re-organize his class notes. The concept maps helped him see connections between ideas, which enhanced his understanding.

Steven also decided to quiz himself during test preparation. This strategy helped him to identify the topics that he had yet to master and what he needed to continue studying.

Finally, Steven began to use brainstorming and outlining tactics to improve his essay and report writing. These preparation strategies helped him organize his ideas in a more coherent way.

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The effects of Managing Understanding

"It took some time, but I now see that there are many different ways to approach assignments, projects, and tests. I can't believe I never really thought about these things, but now I am continually striving to think in the language of strategies."

Key Thought

By continually expanding your learning strategies toolkit, you will learn and perform more effectively in school. Start with small changes to how you approach and think about learning assignments and keep building your knowledge of strategies. The more strategic you become, the more competent and confident you will be.

Improve Your Learning Tactics

Tactics to improve learning

There are many types of tactics to improve recall of information, the quality of writing, and reading comprehension. Click on the links below to learn more.

Learning Tactics

Effective Learning Tactics

Quiz yourself Explain why something is true Relate new information to other ideas Identify connections and relations Reading Aloud Take notes and summarize

Effects of Seeking Help Effects of Environment Management Effects of Time Management Effects of Learning Tactics

Seeking Help

Environment Management

Time Management

Learning Tactics

Explore Tips for Learning Tactics:

Explore Tips for Time Management:

Explore Tips for Environment Management:

Explore Tips for Help Seeking:

Key Learning Strategies Tips to Remember

Improve Your Help Seeking

Improve Your Environment Management

Improve Your Time Management

Improve Your Learning Tactics

Strategies for Effective Help Seeking

Strategies to Improve Your Environment

Effective Time Management Strategies

Effective Learning Tactics

If You Often Seek Help, it is likely that…

This Often Results in...

If you sometimes seek help, it is likely that…

This Sometimes Results in...

If you rarely seek help, it is likely that…

This often results in…

Experience before Seeking Help

Erica’s Help Seeking Actions

The Effects of Help Seeking

Key Thought

Strategies for Effective Help Seeking

If You Frequently Manage Your Environment, it is likely that:

This Often results in...

If You Sometimes Manage Your Environment, it is possible that:

This Often Results in...

If you Rarely Manage Your Environment, it is likely that...

This Often Results in You:

Experience before Managing Environment

Gloria’s strategies for Managing Environment

The Effects of Managing Environment

Key Thought

Strategies to Improve Your Environment

If You Often Manage Your Time, it is likely that...

This will often result in...

If You Sometimes Manage Your Time, it is likely that…

This will often result in...

If You Rarely Manage Your Time, it is likely that...

This often results in...

Experience before Managing His Time

Sam’s Time Management Actions

The Effects of Time Management

Key Thought

Effective Time Management Strategies

If You Often Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

This Typically Results in...

If You Sometimes Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

This often results in:

If You Rarely Use Learning Tactics, it is likely that you...

This often results in...

Experience Before Using Strategies

Steven’s Approach To Managing His Understanding

The effects of Managing Understanding

Key Thought

Effective Learning Tactics