In discussing the intellectual efforts, the author differentiates learning approaches into two categories: deep learning and surface learning. (Major, 2015) Surface learning learners can only grasp the learning context’s details or partial information, whereas deep learning learners can fully understand the meaning and indicate the author’s intention. For example, students were asked to read a paragraph of information and restate what they have read. As a result, surface learning learners can only recall fragmental details of the passage; some learners can understand and restate parts of the passage, and deep learning learners can rephrase the author’s statement with supporting evidence.
From my learning experience, I would consider that my learning approach has evolved since I entered college. Philosophy was the course I had an intrinsic interest to learn and put in efforts; however, I did not succeed in that course as I would expect. I was motivated to attend every lecture and engage in every discussion, yet I did not do well in essay writing and final exams. Thinking back, I would say that my surface learning pattern was the primary reason for my failure. Philosophy is a subject that requires lots of intellectual efforts; memorization alone is not enough; good grades will only be given to students who can rephrase philosophical theories with supporting evidence. I especially remember the instructor said that “good philosophy essays are comprehensible to everyone.” In contrast, I used lots of big words and hard sentences in my essay, and even I found my writing hard to understand.
It seems like my writing skills have improved as I practiced, but I would also think the change in my learning pattern has impacted my thinking and writing process. Now, whenever I write, I would think whether my writing makes sense to my audience, and my learning approach becomes deep learning through these self-reflections.
Major, C. H. (2015). Teaching online: A guide to theory, research, and practice. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Hello Yi,
I appreciated your discussion on the difference between surface learning vs deep learning. I believe that deep learning is very important as it may be beneficial in providing students with advanced skills that are necessary for problems that come up in the real world. With many good jobs in the modern world, it is expected that students stay curious and are willing to be continuous and independent learners. I had similar experiences as you did in your philosophy class during your first year. I think it can be difficult learning ‘how’ to study as a first-year student; as high schools don’t seem to do enough to get you ready for this experience. From experience, I think sometimes it easier to do surface learning (memorization) and then do deeper learning; however, this may be dependent on the course! I admire your approach in your writing where you ask yourself if it would make sense to different audience members, while reflecting on your ideas.
Thank you for an interesting post!
Regards,
Tanvir Sidhu