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Homepage Blog Tutoring Drilling vs. Understanding – Isn't it the same?

Drilling vs. Understanding – Isn't it the same?

Drilling vs. Understanding – Isn't it the same?
2. 3. 2020
Tutoring

You have certainly learned before. We don’t mean walking, talking, or eating with cutlery now. On the contrary, we mean a controlled learning process and the perceived need to learn the necessary topic. In such a process, there two learning opportunities standing on opposite sides.

The first option is a word for word, exact “interpretation” of the written text, to learn something you don't even understand. The second option is to understand the topic, its acquisition. The whole cycle of education is the interweaving of the two learning options, drilling versus understanding. 

Drilling vs. understanding in practice

Before we start, let's show drilling and understanding of a specific situation. Let’s meet two students, Mary and Tom.

While Tom learns best through practice, that is, by what he sees and hears, and considers the textbook to be completely useless, and Mary has learned to “parrot” the textbook during her school years. Neither of these ways is completely wrong or completely correct. Sometimes we just need to learn the given text word for word, other times. It is necessary to understand a specific thing.

Everyone prefers a different approach, strategy, and teaching methods in their learning. However, it is usually necessary to understand the topic to solve a specific problem or learning task. Theoretical facts alone are often not enough. 

Drilling in traditional education

Traditional education is largely based on the teacher's interpretation associated with the student's learning of the topics. Learning is often seen as “pouring information into students' heads.” We literally serve students the information they need to learn. Thanks to the precise scope of topics and curricula, teachers have only limited time to teach. You surely know it – learn it, test it, then forget it right away and keep learning – typical course of study.

Nowadays, students often do not learn how to understand the topic, grasp it and then explain it. Students learn pages and pages of theories because someone just wants them to. Many pupils and students also lack the ability to search for and evaluate the necessary information. When writing a seminar paper, they often do not distinguish which information source is reliable and which is not, and they randomly use Wikipedia or the first results offered to them by a good “uncle Google”.

Learning as a process

The learning process is incredibly complicated. If we want to achieve the best possible results, we need to learn effectively, combine drilling with understanding, learn to recall information in connection with an activity or subject. 

In the articles on this blog, from time to time, we focus on learning styles and how to learn properly, how to teach children to learn, how to learn to learn, how to learn better and faster or how to study languages ​​, and what to do when we just can’t get it. Each of these articles contains hints, tips, and important information that we will now summarize.

Motivation is important

Do you think that the motivation of students is not important? That the student does not need it for learning? You are wrong. Motivation goes hand in hand with the learning process. If a student is to learn something, they must know why. Simple answers like, “Because you just have to!” or “I had to learn that too!” are not enough. Pupils need to what is the aim of this topic and what they will gain by learning. 

Let’s not forget regularity

Regularity, a clear definition of when and what will be learned, plays a big role in learning. It is not the time you spend learning that matters, but the number of tasks you complete. Therefore, focus on setting a goal. For example, I calculate three examples every day. Every day, I learn one chapter from the textbook. Do not focus on quantity, but on quality. 

Helpful Mnemonics

“I” before “e” except after “c” – but only when it sounds like “bee”! “Mrs D, Mrs I, Mrs FFI, Mrs C , Mrs U, Mrs LTY!” of “Rhythm Help Your Two Hips Move” – simple memory aids to help you know your grammar. 

You can create similar mnemonics for almost everything. It is best to create it yourself.

Harry Helps Little Betty Brown Crack Nuts On Friday Night. Doesn't it remind you of anything? So look carefully, Harry Helps Little Betty Brown Crack Nuts On Friday Night. – Element symbols: hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, and nickel.

Change of environment

If the student really cannot get it and is upset about it, a change of environment can significantly help. Try to move to another place within the apartment or house, try learning in the park or a public library, find a place where you can concentrate as best you can, where you feel good. 

Techniques that you can use to improve your memory

There are several key approaches and ways to perfect memory. You can improve your memory with stories you focus on, for example. But there are other ways to improve your memory immediately. An ingenious trick is to use the secrets of memory paths. And even the human body, as a tool for remembering, is not bad either. Don't you believe it? Try it. Maybe such a school of memory will help you too.

A partner who will run the “study marathon” with you

Do you think no one like that exists? Or did someone came to your mind right away? If not, we would know about someone. We know a lot of people who don't run one but several imaginary marathons a year. At the same time, they are not limited to the season or to which year the student is currently studying. 

Understanding at School Populo 

At School Populo, we focus on each student's problem areas, trying to find his/her weaknesses and fill them. Our tutors are experts in their field, but that does not mean that they already know everything. They, too, are still learning, and with each new student, they move on. Students and tutors learn from each other. Students fill their gaps in the topic, and tutors learn how to work with the students, improve their pedagogical skills. At School Populo, we make sure that we have the best tutors who tutor with a happy smile.

The moment you come to School Populo, you will feel positive energy, a friendly atmosphere, and the present coordinators will welcome you with a smile. Every lesson is like that. We simply want to be positive.

We do not focus on the student being able to memorize the topic but on understanding it. Then we know that what we do is not useless.

Therefore, if you need advice, tutoring, or just want to ask something, do not hesitate to contact us. You can use our contact forms, online chat, call us or visit our branch. Our coordinators will be happy to help you.

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