I learned that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also an emotional and cognitive process that relies heavily on motivation, memory, and engagement. The brain prefers novelty and meaningful connections, which is why rote memorization often feels frustrating and ineffective. As an instructor, it is important to design learning experiences that stimulate curiosity, integrate new knowledge with what students already know, and provide opportunities for them to apply concepts in relevant ways.
I also learned that memory plays a central role in the success of learners. Since every lesson involves imparting new information, how students receive, store, and retrieve that information will determine their academic progress. While instructors are not responsible for teaching basic literacy skills, they can still support learners by offering strategies in critical areas such as note-taking, report writing, and summarization to strengthen memory retention and application.
Finally, I learned that participation and engagement can be fostered through simple yet powerful instructional strategies. Using verbal cues, opinion-based questions, and quick writing exercises such as 3x5 cards or 60-second term papers helps students feel more comfortable and involved in class. These methods not only reduce the fear of being wrong but also give students ownership of their learning. At the same time, instructors gain valuable insight into what students are understanding, allowing them to adjust their teaching accordingly.
