Thoughts on Learning and Academic Success

by Maureen R. Johnston, MFT
(Originally appeared in my newsletter Sense and Psychotherapy, Summer 1998)

I've recently been researching childhood learning styles and behavior for a series of presentations I'm doing at a local elementary school. It's given me a chance to explore aspects of childhood learning development, and think about how it relates to learning styles and school success. One subject I find fascinating is the recent research coming out on how the brain develops, and how that affects our learning style and our ability to integrate information. Different areas within the brain control specific emotional, intellectual, and physical functions. Many theories describe how the timing and type of stimulation the brain receives can enhance or detract from development in a variety of areas.

I've been attracted by Howard Gardner's theory of the eight "intelligences," which argues that we are all gifted in at least one, if not many, of a common set of learning styles. He suggests that we increase a child's chances for success in school by identifying her learning styles and tailoring learning situations to utilize her strengths. One of the strongest implications, which I find very appealing, is that there's no such thing as a "one size fits all" educational strategy. While some children may thrive in a traditional "3-R" environment, others will learn more effectively in an open, exploratory environment that develops basic skills by focusing on areas of interest. With so many school choices available these days, it seems more important than ever for parents to know the learning styles of their children and to explore the range of educational experiences that are available.

Much has been written for parents regarding strategies for academic success, and more is being published every day. Fortunately, I've found that most of the material available offers similar common sense suggestions. For one thing, most writers strongly encourage reading at all ages. We live in a very linguistic culture, and functional literacy is absolutely essential for almost any student. Not surprisingly, many books suggest turning off the TV as a way to encourage reading. Another common theme is that children need to develop regular study habits. The more embedded the homework routine becomes, the more likely children are to regard it as a natural part of their lives. Positive role modeling appears as a strategy in many books on academic success. Children in households where learning, and enthusiasm for learning, are part of their parents' lives seem to grow up to share that excitement.

I've seen many studies citing parent involvement in their child's education as one of the strongest predictors of academic success. I strongly encourage parents to become involved in their childrens' schools. There are so many benefits, not only for the schools and the children, but for the parents as well. By volunteering in the classroom parents stay in contact with teachers, and regularly observe their children's academic and social progress. By becoming part of the school community, they can find common ground with parents who, like themselves, are striving to raise children who will grow into responsible, productive, happy adults.

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