Recent Approaches to the Study and Teaching of ‘Effective Learning’ in Higher Education

Abstract

Several recent studies have developed measures of qualitatively different levels of understanding texts and complex academic topics. The question of whether skills in achieving understanding and retention of information at high levels of abstraction can be taught is addressed by analyzing some of the mental processes involved, and briefly reviewing a number of attempts that have been made to induce these processes. The discussion of learning outcomes is broadened to include the critical evaluation and personal valuing of information. Conclusions are drawn for the teaching of “effective learning.”