Learning to Study with a Virtual Tutor
Learn How to Study by Professor Derek Rowntree is more than just a book about learning. It is a “tutorial style” book that gives practical application to the material that is being presented. In short, the author wanted more than just to have his book read. Professor Rowntree wanted students to learn from his book. It was clear that application was his goal.
Some of the initial parts of his book were less applicable to me in my chapter of life. I am not planning on moving into a dorm anytime soon and I am probably not going to engage in binge drinking. Having said that, there were some jewels to be discovered as he wrote about developing good study habits.
For example, take a look at the author’s admonishment in chapter two: “relish the parts of your course that are intrinsically, satisfying—whether academically, vocationally, or personally; but don’t neglect the parts that simply have to be done for extrinsic reasons.” This is a practical piece of wisdom that all students need to keep in mind. He reminds us that there are things in books and lectures that we will naturally enjoy learning about, but there are also things that the course demands that we must pay attention to.
Another nugget of wisdom from Rowntree in chapter two: “Never lose sight of the fact that someone (the authors or speakers) is trying to sell you something.” We are accomplished at discerning a sales pitch during a television break. We may not be as critical when reading a book or listening to a lecturer. Even in education we need to realize that we are being sold ideas or perspectives, not toothpaste or automobiles.
To be honest, the section of the book that I personally benefitted from is chapters 9, 10, and 11. I have started on a journey toward doctoral level research, essays, and a final dissertation. I am building on the foundation that was laid 24 years ago when I completed my Masters of Divinity degree. These chapters gave me very practical guidance as I begin my research.
I actually took a page full of notes from chapters 10 and 11. These outlined the planning of an essay and the writing of an essay. The part on planning the essay is the section that I probably overlooked while getting my previous degree. I would start out with a blank page and a collection of books and just begin writing. While I can assume that this method might work well for a novelist, it is definitely the best way to begin an essay.
I also appreciated the practical lists under the headings of “try to…” and “avoid.” These will help me move into a more professional style of writing. The notes that I took about writing an essay were not for “busy work.” They are a checklist that I plan on going back to when I begin to formulate my first essay.
In summary, Rowntree is the most practical book that I have read this semester. It is my hope this work will guide me over the next three years.
About the Author
Stu Cocanougher
6 responses to “Learning to Study with a Virtual Tutor”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Stu,
I too appreciated this comments on “relish the parts of your course that are intrinsically…” It affirmed that we can focus on the parts that intrigue our interest to take with us. I agree that this book is practical and if offers great tips.
Stu yes I too thought this was a “aha” when I read it ” “Never lose sight of the fact that someone (the authors or speakers) is trying to sell you something.”. I had not applied the sales person idea to reading or even critical thinking as I am reading. I do view books and even authors with a slightly different lens after reading that point.
The academic essay part 1 and 2 are extremely helpful. I will be using this book as well as some of the previous books as a reference throughout each semester to realign myself as I engage in reading, collaborative learning and writing.
Stu, yes, even though we all got out Master’s degrees after writing many papers, etc.. for some of us it was a while ago. The steps are a great review and worth looking at before we start writing our essays.
The seven part strategy is worth the price of the book!!!!
Great post Stu! Good point about the sales pitch.
“We are accomplished at discerning a sales pitch during a television break. We may not be as critical when reading a book or listening to a lecturer.”
We always have to be in tuned and looking for the “pitch” when we are reading. Some are clearer than others, but there’s always a “pitch” going on. Of course, this is not a bad thing at all. It’s appropriate and a part of the process of learning and life. Being aware of it only makes for a better student and a more critical process.
Nice one, Tommy… I mean Stu.
I am with you on the essay writing. I will be revisiting that chapter when I get to writing my next/first essay. I also liked the intrinsic/extrinsic differentiation – and want to lean into the parts of the course that I really enjoy and am motivated by, while of course recognising that there are parts that just have to be done. I liked this practical “how to” book – some of which was obvious, or as you say, not particularly relevant, but much of which was a helpful and timely reminder!
I’m totally stealing that sheet of notes, Stu. You did a great job of fitting Rowntree’s essay helps into one, easy “at-a-glance” guide. Thank you for that!
Your thoughts about the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators has me thinking about how I work. Some weeks, even those things that would normally motivate me intrinsically are beat down by the weight of daily life. At those times I really have to rely on the extrinsic motivators to keep me moving forward. I hadn’t really thought that through when reading Rowntree’s thoughts, so I really appreciating you highlighting this.