James Paul Gee’s Multiple Routes Principle summarizes that different methods are available for learning. If one is not seeing progress with a certain method, try a different method. I found this principle most relatable. For instance, in my first year of college, I was a biology major and I had no idea how I was going to study because all I have heard about this major is how difficult it is. I went to the lectures and took notes as fast as I could so I could get every piece of information from the professor. However, I realized that I was getting more and more lost after a few lectures. I was stuck on the homework assignments as well. Some of my notes were messy and I ended up not being able to understand them. After that, I tried listening to the professor without taking notes and audio recording so I could take notes later from the recording. This worked for me as I was starting to understand the lectures better. I learned that this method is best for me to learn biology since it is such a heavy course. Taking notes from the recording allows me to focus on the initial lecture. My notes were also more organized because I could control the recording. I didn’t do this for my other courses because they weren’t as difficult as biology. As a college student, I think exploring different learning strategies is important for growth and success.
I agree with what you’re saying there are many different methods of learning not everyone learns the same way. I liked how you compared it to yourself and as well as found another way to understand the material. I find this helpful I’m struggling in a class but I’m realizing that there could be other ways to help me understand better.
I agree that this method is definitely one of the best ways to learn. Like with most things, there are many ways to get there and just because one person does one thing does not mean you have to do the same, we all learn differently. I like how you related it to listening to your class recordings and taking notes later and how that’s something you do for biology but not necessarily your other courses, that once again shows the multiple routes method. There is essentially no right way, as you say it is important to try things out and see what works
I particularly resonated with this principle as well, I also apply this principle in the academic setting daily. Much like your experience of having a hard time during class taking in so much information, I also struggled to keep myself organized considering how many lectures I have and the amount of notes I have to take. The Multiple Routes Principle describes a sense of autonomy; taking control and having the freedom to find what works best for us. I’m glad that you have found that for yourself 🙂
I completely agree with Wendy Yang and so James Paul Gee. Everyone has unique approaches to studying or listening to a lecture to maximize their learning; there’s no single method that fits everyone. It’s crucial to try out different methods to find the one that best suits us. This also makes me reflect on how inadequate, in my personal experience and generally speaking, the school system is in presenting various learning approaches from an early age. Such an introduction would enable students to experiment and discover their most effective learning strategies as early as possible. My observations are particularly based on the Italian school system, where I have spent most of my academic life.
I agree with everything you said because it is important to know what’s your best learning strategy in every class. I realized that for some classes the different ways you learn and get things to your mind is different because of what you are learning and who is teaching it. There are different ways of learning and it’s important to acknowledge that. I’m glad to found a good way to learn biology because everyone is different when it comes to learning and it’s important to be open minded always. Do what’s best for you always!
I resonate with your learning experiences and also believe in the multiple routes principle. For me, taking notes while the teacher is talking never worked since I am not a multitasker and cannot focus on more than one task at a time. So I also started focusing on “listening” as opposed to note-taking. I also watch YouTube videos since they can be easier to understand and are more concise. I hope that enhancing your studying literacy helps you in the future as well!
I agree. Trying out a new way to learn rather than moving on was a good move, and the way you worked around it was smart too. Me personally, I don’t understand too much from lectures, so I’d take notes, not from what the professor is saying, but from how I understood the topic, and it worked for me.