Task/Purpose: The following learning experiments give you an opportunity to apply some of the learning theories we’ve been reading about. These experiments are intended to help you figure out which practices are most beneficial to you as a learner—in and beyond school. In addition to completing the experiment itself, you’ll be writing a short Collab post. Please follow the instructions below.
Learning Experiment #1, Part 1: Attempt to alter one of your study routines based on one of Carey’s suggestions in How We Learn (from chapters 3, 4, or 7). Simply write a few sentences describing what you plan to change and why. Post to Collab. [Note: Obviously, do not choose any of the learning experiments that involve drugs or alcohol]
Learning Experiment #1, Part 2: Now that you’ve had some time to change your study routine, write a journal entry about your experience. Did this change have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on your progress as a student? Why do you think so? Will you continue to use this method? Post your response to Collab (200-300 words).
Learning Experiment #2: Notice the next time you have a negative thought about something you did (in any aspect of your life). Then, in writing, attempt to reframe your negative thought by adopting a “growth mindset.” Post your response to Collab (200-300 words).
Learning Experiment #3: As Rebecca Solnit writes, “the rhythm of walking generates a kind of rhythm of thinking.” For this experiment, your task is to take a walk with no particular destination in mind (it’s important that this walk be rather aimless). Your walk should be a minimum of 15 minutes—ideally longer. Notice your surroundings (take pictures if you want). Make observations. Let your mind wander. Pay attention to your thoughts. After you return from your walk, write about this experience in a Collab post (200-300 words; feel free to include pics if you took them). What kinds of thoughts and observations did you have while walking? How would you describe the “rhythm of your thinking”?
Learning Experiment #4: Keep a boredom log during a 6 hour period. Every time you experience the feeling of boredom, write down what you are doing, where you are, who you’re with, what time it is, and any other relevant information. Keep your log on a sheet of paper and bring that to class with you. After the 6 hours is up, write a reaction to your boredom log in a Collab post (200-300 words). Did you notice patterns? Were you surprised or unsurprised by any of this data?
Learning Experiment #5: During a 4 hour period, pay attention to when you feel most distracted (by a particular technology, situation, etc.). In other words, during this time when did you feel most pulled away from a task you were supposed to be doing and what was the cause of this distraction? Write a 200-300 word Collab post about why you think this distraction occurred and whether or not you think it was helpful or harmful to you.
Experiments in Learning 