Understanding the conservative learning propensity of students

The poster of the webinar

UTAR Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) and National Chiayi University (NCYU) Taiwan jointly organised a webinar titled Students Conservative Learning Propensity and Its Influential System on 27 April 2022 via Microsoft Teams.

Invited to share his insights was a lecturer from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Surveying Dr Ooi Kean Thong. Dr Ooi obtained his PhD at Nanjing University, China in 2017. His research interest involves the areas of Education Pedagogy, Curriculum Design and Students’ Learning Style.

Among the topics discussed at the webinar were problems faced while studying; the forgetting curve by Hermann Ebbinghaus, what is learning; what is memory; the difference between learning and memory; phase of memory; types of memory; function of the brain; structure of the brain; left and right brain structures, Cornell Method, the Feynman Technique and others.

Dr Ooi kick-started the webinar by giving a quick overview of the differences between memory and learning. He said, “Memory refers to a person’s accumulation of past activities, feelings, experiences, and impressions. Memory formation goes through three main processes - Encoding, Storage, Retrieval, while learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge through reading, listening, thinking, research and practice.”

He added, “Learning and memory are closely related concepts. Learning is the acquisition of skills or knowledge, while memory is the expression of what you’ve acquired. Knowing the brain will allow us to adjust our learning.”

Dr Ooi discussing the phases of memory

Dr Ooi showing the types of memory

Dr Ooi mentioned, “The memory machine is selective about what gets in and how it changes over time. Our brain records important events. Memories aren’t stored in just one part of the brain. Different types are stored across different, interconnected brain regions.”

 

Dr Ooi explaining the structure of the human brain

Dr Ooi suggesting students to utilise the Cornell Method and the Feynman Technique in their study

Dr Ooi concluded his webinar by advising participants, “In order to learn effectively, try to connect new knowledge with your own living environment. Discuss your ideas with classmates, teach others and figure out what you don’t understand.”

The webinar came to an end with a Q&A session and a group photography session.

Dr Ooi (second row, most right) with students from NCYU (top row, middle) and participants