Is Guided Learning or Self Learning the More Effective Study Strategy?

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Quick Look at Guided Learning and Self-Learning

The learning process breaks down into two separate categories, which are typically identified as guided learning and self-learning. The definitions of each are probably evident – guided learning is where you are taught by a professional or experienced individual while self-learning relies on using your own research skills to learn something new on your own.

The question is, which of these is the more effective study strategy? Rather than make you wait for the answer, we’ll just tell you right up front that guided learning is, by far, the preferred method. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of guided learning and a few of the problems with self-learning.

The Benefits of Guided Learning

Guided learning typically involves instruction based on external rewards and punishment, and assumes the experience of the person being taught is of lesser value than the person who’s teaching the lesson or skill. Here are a few of the benefits:

Experience Gives Rise to Education

When you are guided through the learning process, you are being instructed by a person who has a high level of expertise in the field of study. This means that you can always be confident that you’re learning the right principles through a proven curriculum.

Will Provide a Better Grasp of the Information

Speaking of curriculum and principles, guided learning presents you with a structured, consistent learning pattern. For many students, this type of learning allows them to gain a better grasp of the lesson being taught.

Instructors Help Prevent Misinformation

Every subject that a person wants to learn about will eventually lead to the discovery of incorrect information. Since instructors continuously keep up with what they’re teaching, they are able to deliver accurately, verified knowledge and techniques throughout the lesson.

Real-World Applications Are Discussed

When you are provided with information through guided learning, the person you’re learning from will have real-world experience on the subject. This will give you a better understanding of what you can expect outside of the classroom instruction.

The Problems with Self-Learning

Self-learning is often employed by those who give more weight to internal gratification over external rewards and consider themselves to be disciplined when learning a new skill or subject. However, there are a few problems with self-learning that are important to remember:

Accurate Resources May Be Difficult to Come By

As a general rule, an instructor will not only have the experience and knowledge that a student wants to learn but will also have all of the necessary resources available. Despite the vastness of the internet, a self-learner might find themselves being unable to find reliable information.

Important Information Could Be Missed

An experienced teacher has gone through the trials necessary to learn a subject and be proficient in both knowledge and skill. When you take away this learned wisdom, certain details, both minuscule and pertinent, could easily be missed.

What You Find Is Often Conjecture Rather Than Fact

Thanks to the internet, there are hundreds or thousands of places where you can find information on any given subject. Unfortunately, amidst accurate information, you will often be presented with misinformation, conjecture, and even downright falsehoods.

Lends Itself to Improper Learning Due to Lack of Opposition

With self-learning, there’s no one to oppose anything that you discover because you’re basically working in an echo chamber. Even worse, this lack of opposition will often cause one incorrect piece of information to lead to another and then another, leading you down a wrong path that is difficult to escape.

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With us, you will learn how to look at the detailed subject matter from multiple perspectives, giving you an all-inclusive understanding. Our strategies are proven, and we will help direct how you study for the NPTE.

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