Dear Chattanooga State Community,

I hope this past week of classes has gone well for you and you are getting back into the swing of things. As you embark on the next few weeks of this semester, I wanted to take a moment to share some insights on "learning better." This might seem like an odd topic, at first, at an institution of learning. It might seem that everything we do is about learning, and that is true, but I want to talk to you about how you might work to better retain the information you are learning.

One of the most powerful learning strategies is "active retrieval," a concept highlighted in the book Make it Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, and Mark McDaniel. At its core, active retrieval is the practice of actively trying to recall information from memory rather than passively reviewing or rereading material. It's akin to testing yourself, and it's a method that has been proven to enhance long-term retention and understanding significantly.

A study titled "The Critical Importance of Retrieval for Learning" published in the journal Science found that students who practiced active retrieval showed a marked improvement in long-term retention compared to those who simply reviewed their notes or materials. This is just one of many studies that underscore the power of this technique.

So, what does this mean for you? As you delve into your studies, I encourage you to:

• Test Yourself Regularly: Instead of just rereading your notes, quiz yourself on the material. Use flashcards, practice problems, or even try to summarize what you've learned without looking at your notes.
• Engage in Group Discussions: Talking about what you've learned and explaining it to others can also be a form of active retrieval.
• Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to get things wrong. Mistakes are a part of the learning process. Seek feedback and use it as an opportunity to refine your understanding.

Remember, retrieving material through practice is more effective than simply re-reading it. This practice helps with comprehension. I believe in each and every one of you and your ability to succeed. Let's make these next few weeks a testament to the power of learning better.

 

Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE) Now Open—Tell us How We are Doing!

New students enrolled in credit courses and who are over the age of 18 are encouraged to tell us how we are doing so far! Your answers will help us be better in the future for students just like you.  If you are eligible, use your ChattState email address as your access code and click here to access the survey.

 

Upcoming Events

October 16–19, Main Campus
Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

October 17, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, McCormick Cafeteria
Careers on the Move

October 17, 6:30 PM, Gym
Volleyball Game vs. Walters State

October 21, 10 AM–1 PM, Main Campus
Oktoberfest Open House

October 24, 11 AM–1 PM, Student Center
Employer Spotlight

October 26, 10 AM–1 PM, Student Center
Transfer Fair

October 26, 12 PM–1 PM, Faculty/Staff Dining Hall
Lunch & Learn: Cost of Climate Change

October 26, 7:30 PM, Humanities Theatre
Happy Halloween Concert

October 31, 10 AM–1 PM, OMN Café
Oktoberfest Student Experience

 

Sincerely,
Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D.
President