Lesson 1: HOW TO BE A BETTER STUDENT
The only person who is educated is the one
who has learned how to learn and change.
- Carl Rogers
According to neuroscientists, learning new
knowledge and skills every day keeps the
structures of the brain changing and increases its
ability to learn. This chapter discusses theories and
concepts that explain the nature and dimensions of
learning. Metacognition and self-regulated learning
are also discussed, along with suggestions and
strategies on how to improve learning and become
a better student.
LEARNING
Behaviorists define learning as a relatively
permanent change in behavior as a result of
practice or experiences. Cognitive psychologists
define learning as a process that leads to change
as a result of experience. In other words, learning is
the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
through experience. It is a transformational process
that leads to personal growth and development.
Learning helps an individual adapt to the constantly
changing environment. It starts at birth and
continues throughout life. It is a constant process
that can result from direct and indirect experiences.
Individuals learn from one another through
observation and imitation. Learning is important to
the survival of human beings because it enables
them to discover new knowledge, technology, and
interventions.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BRAIN DURING
LEARNING
Humans have the capacity to learn new skills and
adapt to new environments. Development and
learning are powerful agents of change throughout
one's life which induce structural and functional
plasticity in the neural systems of the brain (Galván,
2010). The process of neuroplasticity is the ability
of the brain to change throughout one's life. It
involves the addition of new neurons, new
interconnections between neurons, and the
reorganization of information processing areas.
The ability of the brain to change happens in two
ways; it can be through an increase in the number
of synapses between neurons or a change in the
function and structure of the neurons.
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the
nervous system that transmit impulses or
messages. Every neuron is made up of a cell body
(soma), dendrites, and an axon. Neurons vary
according to their functions and locations. The
impulses that travel along neurons are
electrochemical in nature. A neuron transmits
impulses or messages to another neuron through a
junction called synapse. Neurons are not totally
connected and are separated by a small gap.
Neurotransmitters are the electrochemicals that
connect and allow the transmission of impulses
from one neuron to another. Several
neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine,
glutamate, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are
associated with memory and learning.
The process of neuroplasticity, or changes in the
structure and functions of the neurons in the brain,
usually happens in the cerebral cortex, which is the
wrinkled layer of the brain. The cerebral cortex is
packed with neurons and is responsible for the
most sophisticated information processing in the
brain. The cortex is divided into four lobes: frontal,
parietal, temporal, and occipital. Each lobe is
responsible for processing the different types of
sensory information. The cerebral cortex plays a
key role in human learning, thought, memory, and
language (Rathus, 2017). Although the brain
continues to grow and develop throughout one's
life, the overall number of neurons and synapses
declines with age. Thus, Dr. Michael Merzenich, a
leader in the field of neuroplasticity research,
suggests that learning new knowledge and skills
every day keeps the structures of the brain in
constant change, which increases its ability to
learn.
 Lesson 1: HOW TO BE A BETTER STUDENT
METACOGNITION AND SELF-REGULATED
LEARNING
Metacognition is the awareness of one's thinking
and the strategies one uses to learn. Metacognition
is simply defined as cognition about cognition or
thinking about thinking. Psychologist John Flavell
(Lai, 2011) identifies two components of
metacognition: metacognitive knowledge and
metacognitive regulation. Metacognitive knowledge
includes knowledge of one's own cognitive abilities,
knowledge of cognitive tasks, and knowledge of the
strategies to complete the cognitive tasks.
Metacognitive regulation refers to how an individual
monitors and controls his or her cognitive
processes.
Zimmerman (2002) defines self-regulated learning
(SRL) as the process in which students
systematically direct their thoughts, feelings, and
actions towards the attainment of their academic
goals. It is a process of taking control of, and
evaluating, One's own learning and behavior. It is a
self-directed process through which students
transform their mental abilities into academic skills.
It is also a cyclical process in which a student plans
for a task, monitors his or her performance, and
reflects on the outcome. The cycle is then repeated
as the student uses his or her reflections to adjust
and prepare for the next task. Thus, students
practice their self-regulation learning by setting
goals, selecting and using strategies, monitoring
their performance, and reflecting on their learning
outcomes (Zimmerman, 2008). Consequently, the
three essential components of self-regulated
learning are planning, problem-solving, and
self-evaluation. Planning increases efficiency,
control, and motivation. Problem-solving allows
students to learn to think and look for solutions
when faced with adversities. Self-evaluation
increases self-awareness, which leads to a better
understanding of one's own emotions, strengths,
and weaknesses.
GENERAL BENEFITS OF METACOGNITION
AND SELF-REGULATION IN LEARNING
● Increase students' knowledge and
understanding of different subject matters
● Help students understand the kinds of
information they need to successfully solve
a problem in school
● Help students choose the most appropriate
and useful learning strategies to improve
their learning capabilities
● Help students organize daily tasks in school
● Help students identify strengths and
weaknesses in their academic performance
● Allow students to learn ideas from others,
such as their teachers and fellow students
● Allow students to give and receive feedback
in their own thinking and performance
● Develop students' autonomy and control
● Improve students' academic performance
and help them become successful
● Develop students' high sense of
self-efficacy and self-esteem
HOW TO DEVELOP METACOGNITIVE AND
SELF-REGULATED LEARNING BEHAVIORS
● Set your short-term and long-term academic
goals in your studies. Identify the negative
outcomes if you do not achieve your goals,
as well as the positive outcomes when you
achieve them.
● Make a self-help plan to achieve your
academic goals. Think of and select
strategies to achieve your goals, such as
staying focused, avoiding distractions, and
developing skills to manage your time
efficiently.
● Monitor your academic performance and
progress. Use a chart to monitor your work
outcomes. When faced with difficult tasks,
seek social support when you need it. Look
for inspiration to keep you motivated in
achieving your academic goals. When
confronted with difficulties, always think and
keep working towards your goals and the
future.
 Lesson 1: HOW TO BE A BETTER STUDENT

● Reflect on what you have learned and

accomplished. Reflection helps you develop
your strengths and overcome your
weaknesses.

DISCOVER
1. Behaviorists define learning as a relatively
permanent change in behavior as a result of
practice or experiences.
2. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to
change throughout life. It involves the
addition of new neurons, new
interconnections between neurons, and the
reorganization of information processing
areas.
3. Metacognition is the awareness of one's
thinking and the strategies one uses to
learn.
4. Self-regulated learning (SRL) is the process
in which students systematically direct their
thoughts, feelings, and actions towards the
attainment of their academic goals.
5. The three essential components of
self-regulated learning are planning,
problem-solving, and self-evaluation.