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Identifying
Gaps in Knowledge
A Study and Learning Skill
Learning to identify gaps in knowledge address the questions "How
do I know, what I don't know?" This skill becomes especially important
when reading or learning new materials. The first step in mastering
this technique is to first realize that there are aspects of any
subject that you just don't know. There might also be content
that you do not need to know based upon your level in the program,
the extent to which you will be expected to know the subject matter
and the level at which you will use the information in the future.
The following steps are designed to assist in the process of identifying
gaps in knowledge.
1. Use course or lecture objective to help you to focus
on what you should know. Look through the course syllabus for
indications of what your professor thinks is important.
2. When beginning to read, look through the material and
notice the title, headings, graphics and any other aids such as
chapter objectives. This helps to begin to organize your thinking.
3. Use the objective and heading to formulate questions.
These questions are ones that you believe you will get the answers
to during your reading. For example, a heading in a growth and
development textbook is 'THE GENETIC CODE'. Possible questions
might be: What is a genetic code? How is the genetic code made?
How does the genetic code influence growth and development? Is
the genetic code important to health? Read with your questions
in mind. You might also develop new questions as you read. This
trains your mind to actively search for answers as you read.
4. Look for the answers as you read.
5. Stop after each section to see if your questions were
answered. Don't proceed until you are able to recall/recite the
answers.
6. Do not skip over abstracts, introductions and summaries.
These often provide key information about the important issues
in the reading.
Practice Exercise: Use these techniques with your next
reading assignment. Remember to start with your course syllabus.
You do not need to write down your questions and answers but if
you do, your memory will be enhanced and you will have study notes
from your readings.
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