5 Factors That Affect Learning: Insights for Parents 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine first published its research report “How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition” in 2000. The nonprofit released the updated report “How People Learn II” in 2018 with new data and insights developed over the last couple of decades. 

The report contains valuable insights on how children learn, but at 346 pages, it might be a bit much for busy parents and educators to get through! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are highlights of the five factors that impact learning, whether in traditional or online setting, according to the study. 

1. The Impact of Culture

The research involved in writing “How People Learn II” uncovered the importance that culture plays in the classroom and in your child’s life. “Cultural influences shape individuals from the beginning of life,” the report authors explain. Cultural interpretations of learning and intelligence can vary significantly. Some traditions emphasize learning by observation, for example, while others stress teacher instructions. 

Regardless of these differences, most students learn best when they live in a culture that values not just education but understanding the material well. Encourage your child to question and test concepts as they learn. 

2. Learning Is Dynamic

Research in neuroscience shows that the brain continues to evolve throughout life. Learning never stops. Even after your child graduates from high school, their brain’s plasticity allows ongoing changes. 

Interestingly, findings show that the brain develops in different ways depending on a person’s experience. If your child reads a lot, their brain will develop differently than if they do math often. Amazingly, if your child starts doing more of another activity, the brain will rearrange itself to enable the new skill. 

3. Mental Models and Learning Strategies

The report finds that “mental models” play a crucial role in developing knowledge and learning how to apply it to real-world scenarios. It’s important for your child to do more than just retain information; they need to learn how to make inferences and solve new problems. 

Encourage your child to summarize and explain what they are learning, and to apply it in various contexts. This helps enrich their mental representation of information.  

4. Motivation to Learn

Motivation is crucial for learning to take place. Your child can only learn if they want to learn. However, motivation isn’t intrinsic or unchangeable. Research shows that giving children opportunities to share their work creates social motivation that encourages more effort. For instance, your child will put more effort into writing stories if they know they will share them with their peers. 

Other suggestions for increasing your child’s motivation to learn include: 

• Setting collaborative learning goals with them 

• Making the learning experience attractive 

• Giving them a sense of control and autonomy 

• Providing feedback on their progress 

• Ensuring a safe learning environment 

Online learning platforms often incorporate many of these strategies, offering personalized feedback, collaborative projects, and a variety of engaging content to keep students motivated. 

5. The Role of Technology

Technology has evolved quickly since the first report in 2000. Today, teachers and students have access to options like websites that help with school assignments and mobile apps that reinforce learning. 

Interactive technologies offer some of the most beneficial options because students can receive feedback and learn to refine their approach to learning new information. Other useful technologies include digital libraries, social media that connects students to diverse ideas, and software that analyzes data. Even virtual reality has proven helpful, such as when performing lab experiments they might otherwise not have had access to. 

Teachers need to plan carefully when they use technology in the classroom. Research has found that laptops in the classroom, when provided to all students, can be effective for learning and improve academic performance. 

Continued research from studies and reports such as “How People Learn II” provide new insights on a variety of subjects related to learning. The more insights you can glean from such data, the more help you can provide to your child.  

If you’re looking for ways to help your child learn, consider enrolling them in a virtual school, where they can receive a high-quality, personalized education experience online.