Mastering the Art of Learning: A Guide for Cambodian Higher Education Students

Introduction

The Cambodian higher education landscape poses an exhilarant yet challenging set of circumstances. There is an observable difference students face between secondary education and higher learning. Students in secondary schools relied on rote memorize to achieve favorable grades but in higher educational institutions’ success requires a new skill – the skill of learning how to learn. It is necessary and sufficient to state that Cambodians have to face challenges in every single aspect of society’s progression, overcome all obstacles for their personal development and those of their nation. This paper seeks not only identification of challenges and students in Cambodia, but also the ways around them in the context of “learning how to learn”, with an aim to assist students along their educational journey with practical guides and materials. – A Guide for Cambodian Higher Education Students

The Current State of Learning in Cambodian Higher Education

Challenges Faced by Cambodian Students

Students from Cambodia entering higher education often encounter a difficult adjustment period. The education system in Cambodia has been classically defined by a heavy reliance on rote memorization and repetition rather than critical analysis and self-directed learning. Because university coursework calls for so much more than simple information processing, students are often unprepared for the challenges presented.

For many students, this shift in the expected standard can be disconcerting. Students are expected to:

• Partake in active learning: Engage in classroom discourse, pose questions, and add to the discussions in class.

• Utilize critical thinking: Process intricate passages of text, consider multiple views, and synthesize them.

• Self-directed learning: Allocate time for different activities, perform investigations, and be proactive for the learning process.

The results of such a shift tend to be detrimental, as many students can experience escalation in low self-worth and academic success frustration.

How To Develop Improvements in Learning Tactics

In order to smoothen the transition between secondary and tertiary education, Camelodian students need to be taught effective learning techniques. Knowing how to learn will enable learners to:

– Assume more responsibility towards their education and foster a desire for self-sustained learning.

• A student is able to improve his academic performance: Achieve higher grades, comprehend the concepts at a deeper level and have better retention levels over time.

• A student is able to develop an important life skill: Improve the critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills which are required in every facet of life.

Incorporating this skill into the classroom with the necessary support can enable students in Cambodian universities to succeed academically and in life.

What is “Learning How to Learn”?

Understanding Metacognition

At the essence of, “learning how to learn” is the idea of metacognition. Consider it “thinking while you are thinking,” and you will have a looser definition of it. It self-regulates the learning process because it requires one to completely understand how their mind works. Metacognition consists of three components.

• Planning: Assessing how to tackle a problem before any action is taken. Which strategies will you adopt? How long will you spend? What are the primary objectives?

• Monitoring: Paying attention to one’s level of understanding while learning. Are all concepts being comprehended? Are there any distractions? Is there a need for one to pivot?

• Evaluating: Pondering how much effort has been invested after the completion of a study and what you have been able to gain. Was the session productive? What was most effective? Was it possible to reach the application goals set forward?

For a learner to actively partake in their learning journey, metacognitive skills should be mastered so they can determine their strengths and weaknesses, establish the right strategies, and change their approach whenever it is necessary.

 Important Learning Methods

Learning is subjective to a specific individual or context, however, there are some methods that tend to fit the needs of a number of students. These include, but are not limited to:

• Active Recall: Instead of passively reading through notes over and over, consider memorizing pieces of information from your mind. One way to approach this would be using flashcards or testing oneself.

• Spaced Repetition: Review material at prescribed increasing intervals over time to fix information in long-term memory.

• Elaboration: Tie new information with the existing one. Develop an analogy, sketch a diagram, or explain the matter in your own words.

• Interleaving: Study different subjects or topics during the same study period. This can enhance the ability to differentiate concepts and improve recall.

• Time Management Techniques: Use aids like the Pomodoro Technique or Eisenhower Matrix to compartmentalize work, set priorities, and beat procrastination.

The list above serves only as a starting point, and the useful ones will definitely differ from one person to another as well as the particulars. The important part is to test out different strategies and identify the one that is most efficient for you.

Applying “Learning How to Learn” in Cambodian Universities

 Role of Universities and Educators

Cambodian universities can cultivate a more self-directed culture by implementing the following practices. Doing so will be beneficial to both students and institutions.

• Curriculum Development: Revise existing programs or introduce new courses to focus on self study/ metacognition and “learning how to learn” strategies.

• Pedagogy: Facilitate self study and metacognition gave students opportunities to participate in discussions, group works, and problem solving sessions.

• Staff Development: School leaders should equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to use appropriate teaching methods for active learning and metacognition.

• Organizational Culture: Encourage students to ask questions and seek help, and create an experimental approach for tackling different learning methods.

These steps would allow Cambodian universities help students take initiative and become responsible autonomy learners.

Active Learning Strategies In this regard, shifting from lectures and traditional methods of teaching, universities in Cambodia should also try active learning strategies.

• Problem based learning (PBL): In PBL students learn through the analysis of a complex, real-world problem.

• Project based learning: Long term, group based projects where students learn to develop issues in depth and build critical thinking and collaboration skills

• Distribution of Learning: It enables students to organize themselves into small groups with the aim of contesting or sharing their concepts in order to assist one another’s learning.

These practices not only improve results of learning but also provide an opportunity to develop critical 21st Century skills such as verbal and written communication, collaboration, and analytical thinking.

 Resources and Support for Cambodian Students

Available Learning Resources

Cambodian universities have multiple learning supportive resources:

• Libraries: Providing a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and online databases, librarians are available to assist students in information retrieval and skill development.

• Online Platforms: Several universities have online learning portals that enable students to access course materials, digital libraries, and interactive learning activities.

• Writing Centers: Assists with various forms of academic writing, including research papers, essays, and oral presentations.

• Computer Labs: Providing computers and necessary software for research and writing, in addition to other academic tasks.

Besides these resources available on-campus, students have the opportunity to use:

• Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer free or affordable courses on many subjects.

• Educational Apps: Apps such as Quizlet, Anki, and Forest assist the students in memorizing materials, managing time, and increasing focus.

• Open Educational Resources: Easily accessible digital materials such as textbooks, videos, and simulations, are available online.

 Support Services

Universities have different supportive services for student achievement:

– Academic Advising: Assist students with course selection and planning, as well as resource availability. 

– Tutoring Services: Individual and group tutoring sessions in different subjects are provided.

• Counseling Services: Help students with their particular personal and academic needs.

• Student Clubs and Organizations: Help students socialize, develop their leadership skills, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Undeniably, these services are crucial for students as they pursue their various objectives in college.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Lifelong Learning

Addressing Learning Barriers

Cambodian students may face numerous obstacles to productive learning even when help and other resources are provided. Some of the common issues are:

• Language Barrier: The overwhelming majority of academic resources are in the English language which many students can hardly comprehend.

• Schedule Conflicts: Engaging in academic work alongside part time job, family duties, and social life is a difficult task.

• Money Issues: Difficulty paying for tuition, books, and other required resources is common among students.

• Apathy: For some students, making the leap to higher education can be dejecting, particularly if they are not performing well academically or lack direction.

There are many ways students can try to deal with these issues. A few examples are:

• Boost English language proficiency: Enroll into language courses, speak and write more often, and surf the internet.

• Simplify complicated time planning: Create a calendar, prioritize tasks, and divide larger projects into smaller assignments.

• Obtain financial help: Scholarships, part time jobs, and general assistance from the school can be investigated further.

• Stay focused and set tangible goals: Divide larger goals into more achievable smaller ones, make and recognize a bigger deal out of small successes, and seek encouragement from friends, students in higher years, and advisors.

Nurturing a Growth-Oriented Approach

Adopting a growth mindset is fundamental in overcoming obstacles and accepting learning as an ongoing undertaking. It is the belief that through relentless persevering efforts, one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed. Students with a growth mindset:

• Accept challenges: Approach obstacles with the willingness to learn, grow, and broaden one’s experience.

• Persist when faced with challenges: Do not relent with difficulties and continue to work on them.

• Believe effort leads to success: Have the conviction that hard work plays a decisive role in improving one’s competencies.

• Learn from negative feedback: Take constructive criticism as a means to better themselves.

• Use the achievements of others as motivation: Not see other people’s successes as competition but rather a motivational tool.

Through nurturing a growth-oriented approach, Cambodian students can learn to build resilience, overcome various challenges, and attain their maximum potential in higher education and other endeavors.

Conclusion

“Learning how to learn” in the Cambodian higher education context has evolved into a necessity rather than just a skill to acquire. Students can achieve universal excellence by performing effective learning strategies along with possessing cognitive skills and a growth mindset which helps the in overcoming barriers of college life, achieving academic success, and fulfilling their potential. Support services, teachers and universities themselves are highly responsible for creating the environment that motivates students to become active learners and enables them to seize control of their education. The shift of focus on the investments needed for students to learn how to learn through self-regulation will help Cambodia to develop. Cambodian students, by having learners of the world and free thinkers attitude along with adopting the growth mindset, will help develop themselves, their team, and country as a whole.

References

• Heng, K., & Sol, K. (2023). Challenges facing higher education in Cambodia and ideas for reform. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.62037/cjer.2023.03.01.01
• Heng, K. (2023). Promoting higher education quality in Cambodia: Challenges and recommendations. Cambodian Education Forum. https://cefcambodia.com/2023/08/13/promoting-higher-education-quality-in-cambodia-challenges-and-recommendations/
• Chea, P., Heng, K., & Din, L. (2023). Challenges and opportunities of online learning: Insights from Cambodian higher education during Covid-19. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 110-131. http://www.iier.org.au/iier33/heng.pdf
• The Asia Foundation. (2019). Promoting Higher Education in Cambodia. [Link to report]
• Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). (2021). Education Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. [Link to report]