Page 16 - Jurnal Kurikulum BPK 2020

Some students evaluate their learning strategy based on internal indicator

Internally driven students would choose a different method in learning if they feel that
the failed to understand the topic. For example, As said her personal preferences towards the
biology topic influences her evaluation.

“When I have a hard time to understand certain topics or subjects that I don't really
favour. Not really. Because most subjects that I learned in class are my favourite.”
(As)

“When i find it hard to understand using my own way. Sometime. Because it’s hard
for me to try a new way.” (Kiki)

Only one student would choose a different learning strategy in respond to her
motivational level. Christ mentioned that most of the time, her strategy would be the same.
However, when she is more motivated to learn, she would use different method.

“When I really feel like studying, I will make short notes as I read through the
reference books and highlight some parts also. My studying method is more or less the
same.” (Christ)

Students who are internally driven also influenced by “being comfortable” with the usual
method. They did not take on new learning strategy because they would prefer to stick with the
one they are familiar with. For example:

“Yes, because I comfortable with the one I had from high school.” (Kiki)

“More towards memorising and do a continuous exercise. Since high school I feel that
I am more towards memorising…”. (Ikin)

Unlike externally driven students, those who respond to internal indicator are less likely
to change their learning strategy. They also often use the same strategy not only for any type
of activity but also the same strategy since high school. This indicates they wanted to avoid the
feeling of discomfort if they were to use a different method. Discomfort would put on more
pressure on them as they were dealing with problem with their education.

Students evaluate their strategy based on their ability to monitor their learning progress

One of the main facets of monitoring is when student can use the information they have
learned to answer questions (Schraw & Moshman, 1995). During the interview, I asked student
questions on how they would know is any of their chosen strategy has help them to accomplish
their goals. Most of them answer “being able to give correct answers”. This is mainly referring
to answering question in the exam/tests. As stated previously, exam grade is their main goal in
education hence answering exam question correctly indicates effective learning strategy. For
example, Ipan continuously change his learning approach based on exam grades and held on to
the method that resulted in good grades.

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