What Type of Student are You?

Ken Bain, in the book What the Best College Students Do, identified five types of students.

1. Those who receive good grades but become no more productive than their friends who receive C's and D's;
2. Those who receive good grades and who become deep learners, adaptive experts, great problem solvers, and highly creative and compassionate individuals;
3. Those who receive mediocre grades but someday achieve phenomenal success because they did learn deeply, despite their transcripts;
4. Those who receive poor marks, give up, and live a life that is largely dependent on others;
5. Those who receive poor grades but tell themselves (without much evidence) that someday they will shine. (p. 10)

Bain believes everyone can fall into the 2nd or 3rd category - the deep learners - regardless of grades, ability, or background.  Consider these questions today:

• Do you agree that Bain's categories describe the range of college students? 
• Which type do you think describes you?
• If you're not a type 2 or type 3 student, what might be one step to move toward becoming a deep learner?

If you're interested in talking further about these ideas, comment below, get the book, or contact Rick Muthiah at rmuthiah@georgefox.edu to converse via email or call 503-554-2314 and we can schedule a time to talk over coffee.