Four Girders Framework – My Learning Network

An image of a girder bridge over a river. Students are standing over the bridge and multiple images related to academic are floating in the air.

What is the Four Girders Framework?

The Four Girders Framework is my approach to helping students. Nothing original. This is a simplified way of explaining four core areas directly impacting students’ ability to achieve academic success. To the extent that is possible, the content shared on this site follows this framework.

What is a girder?

A girder is a support beam used in construction. In a bridge, it is the main horizontal support of a structure which supports smaller beams.

Why girders?

Honestly, I don’t have a huge imagination. Most good metaphors are already taken (bridge to success is a very common one). But I like bridges, girder bridges in particular. In a girder bridge the beams are exposed, you can see them easily. You can also see the connections between the girders (the support beams) and the other smaller beams that keep the structure in place. I don’t claim that this Four Girders Framework provides everything you need to academically succeed in college. I believe this is just the foundation of a bigger structure; one in which you can easily visualize the connections between the essential components and other important elements of that structure.

What are the Four Girders

As mentioned before, I believe the fundamentals for academic success can be organized in four core areas. These four areas are: Self-regulation, Life Balance, Learning Strategies, and Resources. All these areas are integrated. They don’t work in silos. Each, play a significant role; and combined, they create the structure needed for academic success.

Below is a brief explanation of each girder. Click on each heading for a more detailed explanation.

Girder #1: Self-regulation

Self-regulation involves understanding the impact of self-efficacy and confidence. Your beliefs play a significant role in your success. And those beliefs could impact your motivation. Girder #1 also requires managing your motivation levels consistently and developing the ability to set effective and meaningful goals.

Girder #2: Life Balance

Life Balance is the second girder and it has three components: managing time, setting priorities, and taking care of your personal wellbeing. It is important to understand the value of time and learning how to calculate the amount of work and effort needed to be successful. It also involves dealing with the challenges created by procrastination and establishing priorities that lead to success. But remember, above all you are a human being first. You must build strong physical and mental health habits to sustain the emotional and mental health balance needed to achieve success.

Girder #3: Learning Strategies

Being a successful learner requires knowledge about how people learn. What does it actually mean to learn? What are the biggest barriers to learning? Effective learning depends upon engagement and being active. But it also demands a positive attitude and passion for deep learning and understanding. Planning and monitoring are important factors as well, and so is mastering the traditionally called study techniques, like: effective reading, taking notes, test-taking strategies, etc.

Girder #4: Resources

In many instances, being a successful student also implies seeking help and support. While being an independent, self-regulated learner is the goal, the process to get there is more manageable when support is requested and provided. Most institutions offer a variety of academic support services to their students (tutoring, writing labs or centers, dedicated Math support, Supplemental Instruction, academic coaching, and more). You need to get familiar with all the services available at your institution. You can also benefit from building relationships. Finding a study partner, joining or creating study groups are great forms of learning. Your professors and instructors are also a great source of knowledge and help. Get to know them and try to learn from them outside of the classroom as well. Finally, technology provides great tools and opportunities to enhance your learning experience. Modern technologies can be the origin of many distractions, but they are also powerful tools for learning. On this site, we share plenty of them.

Just the foundation

As explained at the beginning, the Four Girders Framework is just the foundation for a successful learning experience. All these core elements work in a continuum. They are integrated and together can provide the framework for your identity as a life-long learner.

Graphic of the four girders framework: self-regulation, life balance, learning strategies, and resources — Four Girders Framework Printable Handout

This printable handout of the Four Girders Framework is available here:

Four Girders Framework Download