Let’s face it. Knowing how to learn well is a skill in itself.
Nobody is born smart. We all start from point zero.
It’s not something you naturally inherited from your parents. We are not born geniuses and memory world masters.
If you want to start learning faster, you need to implement a new approach and new techniques towards the learning process.
And here is the list what you can do.
1. Break down the information into small digestive chunks.
When it’s big it looks intimidating so instead of learning all the material in one go, try to break down the information into small portions. Now there’s smaller chance you will be overwhelmed with the size of it from the start.
For example, you have to read and learn 30 pages of a historical text. Try to break i, into 5 – 6 parts, which are meaningfully connected. Then try to find the most important dates, historical events and people who act the leading roles in the whole story.
Take a break after each part. Drink something warm like tea, or coffee. Energizing shower can be a good idea. Then come back. Try to test yourself on what you already remember. Then move on to the next part.
2. Take notes.
Take notes. Use highlighters, draw diagrams or event small drawings with concepts. Don’t be afraid to draw on your notes. They should be alive – just like synapses in your head.
Taking notes will build a strong framework of the most important things worth remembering.
You can also read aloud and move around or even dance to the words.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
There is no such thing as a stupid question. Even when you think you understood the concept, just try to make sure. You will go deeper into learning and you can make a better connection with your tutor by showing your engagement and interest. There are here to help, after all.
And one more important thing, never, ever, pretend you understood, when you didn’t because someone else did. The chance is they also just pretend they did. Don’t pretend to be smart. Just become one.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci
We, humans can’t work efficiently in a multitasking environment. Too many distractions overload our brains, decrease cognitive skills and cause stress. As a result, your energy is wasted and your tasks are not finished.
Instead, try the Pomodoro technique. Switch you phone into Airplane Mode, if possible close yourself in a room, or wear earphones with relaxing music. Choose a task to do (for example writing a report). Set a timer for 20-25 minutes. Work on your task until you hear the alarm go off. Repeat.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Practice what have you learned. If you are learning a language, try to use it as much as possible. If you are studying maths – try to solve the problems with integrals.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each one of us make them. But there is no magic shortcut. We learn best by practicing the skill.
Our tip: try to explain to somebody in your own words what you have learned. If someone understands it, it means you nailed it. This is the best test if you yourself understand it enough.
6. Learn a lot online.
There are many online websites, apps and tools where you can master new concepts, or even change your life forever.
WE WROTE ANOTHER ARTICLE ABOUT THAT ->
Technology has the power of making everything easier. There are plenty of websites, online tools, and smartphone/tablet apps that will boost your skills of planning, writing, time management, brainstorming, etc.
StudyBlue – for flashcards
to eliminate distractions – selfcontrol? rescuetime
quizzlet
To make notes – Notella
Brains cape
Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, Khan Academy, Skillshare
7. Create colourful mind maps.
Have you heard about mind maps? This concept, invented by Tony Buzan, is based on making strong associations between ideas, using colours, shapes, images and words in a form of wired structures.
Our Tip: take a piece of paper, crayons and markers. You can also use post-it notes. Now try to organise facts into categories. Now you need to find connections between categories. To connect use arrows between all of them. Use titles, keywords, conclusions and comments. Use highlighters for the most important concepts.
Here you can watch how it can be applied
You can also use FREE online Mind Mapping tools like Coogle or FreeMind.
8. Use Mnemonic link system to remember lists of words.
Ok, so you want more? Let’s try another method called Mnemonic link system.
Idea: You need to remember a list of words. Book, duck, train, ice cream, phone and glasses. How to do that?
Let’s imagine an old book in pink cover. A talking duck that just loos like Donald Duck. A big, tasty ice cream with vanilla. A green, loud and fast train going to Boston. A ringing phone with a broken front. And huge red glasses.
Now you need to create a memorable story. Let’s connect all these pieces together.
A talking duck, looking like Donald Duck is travelling by a green, fast and loud train going to Boston. The Duck is eating a big, tasty ice cream with vanilla. On Donald’s nose are huge red glasses, and he is reading an old book with pink cover. Then suddenly, a phone with a broken front starts ringing …
The more colourful, emotional and appealing to your senses the story is, the more chances you have for remembering all the words.
9. Exercise your body.
Your mind can’t work properly without a healthy body. So before and after learning a good idea is to do some exercises. I’m not saying you need to run marathons. Small and short exercises like push-ups, squats or muscle stretching would be enough. What is important – you should do them regularly. Physical exercises reduce your stress and help you to stay focused.
Here you can find a simple 7-minute beginner workout
10. Be optimistic.
Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you see this glass represents the way of looking at things in general .Each of us has better and more difficult moments. But how we react and how we cope with problems is our choice. Napoleon Hill said in his famous book “Think and Grow Rich”: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
So you have a lot of work ahead, so what are you waiting? Start now, the time will never be just right. We have only now.
11. Study every single day.
Your brain is like a muscle. Stop. Your brain is a muscle. You need to train it. Like a, hmm, biceps, triceps, all of them. You will see, with time passing by, you will be better, and better, more confident and efficient. The rewards are waiting for you.
Conclusion
It is sometimes difficult to self motivate, to be always cheerful and ready to learn. A good idea for motivating yourself is to work with a rewards system. It can be something very simple. Like a scloop of a favourite ice-cream or going to the cinema after the task. You need to have an inside balance between your studies, work and pleasure. What is more? Over time, there will be only pleasure, which I truly, truly wish you. There is nothing better than building a strong, good self-image of a person who takes matters into their own hands.