Learn Efficiently

Students study but when it comes to applying their knowledge, they tend to forget whatever they studied a few days back. Is there any way to learn effectively in a better manner?

I am sure many students would love to have an answer to this.

A student is actually addicted to getting more and more information. Reading more and more stuff. It seems to him that he is learning. But actually, he is gathering information. It might be through books, internet or any other social media channel. But when it comes to applying that knowledge, all goes in vain. So, no change takes place in his life.

Today I am going to introduce you to strategies that will help you learn efficiently. I believe all of you are ready to note down the steps. So, let’s get started.

We have seen many students who keep on studying. Even at the time of exams it’s the same scenario. When their teacher tells them to practice sample papers, they say that their syllabus is not over yet. Again, keep on studying. It is just like hoarding of information. That means, nothing is being put to good use.

Actually, they should follow a three-principles strategy. Practice it, do it and teach other people about it.

I still remember my father’s words. Learn something in a manner that you can teach others. Though, I didn’t understand its value when I was a kid but I still followed it.  As times passed and I became a trainer myself that I could understand the value of this golden nugget.

First, I should learn well but to actually help someone, I have to put my knowledge into action.

So I can understand both theory and practical. This brings about more confidence in ourself.

That’s why I say first read, then do sample papers that means you are taking action on what you have learnt and then you are good enough to teach others or let’s say write your exams.

When we find something interesting, we go and tell people about it. Its also like putting our knowledge into action. And as we share it with more and more people our confidence grows.

Knowing the most effective strategies for how to learn can help you maximize your efforts when you are trying to learn new ideas, concepts, and skills. If you are like many people, your time is limited, so it is important to get the most educational value out of the time you have.

Speed of learning is not the only important factor, however. It is important to be able to accurately remember the information that you learn, recall it at a later time, and use it effectively in a wide variety of situations.

Knowing how to learn well is not something that happens overnight, but putting a few of these learning techniques into daily practice can help you get more out of your study time.

1. Improve your memory

There are a number of different strategies that can boost memory. Basic tips such as improving your focus, avoiding cram sessions, and structuring your study time are good places to start, but there are even more lessons from psychology that can dramatically improve your learning efficiency.

1. Keep Learning New Things

One sure-fire way to become a more effective learner is to simply keep learning. So, if you are learning a new language, it is important to keep practicing the language in order to maintain the gains you have achieved.

If you want the new information you just learned to stay put, keep practicing and rehearsing it.

1. Learn in Multiple Ways

Another one of the best ways to learn is to focus on learning in more than one way. This might involve describing what you learned to a friend, taking notes, or drawing a mind map. By learning in more than one way, you’re further cementing the knowledge in your mind.

For example, if you are learning a new language, try varying techniques such as listening to language examples, reading written language, practicing with a friend, and writing down your own notes.

1. Teach What You Are Learning

Educators have long noted that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else.

Share newly learned skills and knowledge with others. Start by translating the information into your own words. This process alone helps solidify new knowledge in your brain. Next, find some way to share what you’ve learned.

1. Build on Previous Learning

Another great way to become a more effective learner is to use relational learning, which involves relating new information to things that you already know.

For example, if you are learning a new language, you might associate the new vocabulary and grammar you are learning with what you already know about your native language or other languages you may already speak.

1. Gain Practical Experience

For many students, learning typically involves reading textbooks, attending lectures, or doing research in the library or online. While seeing information and then writing it down is important, actually putting new knowledge and skills into practice can be one of the best ways to improve learning.

7.Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Research suggests that making mistakes when learning can improve learning outcomes. According to one study, trial-and-error learning where the mistakes were close to the actual answer was a helpful part of the learning process.

Another study found that mistakes followed by corrective feedback can be beneficial to learning. So if you make a mistake when learning something new, spend some time correcting the mistake and examining how you arrived at the incorrect answer.

This strategy can help foster critical thinking skills and make you more adaptable in learning situations that require being able to change your mind.

8.Use Distributed Practice

Another strategy that can help is known as distributed practice. Instead of trying to cram all your learning into a few long study sessions, try a brief, focused session, and then take a break.

So, if you were learning a new language, you might devote a period to an intensive session of studying. After a break, you would then come back and rehearse your previous learning while also extending it to new learning.

This process of returning for brief sessions over a long period of time is one of the best ways to learn efficiently and effectively. 

9.Take Tests

While it may seem that spending more time studying is one of the best ways to maximize learning, research has demonstrated that taking tests helps you better remember what you have learned, even if it was not covered on the test.

This phenomenon, known as the testing effect, suggests that spending time retrieving information from memory improves the long-term memory of that information.

Conclusion

Becoming a more effective learner can take time, and it always takes practice and determination to establish new habits. Start by focusing on just a few of these tips to see if you can get more out of your next study session.

Perhaps most importantly, work on developing the mindset that you can improve your knowledge and skills. Research suggests that believing in your own capacity for growth is one of the best ways to take advantage of the learning opportunities you pursue.