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. Strategies that can help improve your memory include:
Getting regular physical exercise, which is linked to improvements in memory and brain health Spending time socializing with other people Getting enough sleep Eliminating distractions so you can focus on what you are learning Organizing the information you are studying to make it easier to remember Using elaborative rehearsal when studying; when you learn something new, spend a few moments describing it to yourself in your own words Using visual aids like photographs, graphs, and charts Reading the information you are studying out loud
For example, you might use general learning techniques like setting aside quiet time to study, rehearsing, and reading information aloud. You might combine this with strategies that can foster better memory, such as exercising and socializing. 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. This “use-it-or-lose-it” phenomenon involves a brain process known as “pruning.” In pruning, certain pathways in the brain are maintained, while others are eliminated. If you want the new information you just learned to stay put, keep practicing and rehearsing it. 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. One helpful tip is to try writing out your notes on paper rather than typing on a laptop, tablet, or computer. Research has found that longhand notes can help cement information in memory more effectively than digital note-taking. You can apply the same principle today by sharing 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. 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. If it is a sport or athletic skill, perform the activity on a regular basis. If you are learning a new language, practice speaking with another person and surround yourself with language-immersion experiences. Watch foreign-language films and strike up conversations with native speakers to practice your budding skills. 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. So if you were learning a new language, you might devote a period of time 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. This phenomenon, known as the testing effect, suggests that spending time retrieving information from memory improves the long-term memory of that information. This retrieval practice makes it more likely that you will be able to remember that information again in the future. Multitasking can involve trying to do more than one thing at the same time, but it can also involve quickly switching back and forth between tasks or trying to rapidly perform tasks one after the other. According to research, doing this not only makes people less productive when they work but also impairs attention and reduces comprehension. Multitasking when you are studying makes it harder to focus on the information and reduces how much you understand it. Research has also found that media multitasking, or dividing attention between different media sources, can also have a detrimental impact on learning and academic performance.
Summary
If you want to know how to learn, it is important to explore learning techniques that have been shown to be effective. Strategies such as boosting your memory and learning in multiple ways can be helpful. Regularly learning new things, using distributed practice, and testing yourself often can also be helpful ways to become a more efficient learner.
A Word From Verywell
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 are capable of improving 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.
