One of the most valuable
things you can ever attain in your life doesn't have a dollar value: it's knowledge. Whether you
head to college, learn on the job, or just make a hobby out of exploring new
and exciting topics, learning is one of the best things you can ever do for
yourself, personally, professionally, or otherwise.
So, why not learn to do it better? We've collected some amazing
tips and tricks you can use to help you get the most out of the time you spend
learning. From study suggestions to brain hacks, these tips are sure to help
you learn faster, deeper, and better, no matter the subject.
Physical Health and Well-Being
Your brain is an organ in your body, and just like your heart
and lungs, it needs you to be in good health to function properly. Here are
some tips to help you maximize your learning power from a physical standpoint.
Eat breakfast. Studies
have shown that skipping breakfast can impair your ability to learn, making you
slower to recall memories, poorer at math, and overall cognitively less adept.
So, to learn better, eat a hearty breakfast in the morning, especially if
you're taking a test or heading to class.
Get enough sleep. Whether
you get enough sleep can have a huge impact on how well you're able to learn.
Researchers have found that not getting enough sleep impairs the brain's
ability to remember new information. It can also make it harder for you to
concentrate or be creative, and reduce your overall cognitive function. A solid
six to eight hours a night is a must for maximum learning potential.
Exercise. Exercise doesn't just keep your body
fit; it also helps your mind stay in great shape. Aerobic fitness has a
positive effect on cognitive function, improving learning ability in both
humans and animals. Researchers have found that even just 20 minutes of
exercise can increase information processing and memory functions, so consider
integrating workout sessions into your academic life.
Take
supplements. Gingko
biloba has long been promoted as an herbal treatment for improving cognitive
function. While scientists have yet to prove whether it truly has a marked effect
on learning and memory, it can't hurt to give it a try if you want to max out
your learning potential.
Avoid
alcohol. Excessive
drinking can have some serious effects on your memory, making it hard for you
to engage your working and episodic memory at its full capacity. Drink in
moderation, and consider avoiding alcohol altogether during times when you need
to focus on learning new skills or information.
Eat
right. What
you choose to fuel your learning with may have a bigger impact on how well you
learn the material than you may realize. There are well-researched links
between nutrition and academic achievement,
and poor nutrition (i.e. eating ramen at every meal) can lead to impaired
cognitive function and poorer academic achievement.
Don't
ignore health issues. Many
health issues like uncorrected vision and depression can affect how well you're
able to learn. If you have a health issue that may impact cognitive function or
distract you from learning, then see a doctor who can help you treat the issue
so you can focus on your studies instead.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Just as physical factors play a role in how you learn, so too
does your mental state. Use these tips to help you get happier, healthier, and,
in turn, better at learning.
Reduce
stress. While
a small amount of stress can be good for learners (it provides a great source
of motivation), too much stress can actually inhibit your ability to learn,
hurting both your physical and mental health in the process. In fact, stress
can actually interfere with conscious, purposeful learning, causing you to rely
more on gut feelings than well-reasoned methods of learning a new task.
Treat
depression. Besides
just making you feel sad and unmotivated, depression can also make it harder
for you to concentrate and may sap your energy, both robbing you of valuable
assets to your learning.
Meditate. Mindful meditation may just have big
brain benefits. Studies have shown that not only can meditation make you feel
happier and keep your mind healthier, it can also improve your concentration
and cognitive function.
Have a
laugh. Take
a break from learning to have a good laugh. Laughing can help to make you more relaxed
and more receptive to the ideas or information you're trying to learn. What's
more, it can also help to reduce the anxiety associated with certain
assignments or subjects, so learners can relax and let go of preconceived
fears.
Focus on
your passions. If
you're interested in something, you're much more likely to seek out additional
material on it, study it, concentrate on it, and generally just learn a whole
lot more about it. Even if a topic isn't a favorite, find a way to relate it to
something you do love to get more out of learning it.
Train
your brain. Just
as you can train your muscles, you can train your brain. If you want to break
out of bad habits or mental patterns, slowly work on them. In time, you'll be
able to improve focus and concentration and have a better behaved brain.
Pay
attention to your emotions. If
you're feeling sad or angry, you might not be able to process high-level
information, at least that's what research suggests. Studies have found that
certain types of strong emotions shut down the brain's higher-level mental
processes, which could be a real roadblock to learning.
Keep
your bedroom dark. As
odd as it may seem, keeping your bedroom dark at night may help reduce your
chances of developing depression or learning issues. A recent study at Johns
Hopkins revealed that bright lights, those from lamps, TVs, and computer
screens, elevate stress hormones which can lead to depression and impaired
cognitive function.
Methods to Facilitate Learning
New research and old knowledge alike can help you to take
advantage of numerous ways to maximize your learning. Learn about a few of the
most interesting here for getting more out of every study session, class, and
hands-on experience.
Capitalize
on spike time-dependent plasticity. A learning model called spike
time-dependent plasticity can help you take advantage of natural phenomena in
the brain to learn more. The model helps learners capitalize on neuronal
avalanches, or brief bursts of activity in a group of interconnected neurons
that create an "avalanche" of brain stimulation.
Try
twilight learning. Twilight
learning, perhaps better known in popular culture as subliminal learning, has
long been a method employed for training the brain. If you're trying to learn
how to do something (or not to do something) or implant information into your
brain, use the suggestive messages of this method to help you get there.
Learn a
language. Want
to beef up your brain? Research suggests that learning a language is one of the
best ways to do that. Language learning has been found to actually grow
specific regions of the brain; a win-win for those who want a bigger brain and
knowledge of another language.
Try
osmosis. If
you've ever wished you could just put a book against your head and have the
information migrate into your brain, you'll appreciate knowing that there are
ways you can use osmosis to learn. Stimulation during sleep has been found to
enhance skill learning as associations formed during sleep remain intact when
you wake up. While it's not the same as gleaning knowledge through contact,
learning something new can be as easy as sleeping with an educational track
playing so you can hear it.
Embrace
the learning methods of The Matrix. The effortless learning showcased in
the film The Matrix may not be science fiction entirely, at least according to
recent research. It may be both possible and plausible to use technology to
learn to do things like play the piano or hit a ball with very little conscious
effort. How? By using images processed by the visual cortex to alter brain
patterns so that they match those of someone who already knows how to do the
activity. It's not a practice that's widely available yet, but even low-tech
learners can practice getting into the mindset of experts when learning.
Tune
into some binaural beats. Binaural
beats result from playing two close frequencies simultaneously to produce
alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves, each of which correspond to a particular
type of brain activity. Some people use them in combination with other learning
methods in order to improve alertness, concentration, and relaxation and to get
more out of the learning experience.
Getting and Staying Focused
To really get the most out of any kind of learning, whether
you're taking a dance class or trying to learn calculus, you have to have
focus. These tips can help you build it, keep it, and become a concentration
whiz.
Take a
break. It
is very difficult to maintain intense concentration when learning something for
an extended period of time. In fact, research has shown that you'll actually
learn and retain more if you punctuate your studying with short breaks. Breaks
give your mind time to relax and absorb information, but don't stay away for
too long: 15 to 20 minutes is ideal.
Get
outside. Can't
focus? A short hike or walk outside could be just what you need to clear your
mind, reduce stress, and get you ready to focus on the task at hand.
Alternate
subjects. If
you don't have time for a break, give your mind a change of scenery in a more
figurative sense instead. Leave one subject aside for a moment to concentrate
on another. You'll have the best results if you alternate between subjects that
require different kinds of thinking.
Don't
multitask. While
you might think you're getting more done when you're multitasking, you're
actually just shortchanging everything you're working on by dividing up your
attention. Instead, focus on one topic at a time. It might take longer, but
you'll get more out of the experience.
Block
out distractions. Distractions
can have a serious impact on your ability to focus and in turn to learn,
perhaps much more than you realize. Even simple things like answering text
messages while studying can leave you with poorer learning outcomes, so turn
off your phone, disconnect from Facebook, and block out noise when you're
learning.
Practice
smart time management. When
you don't manage your time well you end up stressed, rushed, and very often
overwhelmed. The solution? Be smart about how much time you’re learning
endeavors will take and prioritize them over other things. If you wait until
the last minute you're less likely to remember information and will learn a
whole lot less than if you plan ahead.
Eat
smart. Studies
suggest that certain foods can actually improve your ability to concentrate.
When learning, eat meals that contain fruits, fish, nuts, chocolate, avocados,
whole grains, and blueberries to stay at your maximum alertness.
Have
caffeine in moderation. For
some people, caffeine can be a valuable tool in boosting concentration and
focus. Have a small amount of coffee, tea, chocolate, or other food containing
caffeine before you study, but don't overdo it; too much caffeine will leave
you jittery and strung out.
Improving Your Memory
It's great to have knowledge coming in, but if that information
isn't retained, you're not helping yourself. Here are a few ways you can
improve your memory and get more out of learning.
Listen
to music. Research
suggests that certain types of music can help you to recall memories.
Information learned while listening to a particular song or collection can more
easily be recalled when the corresponding song is recited mentally.
Try speed-reading. Save yourself time while studying by
learning how to speedread. The practice will make you more efficient and can
also help you to better absorb the material. How? Reading slowly can hinder
your ability to take in new information (unless it's a technical subject) and
speedreading also offers you the chance to filter out irrelevant information.
Use
mnemonic devices. Mnemonic
devices, essentially tricks for remembering information, can make memorization
much easier. Used right, you'll be able to remember all kinds of random information
years down the road, just by creating acronyms and visual devices to go along
with the material.
Write it
down. Writing
down information you're trying to learn can actually help you remember it
better than typing it out. The act of writing engages more regions of your
brain than typing, though there is one caveat: your notes have to be of high
quality for the practice to really help you learn.
Sleep on
it. Psychologists
have found that going to sleep shortly after learning new information can
actually help you to remember that information. So, set up your study sessions
a few hours before you go to bed or follow them up with a nap to get the
biggest boost to your recall.
Rest
your brain. To
keep new information from trickling out of your brain you don't need to repeat
it until your brain is exhausted. In fact, it's actually more effective to sit
and rest your brain after learning something new; the practice gives a
significant boost in memory.
Using Technology
While technology can be a big distraction, it can also be a boon
for learning. Follow these tips to make the most of all the latest and greatest
tech tools for learning.
Use social media to organize information.
Social media can be a great tool for organizing information and resources. Make
use of sites like Pinterest and Evernote to track links, photos, and useful
materials, or keep a log of your research on Twitter.
Find
like-minded learners. The
Web makes it easier than ever to connect with others. If you're learning
something new, reach out to others who are also learning, or who are experts on
a topic, through Web forums. You may just learn a few valuable tricks or find
some support if you're struggling.
Use apps
to help you stay on task. Find
yourself distracted by social media or funny pictures of cats? You can use apps
that block you from using certain sites for a given period of time so you can
concentrate.
Take
advantage of quiz and flashcard sites. Quizzes and flashcards are a great way
to test your progress in learning, and technology can make it easier to do
both. There are a variety of sites that offer templates for building flashcards
and quizzes alike.
Learn
from videos and multimedia. There
are countless educational videos on the Web that can show you firsthand how to
do all kinds of things, explain complex topics, or just introduce you to new
things. Take advantage to add richness to your education.
Stand or
move while using your computer. An recent study found that combining a
mentally stimulating activity like computer use with a physically stimulating
activity like standing or walking actually reduces memory loss more than doing
either alone.
Don't
listen to the naysayers. There
are a lot of people out there who don't think technology is all that great for
learning but they may be on the wrong side of history. Research shows that
computer use actually gives students a bump in their grades, which while small
isn't insignificant.
Tweet about
your learning. It
might sound strange, but studies have shown that using Twitter actually
improves student learning. Really! Tweeting about your learning can make you
feel more engaged with the material and as a result could help you have better
outcomes.
Don't
know? Look it up. The
Internet offers you an amazing educational opportunity: unlimited access to
knowledge. If you don't know something, just look it up.
Take a
MOOC. Massive
Open Online Courses (or MOOCs) are a hot topic this year. They can allow you to
take courses online for free from some of the world's leading academic
institutions. It's an opportunity well worth taking advantage of for learners.
Use
online library resources. Today,
just about every library out there has a Web presence. You can find loads of
books, articles, and multimedia from college and public libraries as well as in
big collections like that of the Library of Congress.
Find
experts. Need
some help figuring things out? Use the Web to seek out experts. You can use
sites focused on providing access to experts, or find your favorite scholars on
Twitter.
General Tips for Learning
Some things never change, including these tips that you can use
to learn and study. No matter what you're learning or how you learn, you'll
find help in relaxing, taking in new information, and making the most of your
ideas.
Loosen
up. If
you're stressed out or feeling tense, you're less likely to be able to learn
well. So, take a minute to loosen up, have a laugh, and relax before you engage
in learning.
Freethink. Sometimes, it can be smart to just let
your mind wander a little bit. Sit back and freethink loosely around an idea.
You may just find that you suddenly understand things a little better.
Keep a
notebook on hand. Scores
of famous writers and thinkers have used small notebooks to record their ideas
on the fly. You can do so as well, jotting down questions, thoughts, and
correlations as they come to you.
Get
organized. You
can make learning a whole lot easier by getting yourself organized. When you
know where your materials are you'll waste less time looking for them and have
more time for learning.
Learn
about learning. Want
to learn more effectively? Then take the time to read up on some of the latest
learning-related research.
Think
holistically. Instead
of focusing on the details, consider a topic from a broader viewpoint. It may
make more sense to you that way and give you a better sense of how the smaller
parts contribute to a whole.
Don't
shy away from repetition. Repetition,
as dull as it might sound, is actually a great tool for learning. So keep doing
flashcards, studying notes, and practicing.
Build
problem-solving skills. It
might not help you to remember small details, but building problem-solving and
critical thinking skills is one of the best things you can do to improve your
learning ability. You'll more easily be able to see connections, work through
problems, and get more out of your studies.
Understand
that there is no wrong way to learn. There is no right or wrong way to
learn, just what works. Cater to your own needs and forget what others say;
that's the only right way to do things.
Self-direct
your learning. Research
has shown that self-directed learning is one of the most effective ways to
learn. Scientists aren't quite sure why that's the case, but while they figure
it out you can use hands-on, self-led study to your advantage.
Let
yourself get confused. As
frustrating as it may be, confusion can actually help you to learn. A new study
from Notre Dame has shown that confusion with difficult conceptual topics
actually results in individuals being better able to apply that knowledge, when
the answers were finally puzzled out, to new problems.
Have novel experiences. Our
brains love novelty. In fact, they crave it. Incorporating more novel
experiences into your learning can give you a greater passion for it and help
you to remember and learn more.
Slow
down and give your mind time to adapt to change. While humans are very adaptable
creatures, we, and our brains, do need some time to adjust. When you experience
a change of scenery, circumstances, or rules, give yourself a chance to let
your brain catch up and get used to the new guidelines for learning before
getting frustrated and giving up. You'll get there, it will just take time.
Getting Motivated
Feeling frustrated with trying to learn something new? You're
not alone. There are plenty of ways to get and keep yourself motivated,
however, and you can read about a few of them here.
Keep a learning journal. A
learning journal can help to document what you're learning on a daily or weekly
basis and can serve as an amazing motivator as you look back on all that you've
accomplished.
Give
yourself credit. While
it's good to push yourself, it's also critical to give yourself credit for a
job well done. Let yourself bask in the glory of reaching your goals before you
start moving onto setting others.
Find
intrinsic reasons to learn. Teachers,
parents, and friends can offer motivation, but the best source of motivation is
closer to home: it's you. Think about why you want to learn, not for others but
for yourself.
Set high
but realistic goals. If
you want to keep yourself motivated, set your goals and expectations for
yourself high. If you don't, you won't have to work hard and you won't feel
motivated to do the work.
Keep a
positive mindset. When
you're struggling with a topic it can be hard to keep yourself looking at your
progress in a positive manner, but if you get down on yourself you'll lose
motivation and accomplishing your goals will just be harder.
Create a
learning-friendly environment. Do you have a space available to you
that's conducive to learning? If you don't have somewhere that's quiet,
organized, and private, work on constructing a space that will help, not hinder
your learning.
Set
deadlines for yourself. Deadlines
might stress you out a bit, but they're essential for keeping you motivated and
working hard.
Don't
give up. Failure
is how you learn, so don't throw in the towel just because you've had a few
setbacks. Just like you didn't learn to ride a bike on the first try, learning
new things takes time, so keep at it.
Find a
challenge. There
are few feelings as amazing as rising to meet a challenge that's put in front
of you. Set yourself up with a challenge and chip away at it bit by bit until
you've met it.
Finding Opportunities for Learning
Looking to learn something new? From basic lessons to tech tools
to teachers, you'll find some great advice on learning opportunities.
Read
everything. One
of the most accessible and easiest ways to learn is by reading. Read everything
you can get your hands on and you'll grow your knowledge by leaps and bounds.
Let your
learning branch out. If
you're learning about one topic and find yourself interested in another,
related topic that comes up, don't hesitate to take on learning more about that
topic, too. It will enrich your knowledge about the original topic and
encourage you to learn as much as possible.
Figure
out what you don't know. Not
sure what you want to learn? Start out by figuring out where the gaps are in
your knowledge. Once you know what you don't know, you can start working to
fill in those gaps.
Try
applied learning. If
reading a book on a subject sounds like a snooze to you, you may learn more by
engaging in a form of applied learning. Applied learning can be anything from an
internship to performing an experiment; essentially anything that gets you
hands-on and learning about a topic in the real world.
Take
advantage of free online courses. There are hundreds, if not thousands
of free online courses available on the Web. Use them to your advantage to
learn about topics that range from computer science to religious studies.
Take a
trip. Travel
can be one of the most amazing and fun ways to learn. Take a trip to a place
you've never been, whether close to home or far away, to learn more about
history, culture, and geography.
Make use
of local museums and cultural centers. Most communities are full of learning
opportunities if you know where to look. Use your local museums, cultural
centers, and events as a way to learn more about things you've never explored
before.
Join a
book club. A
book club can be a great way to motivate you to read, and it can also encourage
you to give books a deeper analysis than you would on your own.
Don't
force it. If
you're learning something just to learn something and you're finding yourself
unmotivated to do the work, consider setting it aside for awhile. If you're not
passionate about learning, you'll get less out of it and it may be better to
wait until it's the right time for you to revisit a topic.
Tips for Students
Those taking a class can find tips to improve the learning
experience, whether online or off, here, with ideas on how to get connected,
research, and study.
Make a
mindmap. Mindmaps
can be a great way to organize your thoughts and figure out where you need to
focus your studies. They're also a great tool for boosting creativity.
Study in
sequence. There
are certain things that are best learned in a sequence, where one idea builds
on another. This method can help you to get more out of study time and better
understand the material at hand.
Take
notes. Taking
notes, both in class and while you're reading, is a great way to help you
condense and organize the information you're trying to learn.
Have
everything you need to learn. There's
nothing more distracting than having to hunt for your notes or run out to the
store in order to have all the things you require to do homework, complete a
project, or even just learn from a class. Get everything you need first, then
sit down so you'll be better focused and prepared.
Collaborate
with others. Working
with others can help to spark new ideas, make learning more fun, and can even
help you to understand topics you're struggling with. Just try not to have too
much fun; you might forget to learn!
Teach
others. One
of the best ways to really learn something is to teach it to someone else.
You'll have to be able to answer a lot of questions about the topic, and it can
be a great way to beef up your own knowledge, no matter the subject.
Plan and
prioritize your learning. You'll
get more out of learning if you plan to make it an important part of your daily
life. Set aside times for study and homework and make them a top priority on a
regular basis.
Test
yourself. Research
shows that there's a lot of value in testing yourself. Tests can both help you
assess what you've learned and can help you to better learn and retain new
information over the long term and apply it across different contexts.
