Learning how to learn
We can spend a good part of our lives studying and learning at school and colleges yet one of the most important skills we haven’t been taught is actually learning how to learn better. Learning how to learn is a critical skill that can benefit us throughout our lives. Whether we are students, professionals, or simply lifelong learners, understanding the best ways to acquire and retain information can help us to achieve our goals and reach our full potential.
Fortunately, we have a broad set of science backed mental tools at our disposal today to figure out how you can learn fast, and learn better.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the key principles from the Coursera course “Learning How to Learn,” and offer practical tips for improving our learning skills.
1. One of the first steps in learning how to learn is to understand how our brains process information. Our brains are designed to recognize patterns, which helps us to make sense of new information and connect it to what we already know. This is why using analogies and using metaphors is so effective in connecting new information to existing knowledge. Associating something new to something already familiar makes it easier to create mental images and associations.
2. There’s a process called mind mapping which is very similar to the above made point. It is a graphical technique which is used to organize and visualize information in a non-linear manner. It involves creating a diagram or map that shows the relationships between ideas or concepts.
3. Typically, a mind map starts with a central idea or topic, which is then expanded upon by linking the central idea with related sub-topics and ideas like branching out. Each of these sub-topics can be further expanded with additional sub-topics, creating a branching structure that resembles a tree or a spider’s web. Key here is to review and revise your mind map regularly to reinforce the connections between the ideas and to ensure that you understand the material.
4. Another important aspect of learning how to learn is to develop an effective study strategy. This includes breaking down information into smaller, manageable chunks, focusing on the most important information first. This practice is known as “chunking.” This involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable pieces which are connected to each other, and practicing each piece until it becomes second nature. By chunking information, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed by large amounts of information, and focus on mastering each piece one at a time.
5. It’s also important to give our brains time to rest and recharge, especially after periods of intensive learning. Taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity can help to boost our focus and concentration, and improve our overall learning ability. Spacing out your study sessions can also help you retain information better. This is known as the “spacing effect,” which states that spreading out study sessions over time, rather than cramming all of the information into one session, leads to better long-term retention of information. When we space out our study sessions, we give our brains time to process and consolidate the information, making it easier for us to recall the information later. Spacing out our study sessions also helps us to avoid burnout, by breaking up the workload into manageable chunks and avoiding the feeling of being overwhelmed by large amounts of information.
Furthermore, spacing out our study sessions helps us to apply what we’ve learned in real-life situations. When we take the time to practice and reinforce our learning over time, we increase our chances of being able to use the information when we need it, and increase our overall understanding of the material.
6. Lastly, if you have the time, try and learn the same concept through various content types such text, images, videos, podcast even. There are numerous methods for studying a subject including books, online courses, podcasts, blogs, conferences, wikis, mobile apps, study groups, and mentoring. Exposing yourself to the same information or content in multiple ways can help you reinforce your learning significantly.
