The importance of learning cannot be
underestimated. Learning empowers us to fulfill our
ideas and realize our full potential. The speed of
gaining new knowledge is practically as important as
its volume. Who wouldn’t love to remember tons of
information as quickly as possible? If you want to start
learning faster, you need a new approach towards the
process which would enable you to comprehend the
essence of the matter and relate it with new concepts
you encounter. The following 10 tips will help you do
that.
1. Analyze your learning style.
Before you can start experimenting with different
studying methods, you need to understand what type
of learner you are.
● Is your memory associated to sound? Maybe you
can remember what you were reading when a
particular song was playing? If this is your case, then
you fall into the category of auditory learners. If you
want to start studying more efficiently, then it would
be wise to record the lectures and listen to them
instead of reading textbooks.
● Do you relate information to visual content? If you
are a visual learner, you should implement images,
graphs, charts, infographics, colorful lists, flashcards,
and other types of visual content when you study.
● If your learning style is not auditory or visual, then
you might be a physical learner. Some students have
too much energy; they tap their feet or play with a pen
during lectures. A walk before a lecture will calm your
nerves down. You can try studying/listening to audio
lectures during a walk. That will help you remember
the information more quickly.
2. Use the right EdTech
tools.
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.
One way of improving your
productivity is using
flashcards. You can make
your own cards, but you
can also download pre-made kits online. StudyBlueis
one of the best online destinations when it comes to
creating and discovering flashcards from all areas of
study. If you are looking for a tool that makes the
process of brainstorming more effective, then you
should try PapersGear. You also need the SelfControl
app, which will eliminate all distractions when you
need to stay focused. Quizlet is another website you
should bookmark; it offers study tools that will
transform the learning process into a fun activity.
Notella is an app that will help you take quick notes at
any time. Brainscape is an educational platform that
makes complex subjects easy by relying on cognitive
science. Finally, you should also try Dragon Dictation,
especially if you are an audio learner.
3. Train your brain to accept new information.
Efficient studying is a habit. Your brain needs constant
training if you want to improve your focus and
complete complex tasks without taking breaks. One
way to achieve this goal is to create a private learning
space in your home. You’ll also need a specific time of
day that you’ll devote to studying. That will make your
brain ready to accept the information it gets, so you’ll
notice you’re starting to learn much faster by the day.
4. Get some exercise.
You are aware of the fact that physical activity is good
for your body, but your brain needs it too! Light
exercise, such as yoga, can help you learn much faster.
If you are inactive throughout the day, your body will
want to move, so it will be difficult for you to stay
focused. If, on the other hand, you canalize your
energy through light training sessions, you will be
ready to study productively.
5. Work on the
ambiance.
If your roommate
constantly invites friends
over for a beer, you won’t
be able to study no matter
how hard you try. Students
who want to learn quickly
need a quiet, distraction-
free environment that
won’t disturb the mind in
any way. Such a peaceful
place will set you in
learning mode as soon as
you find yourself in it.
6. Take a lot of notes.
Only few people are capable of
remembering information as they read it. If you don’t
belong to this category of privileged learners, then you
absolutely need to start taking notes. This simple
learning method will force you to think about the
essence of the material, but it will also give you a nice
framework that will help you review the things you’ve
learned.
Write down only the most important information. That
will help you remember all the other things you’ve
learned.
7. Make mind maps.
Mind maps are among the best tools to speed up the
learning process. Your mind will process information
effectively if you create a visual representation of the
things you’re about to learn. You can create a nice
mind map in the old-school way: take a large sheet of
paper and organize all facts and explanations. Use
pictures, note-cards, and other symbols you can think
of. Group similar items together and connect them
with colorful pens. Of course, you can also use an
online mind mapping tool if you want to save yourself
some time.
8. Experiment with memorization methods.
Memorizing is often misused in the process of
studying. Some students memorize whole sentences,
paragraphs and lectures without grasping their
essence. However, memorization can also be useful
when you need to learn definitions and classifications
really quickly. Don’t avoid this technique if you want to
fill your brain with information without wasting any
time.
9. Find the right context.
Memorization works solely in times of urgency. If you
want to learn in the most effective manner, then you
need to have context for information. Find an aspect
that’s interesting for you; try to research for related
information, and you’ll discover the joys of learning.
With time, this practice will make you a faster learner.
10. Study every day.
It will take some time before you get used to a daily
studying routine, but your mind will eventually grasp
the habit. The more frequently you study, the less time
it will take for you to remember the things you read. If
you start studying as soon as possible after you cover
new concepts in class, it won’t take long at all for you
to get ready for an exam. Now that sounds really
good, doesn’t it?
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