10 tips to learn faster
Learning is not hard if you know these smart tips. Start using them and you will learn faster.
1 Reward yourself
Before studying think about an award you give yourself after working hard. It can be: eating a delicious meal, watching a Youtube video or going to the cinema. Anything that makes you relaxed and happy. For example, you can eat a gummy bear after each studied chapter.
2 Change study place
If you always study in the same place, try a new spot. Library, coffee shop or park are great places for studying or learning. By changing study place from time to time you enhance memory to remember more and for a longer time. We were hunter-gatherers for 90% of our history that is why we are great in discovering, exploring and remembering new places (and things in new places).
3 Spaced repetition
How many things do you remember from past exams in previous years? A few things. Almost nothing? But you studied hard and got A, didn’t you? Why we forget things so quickly? Well, if an information is not used, it vanishes from our brain. That is why repetitions are crucial in remembering things for a longer time. If you want to learn things that stay in your head for years, you should definitely consider applying spaced repetition system in your study schedule. Memager uses spaced repetition technique to prevent forgetting by calculating the most optimal time when you should repeat learned material.
4 Make connection to prior knowledge
The more you learn the easier and faster you learn new things. While learning new material always refer to already gained knowledge. Why? In a neurobiological sense, learning is making connections between neurons. You have no access to your neurons but you can make logical connections between concepts. This way you can build solid knowledge. In the same way it is very difficult to remember abstract things like long numbers or Chinese alphabet.
5 Brainteasers
The Internet is full of brain training programs. These apps can improve your mental abilities - memory, attention or problem-solving skills. Moreover, there are many mobile apps, that you can use anywhere. I highly recommend playing with them when you have free time. They are fun, useful, and good for your brain. My favorite is Peak.
6 Study plan
Regularity is key to mastery. Make a schedule and plan when you are studying. Learning at short notice is very ineffective. Study plan not only organizes mind but also reduces stress. That is why, learning should be your daily habit.
7 Sleep
Sleep is essential for the healthy functioning brain. During sleep, our memories are reconsolidated. Without sleep, you can’t learn and memorize anything. Make sure you get enough sleep before and after studying.
8 Multiple learning techniques
Are you a visual learner or rather an auditory learner? How you acquire new knowledge? Do you prefer looking at graphics or watching video lectures on Youtube? Maybe you learn faster when you are walking? No matter what kind of learner you are, you can always try new studying techniques to absorb new material better. For example you can: highlight important words in handbooks, listen lectures, watch video tutorials, analyze infographics.
9 Exercise
Exercises help refuel brain, making it easy to learn new material. Studies have shown that fitter students get better scores on exams.
10 Focus
Most important tip. You must be focused when learning. But is not possible to be 100% focused on work for several hours. That is why I recommend to take a mini-breaks while studying(Pomodoro technique works great here).