Learning new things, whether it’s a language, an instrument, or any other skill, is a rewarding experience. But is there a way to make the learning process quicker and more effective? Let’s explore some strategies that can help you learn faster and retain information better.
While it might be tempting to use a laptop for note-taking due to its speed, research suggests that writing notes by hand is more beneficial. Typing can lead to shallow processing of information because it often involves transcribing verbatim. In contrast, writing by hand encourages you to rephrase and process information more deeply, which enhances understanding and retention. So, next time you’re in a lecture or studying, consider using a notebook and pen.
One effective method to improve memory retention is the study-sleep-study approach. A French study demonstrated this with two groups learning Swahili translations for French words. One group studied in the morning and again in the evening, while the other studied in the evening, slept, and then studied again in the morning. The group that incorporated sleep between study sessions recalled more words. Sleep helps consolidate memory, making it a crucial component of the learning process.
If you’re learning a new motor skill, such as playing a sport or an instrument, varying your practice can be beneficial. A study involving participants learning a computer-based motor skill showed that those who practiced with slight variations improved their speed and accuracy significantly more than those who repeated the exact same practice. Applying this to real-life scenarios, if you’re practicing tennis, try using rackets with different weights to enhance your skills.
Incorporating these techniques into your learning routine can make a significant difference. By choosing to write notes by hand, ensuring you get adequate sleep between study sessions, and varying your practice methods, you can enhance your ability to learn and retain new information. These strategies not only make learning more efficient but also more enjoyable.
Remember, learning is a journey, and finding the right methods that work for you can make all the difference. Happy learning!
Try taking notes by hand during your next lecture or study session. Compare your understanding and retention of the material with previous sessions where you used a laptop. Reflect on how the process of writing by hand affects your engagement with the material.
Conduct a personal experiment by studying a new topic in the evening, getting a good night’s sleep, and then reviewing the material in the morning. Track your recall and comprehension compared to studying without a sleep interval. Share your findings with classmates.
Choose a motor skill you are learning, such as playing an instrument or a sport. Design a practice routine that includes slight variations, such as changing the tempo or using different equipment. Observe any improvements in your performance over time.
Organize a group discussion with your peers to share experiences and insights on different learning techniques. Discuss the effectiveness of handwritten notes, the study-sleep-study method, and varied practice. Learn from each other’s experiences and strategies.
Create a personalized learning strategy plan incorporating the techniques discussed in the article. Set specific goals for how you will implement these strategies in your studies. Review and adjust your plan regularly based on your progress and outcomes.
This episode is supported by Brilliant.org. Whether you’re headed back to school or just wanting to pick up a new skill, like a language or an instrument, learning new things is amazing! But is there a better way to learn something quickly and retain that knowledge?
The first step is to skip the laptop. Although you might be quicker at typing, writing with pen and paper is the way to go when taking notes. Not only are there numerous distractions online, but researchers have found that those who type process the information at a shallower level. Simply transcribing verbatim is less effective than rephrasing the information in your own words while writing it out physically, which leads to better performance on tests.
To retain those notes, remember: study, sleep, study! In a French experiment, two groups were taught the Swahili translation for 16 French words over two sessions. Group 1 studied in the morning, took a break, and then studied again in the evening. Group 2, however, studied in the evening, slept for the night, and then resumed studying in the morning. Although there was the same amount of time between the two study sessions, the sleep group could recall 10 out of 16 words, while the no-sleep group could only recall 7.5.
If you’re learning a new motor skill, try modifying your practice slightly. In a study of 86 volunteers, participants were asked to learn a computer-based motor skill over two training sessions. One group’s second training session involved learning the task in a slightly altered way, while the other group repeated the task with the exact same practice. Those who used two different strategies nearly doubled their speed and accuracy compared to the control group.
What does this look like in the real world? If you’re perfecting your tennis game, try switching between rackets with slightly different weights during your practice sessions.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – University students often engage in active learning to better understand complex psychological theories.
Memory – The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. – Effective study habits can enhance memory retention, making it easier for students to recall information during exams.
Retention – The ability to keep or hold onto information over time. – Regular review sessions can significantly improve the retention of educational material.
Practice – The repeated exercise in or performance of an activity to acquire or maintain proficiency in it. – Practicing problem-solving techniques is crucial for students in psychology to develop analytical skills.
Techniques – Methods or skills needed to bring about a certain result. – Students are encouraged to explore different study techniques to find what works best for their learning style.
Sleep – A natural state of rest for the mind and body that is essential for health and cognitive function. – Adequate sleep is vital for students to consolidate memories and enhance learning outcomes.
Skills – The ability to do something well, usually gained through training or experience. – Developing critical thinking skills is a key objective in higher education curricula.
Understanding – The ability to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something. – A deep understanding of psychological principles is necessary for students pursuing a career in counseling.
Strategies – Plans of action designed to achieve a specific goal. – Implementing effective study strategies can help students manage their time and improve academic performance.
Information – Data that is processed or organized in a meaningful way. – Access to accurate information is crucial for conducting reliable psychological research.
