Best Techniques On How to Learn Effectively

Learning is an essential part of life. Independent of what we do, we all need to learn something new. And, with the development of technology and quick access to information, it feels like we have lost the capacity to learn effectively.

We live in a fast-paced world where time is scarce, and pressure is high. More and more people find it difficult to learn and retain information as well as concentrate.

I am not an exception myself. At some point in time, I noticed that learning something takes me more time and effort. Also, my students were asking me how to learn new information faster and retain it longer.

All this made me think, there was more to learning than I already knew. So, I started learning how to learn effectively.

In this article, I want to share several effective techniques regarding learning, retaining information longer, and applying it.

How Learning Works

Learning is the process by which our brains encrypt, store, and retrieve information. To be efficient this process depends on several factors. These factors are attention, motivation, complexity, and presentation of information.

When we learn something new, our brain creates new neural connections or strengthens existing ones. This means that our brain is neuroplastic and we can rewire it to become more adept at specific skills or areas of knowledge.

It also means that learning isn't a passive process. But requires active engagement and practice to build and reinforce these neural connections.

Reinforcement of these neural connections leads to memorization. Memory plays a crucial role in learning.

Four main types of memory are involved in the learning process:

The first one is sensory memory. Consider it the initial stage where information from the environment is briefly stored (for a few seconds).

If you do not pay attention to this information, it fades away. Have you ever experienced a case when you passed by something hundreds of times but have just noticed it?

This is this type of memory. It does not mean you have never noticed let’s say that monument, you simply didn’t pay enough attention to it to store it longer.

Another type of memory is short-term memory. This is the information that captures our attention. So, now when you notice that monument on your way you move it into your short-term memory.

There it can be retained for about 20-30 seconds. Short-term memory is very limited in capacity, usually holding around 7 items at a time.

The next one is a working memory. It is more dynamic, and it is where information is actively processed and manipulated. Some researchers even consider a working memory as an extension of short-term memory.

It involves not only holding information but also actively processing it and working with it. Working memory is crucial for learning. It helps transfer information from short-term memory to long-term memory by engaging with it actively.

And the last one is the long-term memory. With enough repetition and meaningful connections, information will move from short-term to long-term memory. And this information will be stored there indefinitely.

Every time you pass by that monument you will see it again and again. And at some point, in time you will remember every detail about it. Even more, once that monument is taken from there, you will still remember its exact location and look.

As you may have guessed, the process of learning is a focus on transferring knowledge into long-term memory and retrieving it when needed. A so-called, cognitive load. Which refers to the amount of mental effort you use in the working memory.

Hence if the cognitive load is too high, it can hinder learning.

All effective learning strategies aim to manage cognitive load. They focus on breaking down complex information, using visual aids, and ensuring that the learner is not overwhelmed.

Proven Learning Techniques

Let’s focus on techniques that are based on decades of research. And have been proven to ameliorate learning outcomes for a plethora of people including me.

Spaced repetition

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of spaced repetition. It is a technique that involves reviewing and repeating information over time.

Ok you will say, obvious, normally people do not memorize information at once. Well, not everything is so simple here. The main secret of this method is to repeat information over time.

So, this method is based on the spacing effect. This suggests that we can retain information better when we review it periodically.

Normally, when you learn some material, you would break it down into smaller chunks. Then plan to review each chunk at intervals of 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months etc.

In general, right after learning something new, it’s crucial to quickly reinforce the information. Hence, if you review it within 24 hours it helps to push it into your short-term memory.

Then normally 72-hour gap is enough for our brain to start forgetting information. So, make sure to review the material again at this stage.

By this point, if you’ve reviewed it correctly, you should still have the information in your working memory. But recalling it again after a week. It will help to solidify it into long-term memory.

Afterward, try to increase intervals. In this way you will force your brain to work harder to recall the information, making it more likely to stick.

And each following recall will make the memory more durable.

Overall, specific intervals for spaced repetition can vary depending on you as a type of learner and the material. The main idea is to review the material just before you are likely to forget it.

Active recall

Another effective learning technique is active recall. This technique aims to practice active retrieval of information from memory. It is the opposite of passively reviewing it.

For example, when I learn something new, I try to recall as much information as possible without looking at my notes. Then I check my answers and fill in any gaps that occurred.

Another way to practice active recall is to practice. Try to solve some exercises based on the material you just learned. If you learn a language, try to create a dialog with yourself using those new words, expressions, and grammar you’ve just learned.

Probably you have heard an expression that if you can explain it in simple terms, you have understood it. Therefore, as an exercise of active recall, try to teach the material to someone else.

Explaining a concept to someone else makes you both retrieve information and organize it.

This brings us to another known technique called the Feynman Technique.

This technique is named after physicist Richard Feynman. It says that you should teach what you are learning to someone else as if they were a beginner.

So, it follows that you need to explain it simply since the person is a beginner in this topic.

The trick is that when you struggle to explain something simply, it is an indication of a gap in your understanding.

Hence, you should go back to the material and review it until you can explain it clearly.

Interleaving

Very frequently we make a mistake in learning something for hours in a row. At some point, learning is not effective anymore.

This technique suggests we mix different topics during a study session.

Interleaving involves mixing different topics or subjects during your study sessions, rather than focusing on just one.

While it might feel more challenging, interleaving helps to improve learning and retention.

So, instead of studying one topic for hours, switch between related topics. For example, you're learning a language. Instead of practicing only grammar for an hour, mix it with vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening exercises.

Dual Coding

Most of the people are visual learners. And dual coding is a technique that suggests, that if you combine verbal and visual information it will enhance your learning.

Hence, if you combine both words and images, you will engage different parts of your brain, making the information more memorable.

Some of the very powerful ways to practice dual coding is to draw diagrams, mind maps, or charts when studying.

Also, you can supplement your reading with infographics or videos. Add visuals or symbols to your notes to represent key concepts. It will also combine visuals with explanations.

Mind Mapping

And the last of the most effective learning techniques on my list is mind mapping. This is a technique that involves creating a visual representation of information.

To be honest with you, mind mapping is a bit time-consuming. And this human weakness called laziness may lead you to omit creating them.

But mind maps can help you see the relationships between ideas and improve your memory.

Basically, you will be able to go from big picture to details and vice versa. You will write down the main concept in the center of the page. Afterward, you will draw branches from the central idea to related subtopics. And from those subtopics to specific details.

I also like to add some visuals like colors, symbols, and images to make my mind maps more engaging and memorable.

One of my favorite sayings is to work smarter, not harder. And it is totally applicable to learning. Learning does not need to be difficult; it is mainly about how our brain works.

These techniques are simply tools to help you make learning a conscious process. And save you precious time. I hope they help you as they help me and wish you a productive learning.