We all have faced the problem of forgetting new knowledge and skills. No matter how much time and effort is spent mastering them, after a while, the information fades from our minds. This is a big problem for students, because, by the time they pass their exams, there may be almost nothing left to remember.
In this article, we share five research-based study tips. They will allow you to learn any skill quickly and efficiently.
5 tips for training
- Define and formulate a meaningful goal
When you have an obsession (in a good sense), learning and memorizing information is much easier. Learning for the sake of learning rarely works.
For example, one day you saw a speech that grabbed all your attention. The speaker was so strong and charismatic that you could not take your eyes off him. And you have a desire to become the same, to learn the oratory art.
Maybe you have been to Spain, you liked the language and now you want to speak it fluently. This will allow you to communicate with locals in their language and be praised when you come to the country again. In a nutshell, find a goal worth turning your brain to its fullest.
- Write down the information!
Psychological Science carried out a study. During the experiment, two groups of students took notes of lectures, some by hand and others on a computer. They were given a week to assimilate the material, and then they took an exam. Those who wrote the information down by hand got the best results. In addition, a ready-made outline will help to prepare for exams faster, and not to turn to essay writing service for good grades.
- Teach someone
Have you ever tried to explain a concept to someone? If so, you’ve probably noticed that in the process, you also learn the information better yourself.
When you teach another person a concept, you are usually forced to simplify the material so that it is as understandable as possible. This requires additional semantic processing of information, which has a positive effect on its absorption.
People remember:
- 5% of what they learn from a lecture;
- 10% of what is read;
- 20% of what is presented in audio-visual materials;
- 30% of what they see by visual example;
- 50% from what is discussed;
- 75% of what is practiced;
- 90% of what is taught to someone.
When teaching, try to use mental associations to help you and the student connect the information. You can also use mind maps to create a visual overview of the different connections you are trying to make.
When it comes to learning languages, constant practice is essential. It often happens that a person reaches a level of fluent communication, but due to lack of practice slips down to almost elementary level. It is the same with other skills, but a little slower.
Scheduling things ensures that they are at least 90% complete. So think about getting a calendar or a diary (or better both). Allocate 30-60 minutes a day to the practice, and soon (after 63 days) it will become your habit.
- Surround yourself with those who have succeeded
To become a successful entrepreneur, it is important to communicate with entrepreneurs. This applies to any other goal: if you want to succeed, it is important to be among like-minded people.
It allows you to constantly learn because you will be around people who have the skill you need at a higher level. For example, to learn a foreign language, it is important to communicate with native speakers and get feedback from them.
- Use the internet
If you don’t have people around to surround yourself with, you can find them online: on subject websites, social networks, online schools, etc.
- Take care of yourself
Many students think rote learning at night helps them with their studies, but it doesn’t. It only activates your short-term memory, but you need to engage your long-term memory to learn effectively.
