Ways to Improve Learning

Ways to Improve Learning

1. BE PREPARED!

   • If you’re taking a class online or at a school, study the curriculum in advance so you know what to expect. Engage in necessary prep work like downloading software, getting a workbook, or setting aside the dates for the course.

2. Get and Stay Organized.

   • If you’re a computer note taker, make sure you set up a file folder system that will enable you to find what you need when you need it. Learning good computer organizational skills will save you a lot of time and headaches. If you take notes by hand, keep them in a labeled binder so you can review them later. Keep any other course papers in the binder as well.

3. Be on time in attending class

   • For live classes, show up a few minutes ahead of schedule. When you’re on time, you will have your full attention focused on the class, and not on “catching up” with yourself and what you may have missed.

4. Take Good Notes.

   • If you’re unable to listen and write at the same time, just listen and then write notes after the class is over. If it’s recorded, you can review the class and take notes then. You can also ask the teacher for his/her outline, summary, or notes. Review your last class notes before your next class.

5. Establish Your Learning Style

   • Which is your best and preferred learning style: visual (reading), auditory (listening) or kinesthetic (doing)? When you know your learning style, take classes that incorporate that style. For example, audio learners keep CDs in their car to turn traffic jams into productive time. Book learners may keep a notebook handy to take notes and read as they exercise on the stepper machine or treadmill. When you study, do you need silence or do you enjoy having music playing in the background? Knowing how you learn best improves your effectiveness.

6. Ask Questions

   • If you’re taking a course online or in a school, make sure to jot down questions as they come up and ask them when you have a chance. I’ve always believed there are no dumb or silly questions. If you need clarification, you won’t continue learning until you have your questions answered. Most instructors see questions as a sign of an alert, intelligent mind.

7. Have a new hobbies.

   • Balancing your study with some physical activities can increase your concentration, memory and learning effectiveness. Those who start playing musical instruments, develop a more precise sense of timing. Athletics will help you to train your coordination and timing too. Or if you are probably fond of drawing or sculpturing, you may expect your eye-hand coordination to improve.

8. Brainstorming

   • If you’re a computer note taker, make sure you set up a file folder system that will enable you to find what you need when you need it. Learning good computer organizational skills will save you a lot of time and headaches. If you take notes by hand, keep them in a labeled binder so you can review them later. Keep any other course papers in the binder as well.

9. Keep a learning journal

   • The purpose of a learning journal is to help you organise your thoughts and observe your own progress. It deepens and enriches the learning process and works as a tool for evaluating your learning.