Tips for Effective Learning

As in our previous blog post , it is good for effective learning to combine several learning types/ways of learning, such as by listening, seeing, writing or reading. In this article, we would like to discuss other techniques that are rather less well known, but can still work well. In addition, we present the conditions that should be in place for effective learning to take place.

1. The Right Technique

Finding the right learning technique for yourself so that your own learning is as effective as possible can seem quite time-consuming at the beginning. Simply testing helps. It doesn’t hurt to try out new learning techniques that you don’t know yet or have never used yourself. Different techniques can also be combined and tried out. Because every person is different and something works differently for everyone. Therefore, no blanket recommendation for the right learning technique can be given. As an impulse, we have picked out 2 rather unknown learning techniques, which we would like to briefly introduce here. The Loci Technique is a learning technique that is rather less well known, but can be very effective. It is particularly suitable for memorizing content, as you imagine a route that you know very well, such as your favorite jogging round or the way to the supermarket. In this way, a few prominent places are then picked out (the exact number can vary depending on the learning content), which you pass again and again in the same order. The passages should be mentally highlighted and linked to the information you want to learn (e.g. definitions, important points of a speech, etc.). You then walk this path again and again in your mind and visualize the information at the said points. As a second example, we would also like to take a closer look at reading as a learning type. This is because this way of learning is often used, but unfortunately it is not always effective. There are also special techniques for reading, such as the SQ3R Reading Method, which help to take a more structured approach and increase learning success. This technique works as follows:

• S = Survey: First, the text is briefly skimmed before the actual reading, so that you get an overview of the structure. Here it makes sense to look at the title, headings, the outline or summary at the end of the text, if these things are available.
• Q = Question: At this point, you ask questions of the text. These are recorded in writing, checked at the end and answered as far as possible. The questions are important in order to actively approach the text and read it selectively, so that you can directly extract the information that is relevant or interesting.
• R = Read: When reading the text, you should proceed section by section and, as far as possible, make sure that you understand the content before reading on, if sections build on each other.
• R = Recite: The text is recapitulated step by step and preferably briefly summarized in your own words. The essential contents should be underlined in order to highlight them once again.
• R = Review: The content of the text is summarized here in general. This can be based on the questions raised in the point Question. Visual or written elements such as mind maps or the like can also be used here to present the structure in a simple and appealing way

2. The Right Schedule

However, in order to learn new content effectively, you need not only the right technology, but also a good schedule.

Long-Term Learning Planning

First of all, it is important to get an overview of appointments that have already been set. For example, when lessons, seminars or exams take place. Based on this information, long-term planning and clear objectives can be created, which increases motivation and offers a certain security.

Weekly Planning

At the beginning of each week, a plan should be drawn up that includes all important private, professional or academic appointments so that you can get an overview of when free time is available for studying. It is also important to think carefully about the learning content for this week and then strictly adhere to the learning plan. Here it is important to check your time planning regularly in order to make changes in the future if you have overestimated or underestimated yourself over time. This can be particularly tedious at the beginning until you have found the right rhythm for yourself and know how to estimate the time correctly, but it is worth sticking with it. Because doing without the weekly study plan usually leads to insecurities and stress, as you have the feeling that you are constantly under time pressure without actually being able to achieve or work through anything.

Daily Planning

This can also be particularly helpful, as you can work through the tasks promptly, see results faster and know exactly when something needs to be done. You should simply stick strictly to your schedule and not wait for a particularly euphoric working atmosphere, as this is unfortunately not particularly reliable. It is also important to plan only about 60% of the time you have available for learning during the day, as unforeseen events can often happen or spontaneous activities can arise. The learning phases should not be longer than 90 minutes and should include a 5-10 minute break after 45 minutes.

3. The Right Workplace

A good working atmosphere is one of the basic prerequisites for effective learning. A place should be chosen where you feel comfortable, where there is as little distraction as possible and which allows you the necessary rest. At home, for example, a separate work corner with a desk etc. can be set up according to personal taste. If you have to study at work for further training or the like, for example, it can be helpful to retreat to a free conference room or a separate office where you can focus on learning. But public places such as a library can also be good places to learn if you feel comfortable there and want a change from your own four walls or workplace. In addition, the workplace should always be kept tidy and clean or left behind. Because the sight of a chaotic or littered desk can be demotivating before the next learning unit, as it looks unaesthetic and has to be tidied up before the learning unit can start, which means extra work and time. To reduce distractions, all electrical devices such as TVs, mobile phones or tablets should also be out of reach, unless they are needed for studying. If these are needed for learning, it can help to log out of all social media profiles or platforms beforehand or to block the apps during the learning phase so that you are not tempted to be distracted by them.

4. Reward and Compensation

For greater motivation to stick to the learning units and follow through consistently, it can help to think of a reward. For example, that after a productive and completed learning unit, you can watch an episode of your favorite series or cook something delicious, meet up with friends or whatever else you enjoy.

In addition, a balance is important. Enough exercise in the fresh air, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep can have an immense influence on the performance of the brain and thus also on learning success. Going for a walk or a jog after a study session can be a good balance for the body, especially if you sit all day at work, at university and then study. In addition, activities with family or friends are always a good balance to clear your head and recover between learning phases.

Another tip from us to enable effective learning is to deal with the topic of pressure to perform and your own attitude towards learning. Because these things can unfortunately get in the way.