Content

• Steps

Learning is personal - everyone has different learning methods, and you will find that ways that help you understand a topic may not be as effective for others. That's fine and you shouldn't worry! There is a lot of conflicting advice available for learning, but there are still plenty of the right approaches supported by specialized organizations, such as the academic hub of universities. Those are effective methods you should try; So we did the research and gathered all the best advice for this article. With perseverance, you will improve your ability to focus and absorb information more effectively.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Acquire and remember information

1. 

   
   
   Divide the content you are studying into interesting parts. If you try to "swallow" all information about a certain topic at once, you will probably feel overwhelmed. Whether you're studying a chapter in a history textbook or trying to learn the piano, focus on one piece of information before moving on to the next. After you have understood each section, you can combine them into complete content.
   • For example, if you have to read a chapter in a textbook, the first thing you can do is read the chapter quickly or go through the headlines to get a glimpse of the content. Next, read each paragraph carefully and try to identify the key concepts.

2. 

   
   
   Take notes while studying. Taking notes can help you focus entirely on what you're learning, making it easier for your brain to understand and absorb information. If you are listening to a lecture or explanation on a topic, rewrite the main points as you listen. When reading, you should also take note of keywords, summarize key concepts and write down questions related to that content.
   • Research shows that many people find taking notes by hand often more effective than typing notes on a computer. When writing notes by hand, you often focus on the important points instead of trying to write down everything you hear or see.
   • If you like drawing notes, do it! This will really help you focus on what you hear.

3. 

   
   
   Summary of content just finished learning. Summaries are a great way to test your knowledge and help you understand the content thoroughly. After you learn something new, whether through listening to lectures or reading a book, take a moment to write a short paragraph or bullet points to summarize the main points.
   • You can also try verbally summarizing information. When you do this in class, the teacher can comment on your summary so you know if you have understood the content correctly.
   • For example, you could say “Ma'am, to calculate the area of ​​a rectangle, you will multiply the length by the width. Is that correct?"

4. 

   Divide the class into short intervals. Instead of spending many hours studying the same topic per day, divide that time into 30-60 minute sessions per day over several days or weeks. This is a way to keep you from feeling exhausted and increase your ability to remember information.
   • Breaking down class time also helps you get through procrastination. If you only spend a little time on a certain subject each day, you will not easily feel exhausted in the long run and have less intention to give up.

5. 

   Apply many learning methods. Many people learn best when they combine different ways or methods of learning. If you can, incorporate learning techniques that stimulate all of your senses. For example:
   • When listening to lectures, try taking notes by hand and recording the lecture so that you can listen again during class. Strengthen your knowledge by reading relevant documents and using built-in visual aids (such as charts or illustrations).
   • Proactively apply what you have learned when possible. For example, if you are learning how to read ancient Greek, try translating a short paragraph yourself.

6. 

   Discuss what you have learned with others. The exchange of knowledge can help you to gain new perspectives or create connections that you may not find out from reading or self-study. In addition to asking questions to your teachers or friends, you should also share your perspectives and understanding of what you have learned.
   • Teaching others is a great way to reinforce your understanding of a topic. It also helps you to identify areas of knowledge that you need to learn more about. Try paraphrasing what you have learned to a friend, relative or classmate.
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Method 2 of 4: Concentrate while studying

1. 

   Take several breaks while studying. If you want to improve your concentration, try dividing the class into 25-minute intervals and taking a 5-minute break in between. This time division is called the Pomodoro method. Using the Pomodoro method helps you have a sharp mind and a better ability to focus.
   • While you take a break, don't just focus on what you're learning. Meditate or think about a relaxing scene.
   • Try an app like Pomodoro Time to help you time your breaks and focus.

2. 

   Get a good night's sleep each night 7 to 9 hours. Rest is a way to keep you focused and active while studying. In addition, sleep is also important for learning and remembering information. Go to bed early so you can get about 7-9 hours of sleep (or 8-10 hours for teenagers). You can sleep better by:
   • Turn off bright screens at least half an hour before bed.
   • Develop a relaxation routine before bed. For example, you would read a book chapter, listen to soothing music or take a hot bath.
   • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfortable at night.
   • Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and other stimulants for about 6 hours before bed.

3. 

   Eat brain foods. Foods rich in nutrients and calories help keep you alert and absorb information more efficiently. Start your day off with a nutritious breakfast, like a boiled egg, a bowl of oats, and some fresh fruit. While studying, you can prepare a snack for your brain like raspberries, a banana, or some omega-3 rich salmon.
   • In addition, you also need to drink enough water - this is a way to help you fight fatigue and stay focused.

4. 

   Find a quiet and comfortable study corner. Studying in a noisy, uncomfortable, or lackluster place can make it difficult to concentrate and affect your ability to absorb knowledge.Each person will be effective in learning in different places; So you should experiment to find out which is right for you.
   • For example, if noise often distracts you, try studying in a quiet room in the library instead of studying in a crowded coffee shop.
   • Find a learning corner that allows you to sit in a comfortable position, but don't get too comfortable lest you sleep. Avoid studying in an armchair or in bed.

5. 

   Throw away your phone and distractions. It's easy to get caught up in social networking apps and video games or constantly checking email while studying. If your phone or other device distracts you, try turning off the power or placing them in a place that you cannot easily reach (such as in a briefcase or in a drawer). You can also use productivity applications, such as BreakFree or Flipd, to limit your device's usage during work or study.
   • Avoid studying in a place with a television that distracts you.
   • If you're often tempted by time-consuming websites on your computer, try installing a browser extension like StayFocusd to help you focus on what to do.
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Method 3 of 4: Assess your learning needs

1. 

   Recognize what you know and don't know. Metacognition - the ability to identify what you know and don't know is an important part of learning. Think about the topic or skill you are learning and answer the question, “What do I know about this topic? What do I still not know or fully understand? " When you know what areas you need to reinforce your knowledge or understanding, you can focus on those areas.
   • An effective way to gauge your knowledge is to try taking tests. If you use textbooks or take courses that have self-assessments or knowledge test questions, take advantage of these sections.
   • You could also try writing a short explanation on a topic. This exercise not only helps you consolidate your existing knowledge, but also helps you to spot gaps in your knowledge.

2. 

   Learn the VARK (Visual - Visual, Auditory - Auditory, Read / Write - Read / Write, Kinesthetic - Practice) model to explore your learning style. Although most people incorporate a variety of learning methods, you may find you tend to receive information best through sight, hearing, reading and writing, or through practice. Once you know which learning method works best for you, you can adjust how you learn. To determine your basic learning style, try answering the VARK questionnaire here: http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/?p=questionnaire.
   • People who are inclined to learn visually absorb information best through visual sources, such as maps, charts and pictures.
   • If you are a person who is inclined to learn through hearing, you will benefit from hearing lectures or verbal explanations. It is also helpful to explain what you are learning.
   • People who like to learn through reading and writing do best when they read information and write about what they have learned. Focus on taking notes and reading on topics that interest you.
   • Learners through practice acquire knowledge most effectively when they actively apply what they have learned into practice. For example, you will learn a language well by speaking instead of reading.

3. 

   Determine your advantage in learning. Learning superiority is the same as your style of study, but focuses more on your skills and areas of understanding. Try a test like the Strength Assessment to see what your intelligence is at: http://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html. From there, you can tailor the learning method to your advantage.
   • For example, if you score high in physical intelligence, you will find that you often remember and understand well information when walking with a friend and talk to them about what you are learning.
   • According to the hypothesis of intelligence types, we have 8 types of intelligence, namely language, mathematics and logic, spatial and visual, physical, musical, introspective, interaction and communication, and natural.
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Method 4 of 4: Apply critical thinking skills

1. 

   Ask questions about what you learn. To truly understand what you're learning, don't just absorb and memorize information. While studying, you should stop and ask yourself questions. Discovering the questions and finding answers will help you better understand what you are learning.
   • For example, if you are reading about a historical event, you would ask a question like “Why did this happen? How do we know what happened - what source of information do we have? What would life be like today if it never happened? "
   • If you are studying a completely new major (such as biology or law), try making a list of 25 key questions your major can answer. This is how to provide a solid foundation for relevant understanding.

2. 

   Find the bonds between concepts. When you study a topic, don't take it as fragmentary information. Instead, learn how ideas and information connect with each other and with your knowledge and experiences. Here's how to help you systematize what you've learned.
   • For example, you are investigating how morphological anthropologists used information from the human skeleton to understand human life in ancient society. Think of how your activities will impact future anthropologists and archaeologists, if they discover your skeleton - like them. Did you notice elbow joint wear due to your taste in tennis?

3. 

   Check the source carefully. Don't rush to accept everything you hear, see, or read. As you learn, you should research the source of the information and its reliability and determine if it is new or outdated. For example, you can ask yourself the following questions:
   • "What evidence did the author give to clarify the arguments?"
   • "Is that the latest information?"
   • "From what source did this information come from?"
   • “What qualifications is the person giving that information? Do they have personal motives or prejudice?
   • "Is there any other interpretation in this matter?"

4. 

   Try to pinpoint the main idea of ​​what you are learning. Whether you're exploring a particular topic or focusing on a single lesson, try to find a few key themes and concepts. This helps organize your thoughts and identify key content in the learning and research process.
   • If you take a US history class, for example, you will find that the themes of American identity and multiculturalism are often repeated. Explore how the information you learned in class and these topics linked.
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