10 Tips For Efficient Learning

Learning is a lifelong skill. From birth and throughout life, a person goes on a journey of acquiring knowledge. How this knowledge is gained varies from one individual to another because each one is created unique. There are some people who make little or no effort to learn and yet they do well in school. Others spend endless hours over their books but do not excel at all. Genes may have something to do with this, but more than the hereditary factor, it is the attitude towards learning that increases one’s ability to perform well. How one efficiently studies makes a capable learner. Here are a few tips to make the most out of learning:
1. Take care of your health
People, like machines, also need downtimes. Stress and fatigue due to studying for long periods of time render the brain less effective to absorb data. Hence, adequate rest should be taken. A healthy mind needs a healthy body - see to it that proper nutrition and regular exercise is always maintained.
2. Develop a passion for learning
One should have a thirst for knowledge in order for learning to take place. Attending classes every day, reading and studying for hours, and accomplishing assignments do not guarantee positive results if you do not have that craving or focus to learn. Self-esteem somehow triggers this passion. The higher your self-confidence is, the more challenged you will become to learn faster.
3. Find a study environment that is conducive
Elements in the environment play an important role in one’s quest for learning. A specific study area with ample lighting, privacy, and complete supplies and reference materials are but some essentials for a smooth and stress-free study time. A set routine should also be imposed. Assign a specific time during the day for study. Don’t just "fit it in" your schedule or else you’ll have no time at all.
4. Set goals and targets
In order for each learning experience to be realistic, it is wise to set goals for yourself - goals that are measurable, achievable, time-bound, and flexible. Prepare weekly schedules, taking note of deadlines. For example, to get high grades, extra effort must be taken in studying and preparing for exams.
5. Take breaks in between study sessions
The brain needs to be recharged once in a while as this is when it absorbs all data obtained from studying. Overexertion causes it to repel information and makes studying futile. Do not go on a study marathon. Instead, study in short but frequent sessions and take breathers in between.
6. Engage in study groups
Two heads are better than one – so goes the cliché. Learning with a group is synergetic. You get to share your opinions, ideas, and views, and at the same time it is a venue for clarifying mind-boggling matters. It is also more interesting and challenging because you gain different perspectives or outlooks.
7. Understand concepts instead of memorizing details
Most of the time, students pass exams and quizzes with flying colors. But after a while, their knowledge of the subject matter would already slip their minds. This is mainly due to a wrong approach to learning – that of memorization. Memorization is only short-term "disguised learning". If one develops the habit of understanding concepts rather than focusing on details, the learning process will flow smoothly and will have a long-term impact.
8. Use shortcuts
Applying shortcuts to your study habits maximize your learning skills. You accomplish more when you abbreviate in note-taking, when you focus your notes around ideas instead of taking them down verbatim, and when you put everything straight into your computer. In this day and age, we need to pack a lot of information into a very limited timeframe.
9. Manage your time wisely
Learning is an ongoing skill. Hand in hand with your goal-setting is allotting and managing your time for things to be done – projects to work on, homework to finish, and term papers and theses to submit. Time properly managed is time well spent. Even your time for socializing should be taken into consideration. Remember – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!
10. Reward yourself
It is important to make the learning experience enjoyable whenever possible. Try out things that may spark that craving within you to learn – listening to music, perhaps, or engaging in a delightful snack – whatever may inspire you. Continuous hours of studying will not only make you weary but also make you lose interest. The above tips show that devoting long hours to study does not necessarily yield productive results. Studying efficiently and effectively are the key factors to learning better. ------------------------------------------------ This is an excerpt from Mark Patterson's award-winning book "Secrets of LazySmart Students" - every student's guide to getting better marks by working smarter instead of harder. Mark's book will give you incredible tips for time management, self-motivation, will teach you how to kick the procrastination habit and doing great in any exam or written assignment. For more detailed information on what you have read, check out his book now at: https://paydotcom.com/r/9770/BTS50/1062923/

Every Learning Process Has a Beginning and an End

Are you not sure what to take notes on? Does it stress you out to look over your notes? Do you get stressed when you prepare for tests? If the answer is yes to any of the previous questions here are some suggestions to take you through the studying process.
Before going to any lecture, read the assignments. This builds a background for the information that will be presented. It will give you some familiarity with vocabulary and concepts, which can be especially helpful if the subject matter is unfamiliar. Try to make time to actively read. As you go over the material, underline and highlight important information. If you don’t have time to read the entire assignment, skim the material. This way you at least have some advance knowledge of the important points.
It may seem so rudimentary that it does not need to be said but I have to say it anyway. You need to go to the lecture and take notes. Most presenters will emphasize points of importance. Be ready, be attentive and write during the entire class. Don’t stop taking notes until the lecturer is done. Since many presenters will cram any information that they missed into the end of the lecture you will need to pay attention until they are finished. When you take notes use abbreviations. Whether you use a standard shorthand or your own private system, get as much detail as you can.
As soon as possible after the lecture look over the notes and make any additions or corrections while the material is still fresh in your mind. Pay special attention to any parts you didn’t understand or missed. Ask someone else who was there for help so you can fill in the missing information.
Try to boost self-confidence by passing all your first quizzes. Make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice saying this information aloud. You can do this by yourself or with another person. Study for short periods over several days instead of waiting and trying to cram everything in in the last minute. Finish with a review the night before.
When exam day arrives use the following strategies to make all your hard work pay off. It is important not to be hasty. Take the time, before you begin, to read directions carefully and look over the test. Start by answering all the questions you know first. Getting the questions that you are certain of out of the way will not only get you sure points but also help build confidence. Now start over at the beginning and be careful not to leave any blanks. At least try to answer even if you are not sure. It is better to have an answer that might be correct instead of leaving the space blank and certainly incorrect. Be aware of the time and manage it. Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow. Finally, after you have completed the exam, take a few minutes to it look over to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense.
By investing a small amount of effort in the process from the beginning you will enjoy the rewards at the end.