16 effective learning methods you should know
An exam is pending, you are undergoing an important training course in the company, or you are learning a new language: there are many situations where we learn new things that we need to re-apply later when needed. To do that you can use different learning methods.
Of course, it does matter which type of learning you are. Some people learn best by listening or discussing, others need visual or haptic support to learn. But we are not necessarily 100 percent one of the four types of learning, but a mixed type with different characteristics. Make the test here, which type of learning you are!
What is meant by learning methods
Learning methods should help us to retrieve learning material at a certain time or to be able to use it in the long term. Stubborn memorizing of cloth is seldom helpful and often everything is quickly forgotten after the test. With which learning strategies you are most successful, you should find out for yourself. Often a help also Combination of different methodsto treat the fabric in as many ways as possible and thus anchor it better.
That's the best way to learn
We collect information about our sense organs, which are processed and stored in the brain. Depending on how important this information is, we forget about it after a short time or get into the long-term memory. But also, how we receive information plays a role, When we do something ourselves, we remember something the most, similar to explaining something, while in mere listening the likelihood that what is said is firmly anchored is less likely. That means the active recording is more effective than passive and the more input channels the information receives, the better it is stored. Also Variety contributes to effective learning, because with it you stimulate your memory again and again.
Learning and learning methods in old age
Of course, you can still learn new things in old age, even if slower progress is recognizable. An important tip is, while on associations to put, d. H. already known and to connect with similar areas. In general, it makes sense to stay on the ball and to demand memory again and again during working life. Even short learning breaks are bad for the brain, as a study by the University of Houston (Texas, USA) showed. Different groups of retirees and their activities were compared and only among active retirees was brain activity consistently high over several years.
Learning methods? learn systematically
Of course you can use classic methods such as donkey bridges or index cards while learning. These can be z. B. also be used in a playful way to consolidate your knowledge in the long term. We've put together an overview with some effective learning methods that you can use to learn systematically and creatively. The learning methods in detail:
Write summary
Often not everything relevant will be remembered if we read a text only once (quickly). So the most important Key messages It is useful to write a summary of what has been read.
Write restructuring of summary
If you have already written summaries, you can restructure them renewed debate, the new decisions (what is important, what can possibly be omitted, etc.), the rethinking, etc., you deepen the learned again.
Write a script
A script lends itself when your study material is out different sources such as books, magazines, diagrams, etc. In a complex field, you can create such a structure and deal intensively with the material, which gives you learning progress. Make sure that the script has a meaningful structure!
Method of loci
You have to remember a few things in a particular order? Then the loci method will surely help you. Here you create a kind of inner mapwhere you associate things with places. An example can be found in the article loci method.
Write history
The history technique works in a similar way as the loci method. But you're thinking of any story. But the more personal the reference, the better you can remember everything!
drawings
If you learn very well with visual support, drawing is a good learning strategy for you. Because so you can keep your information better, if you with a picture or a Associate drawing.
Mind Maps
Mindmaps are great for complex issues and help you visualize thoughts visually and in a structured way. And so you can create a mind map.
Put technology
In this learning method you write down important terms such as:B on index cards. Then you put all terms together in a structured way, d. H. what belongs content together and in which relationship is it related to each other (eg over / under?).
ABC lists
The ABC method is reminiscent of mind mapping because you associate terms related to the topic. You create a list with the letters from A to Z, from top to bottom. Your main topic is writing above. Now, are you looking for terms that fit your topic for each letter? Do not limit yourself too much, write down all possible associations, But: also gaps are allowed and you do not have to go from top to bottom. Write everything as you like, even several terms per letter are fine!
Case Studies
A case study can help to understand the dry substance better, In addition, you can use it to check your knowledge and see where there is still catching up to do. By dealing with the substance through a case study, you will get to know different perspectives and expand and deepen your insights. Case Studies are also suitable for group learning (see the discussion section).
acronyms
Acronyms are short words formed from initial letters (eg cars for passenger cars). You can use this principle as a learning method and form acronyms yourself, which are easier to memorize.
Audio Recording
If you used to have a voice recorder in the past, many of you can now simply use your smartphone, as it often has a dictation function on it. You can use these to speak your material and to listen to them again and again and to internalize them.
Sample tests
With tests you can check your knowledge level and at the same time consolidate the material. Especially old tests in the area are suitable for this purpose. If you do not approach such, you can, for example, with fellow students or other like-minded people Create your own exam situations.
Discussion / study group
Not only exam situations or tests are suitable for learning, in general, a study group or a discussion group is a very effective way to consolidate what you have learned and learn new things. Because you are dealing with what you have learned, perhaps trying to convince others or explaining facts and In addition, you deal with what others explain or contribute.
Convince yourself
Interpreting the substance with others is an effective learning method. The whole works well with yourself! If you do not have anyone to talk to at the moment, then some kind of soliloquy will help you. You deal with the subject and explain yourself the facts. Repeating and explaining helps you to internalize the material.
SQ3R method
The method SQ3R stands for: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. So: Overview, Question, Read, Play, Review, This is how we go about learning the SQ3R method:
- Survey: Get an overview! Is the book / text useful for your purposes? Familiarize yourself with the reading material, see the chapters, read the blurb or the summary.
- question: Ask questions to the text. What do I expect from the text? Can the text give me answers? You need to be aware of what goals you are pursuing. For this you should be specific in the questions.
- ReadWhen you have asked questions, it's time to read the text to find answers. Write down interesting passages, thoughts, etc.
- Recite: Now capture the core messages of the book or the text. So you can check if you have understood the facts and the overall context correctly. Also fix the concrete answers to your questions!
- Review: Were all questions answered? Go through the questions and answers again. Seek links to already existing knowledge in order to deepen the subject matter.
Tip: Here's how to improve your memory in the long run!
Videotipp: Other people convince: 3 simple tricks
