What I learned on how to learn.
Insights and strategies for mastering any subject
Studying is something that we all have to do at some point in our lives. After years of hard work, I obtained a bachelor’s degree. It has been a challenging journey, but one that is also filled with valuable lessons that go beyond academic knowledge.
Looking back, I can say what’s more valuable than the degree itself is the knowledge I gained on how to learn.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to experience two different learning environments: the structured university setting and the innovative learning environment of the Apple Developer Academy.
Each had its unique strengths and challenges, and both taught me through trial and error what worked best for me and how to approach learning in a way that made it both enjoyable and effective.
So, if you’re looking to improve your study skills, whether you’re a student or just someone looking to learn something new, I’ve got some valuable insights to share.
Here are my top findings on how to learn effectively.
Prepare your equipment
When it comes to learning something new, there are typically two main reasons for doing so: because it’s required or because you’re interested in it.
Once you’ve identified your why, it’s time to create a plan that works for you. However, before making a plan, consider Pareto’s Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. According to the Italian polymath:
“The 80% of your learning requires the 20% of your study time. The remaining 20% will require 80% of your study time.”
By prioritizing the primary and easier content first, you can make the most of your study time and avoid getting bogged down in the more challenging aspects of the subject.
But remember, a plan is only effective if you can stick to it. That’s why it’s crucial to create a flexible plan that can be adjusted as needed. And most importantly, make sure that you have the discipline to follow through with it. While motivation can be a great initial driving force, it’s the discipline that will keep you going in the long term.
Start a journey that you will remember forever
Learning is not just about memorizing information for a test or exam. It’s about acquiring knowledge and skills that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Have you ever spent hours studying for an exam, only to forget everything you learned a few weeks later?
Relying on learning methods such as continuous repetition and rereading may help in the short-term, but it’s not an effective long-term strategy for retaining information.
To make your learning experience more effective and memorable, try handwriting your notes on paper instead of just transferring information by typing in note-keeping software.
The physical act of writing engages your brain more thoughtfully, making it easier to remember what you’ve written. While it may be slower than typing, the benefits to your memory make it worth the extra effort.
Another effective strategy is to read, write, and talk about what you’ve learned. Breaking down a subject and explaining it to someone else can help you maximize your understanding and remember the subject more effectively.
By incorporating these techniques into your learning process, you’ll find that the knowledge you gain will stick with you forever.
Enjoy your journey
Learning doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be an enjoyable and even rewarding experience if you approach it with the right mindset. When it comes to learning something new, the key is not to study for hours on end but to focus on high-quality study time.
Research shows that our efficiency in studying tends to decline after about 90 minutes. That’s why it’s essential to take breaks regularly to recharge your batteries. To find the right balance, it’s important to understand how long you can study before your efficiency drops significantly.
While the Pomodoro technique recommends taking a 5-minute break every 25 minutes, I’ve found that this interval is too short to achieve a flow state, which is a mental state that allows you to study at optimal levels.
Instead, try studying for about 45 minutes before taking a break, and make sure that the break doesn’t exceed 10 minutes. You can adapt the time of study and breaks to your needs to help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Finally, avoid non-important and non-urgent distractions like mobile devices and social networks. Remember, there will be time for leisure and relaxation later. By focusing on your studies, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey of learning and retain more information along the way.
Share the experience of your journey
Just like taking pictures during a journey, sharing your study results is a great way to cement what you have learned.
When you share your knowledge, try to simplify the content in your own words. Sharing your knowledge with others can take many forms. You can create blog posts, and tutorials, or even just have a conversation with someone about what you’ve learned. The important thing is that you’re actively engaging with the subject and sharing it in a way that makes sense to you and others.
Moreover, creating content about what you’ve learned is also a method to show your skills.
So, next time you finish studying something new, take the time to share your knowledge with others. Not only will it help you remember what you’ve learned, but it can also help you build your reputation and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Thanks for reading! If you want to talk or take a coffee, contact me at vincenz.pascarella@gmail.com or connect via LinkedIn.
