The Power of Effective Learning: Practical Tips and Wisdom for Personal Growth

Why we like to learn

Humans have an innate curiosity and desire to learn.  Learning is deeply ingrained in our nature as humans. From the moment we’re born, we instinctively explore, observe, and absorb information from our surroundings.

Learning provides several benefits. Learning helps us adapt to our environment. As circumstances change, acquiring new knowledge and skills allows us to survive and thrive. It equips us with problem-solving abilities and also innovate.

History of learning

The study of learning has evolved significantly, from ancient philosophical debates to empirical research and practical applications. In ancient Egypt, education thrived, guided by priests who taught in formal schools, sharing valuable knowledge in the humanities and practical subjects like science, medicine, mathematics, and geometry. Religion intertwined with the cultural framework, with priesthood training beginning as early as age 17. In ancient China, teaching methods such as memorization and oral repetition were embraced, and the rigorous education system fostered discipline and resilience. In ancient India, learning flourished through direct teaching, rational deliberation, and deep contemplation. Ancient Greek education radiated wisdom, educating their populace through formal schools and freely sharing knowledge in public settings. This rich tapestry of educational practices laid the groundwork for contemporary exploration in learning sciences, building on diverse historical foundations to inform modern theories and methodologies in education.

Types of learning

While ancient education emphasized critical thinking, originality and philosophical understanding, modern education focuses on problem solving, adaptability and preparing the learning for a rapidly changing world, but also integrates the time-honored learning methodologies to provide a multifaceted learning. There are several types of learning styles that people use to understand and remember information.

• Visual Learning: Approximately 65% of people are visual learners. They learn best through images, diagrams, videos, and other visuals.
• Auditory Learning: Auditory learners thrive when they hear lectures and engage in discussions. For them, spoken information is key.
• Reading/Writing Learning: This style involves reading the written word and writing things down. These learners benefit from text-based materials and note-taking.
• Kinesthetic Learning: Kinesthetic learners learn through movement and hands-on activities.
• Experiential learning is a powerful approach that emphasizes learning by doing. It invites learners to engage in hands-on experiences and then reflect on those experiences and bridges theory and practice.

Fun fact

Fascinating fact: Sleep plays a crucial role in learning and memory consolidation. During deep sleep, the brain processes and organizes information from the day, strengthening neural connections and enhancing memory retention. So, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just restful—it’s essential for effective learning!

How to enhance lifelong learning

Learning Hacks

1. Habit stacking
   • A technique where you build new habits by attaching them to existing ones, leveraging the structure and consistency of your current routines to establish new behaviors more easily.
   • Example – if you have already have a consistent habit of drinking a cup of coffee every morning, you can stack your new habit of mindfulness with it by focusing on your breath, observing your thoughts, listening keenly to the sound of coffee being made and soaking in the beautiful aroma.
   • Check this out for more info – Habit Stacking: How to Build New Habits by Taking Advantage of Old Ones (jamesclear.com)
2. Microlearning
   • Involves breaking down complex topics into smaller, manageable segments that can be easily integrated into your daily routine.
   • Example – Again, if you have already have a consistent habit of drinking a cup of coffee every morning, use that time to watch a short educational video.
   • Check out these apps for training yourself, your business teams –
     • SC Training (formerly EdApp) | Mobile Learning Management System | SC Training (formerly EdApp):
     • The Mobile LMS (safetyculture.com); Kahoot! | Learning games | Make learning awesome!;
     • Home – Learnie (mylearnie.com)
     • GoSkills: Business Courses Online | LMS | Online Course Builder
     • Duolingo – The world’s best way to learn a language
3. Spaced repetition
   • Involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time to enhance long-term retention. Spacing effect is a psychological principle that suggests information is better remembered when it is studied a few times spaced over a long timespan rather than repeatedly in a short span.
   • Example – This one doesn’t involve coffee! Imagine you’re learning a new vocabulary. On Day 1 you learn 10 new words, Day 2 review the same new words, Day 4 review the words again, Day 8 review them again, then on Day 15 and Day 30. This may require frequent reminders on your phone!
   • Software tools like Anki or Quizlet are designed to schedule reviews based on your performance. Anki – powerful, intelligent flashcards (ankiweb.net); https://quizlet.com/. For more information check out – SuperMemo – SuperMemo Help
4. Feynman Technique
   • This method helps you learn and understand concepts more deeply by teaching them in a simplified manner.
   • Start with a concept you want to learn and write down an explanation as if you were teaching it to a child. This technique forces you to break down complex ideas into their fundamental components, enhancing your comprehension and retention.
   • For more information check out – The Feynman Technique: How to Learn Anything in 4 Easy Steps | Thinking Workshops
5. Mind Mapping
   • This technique helps organize information visually making it easier to understand, remember and recall.
   • Start with a central idea in the middle of blank page and draw branches from it representing major subtopics or categories. Draw sub-branches to show a breakdown of tasks and examples. Use colors, symbols and images to enhance the map.
   • Example – Mind mapping for sales representatives to come up with their own ideas on how the sales can be improved and may help the product team to come up with new offers for their consumers by allowing them to organize and visualize their knowledge about users, product features and design.
   • Check out these awesome apps –
     • EdrawMind: Free Collaborative Mind Mapping Software
     • Create Your Mind Maps Online – On Any Device | MindMeister

Learning Wisdoms

1. Set Clear Goals
   • Define what you want to learn and set specific, achievable goals.
   • Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
2. Stay Curious
   • Foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around you.
   • Ask questions and seek answers through research and exploration.
3. Create a Learning Schedule
   • Allocate specific times for learning in your daily routine.
   • Consistency helps build a habit and makes learning a regular part of your life.
4. Engage in Active Learning
   • Take notes, discuss topics with others, and teach what you’ve learned.
   • Active engagement with the material helps reinforce knowledge.
5. Embrace Diverse Learning Methods
   • Utilize various learning styles such as visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.
   • Combine different methods to find what works best for you.
6. Use Technology to Your Advantage
   • Take advantage of online courses, educational apps, and learning platforms.
   • Join forums and online communities to connect with other learners.
7. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection
   • Regularly reflect on what you have learned and how it applies to your life.
   • Practice mindfulness to stay focused and present during learning sessions.
8. Stay Organized
   • Keep your learning materials and notes well-organized for easy access.
   • Use digital tools or traditional methods like notebooks and planners.
9. Read Widely
   • Diversify your reading materials to include books, articles, and journals from various disciplines.
   • Reading widely broadens your perspective and exposes you to different ideas.
10. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
    • Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
    • A healthy body supports a healthy mind, enhancing your ability to learn.
11. Stay Positive and Persistent
    • Maintain a positive attitude toward learning, even when it gets challenging.
    • Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
12. Seek Feedback and Practice Self-Improvement
    • Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or educators to gain new insights.
    • Continuously strive to improve yourself and your learning strategies.

By incorporating these hacks and wisdom into your daily routine, you can become a more effective lifelong learner. Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement allows you to stay ahead of the curve while also experiencing a greater sense of fulfillment and curiosity. Happy Learning!