8 strategies to improve your learning Want to sharpen your learning skills? Then consider the following strategies.

Study in short, frequent sessions: this "distributed learning" approach is highly efficient as it takes into consideration how your brain naturally performs. The brain needs recovery and recharging time for protein synthesis, which it acquires in the rest periods between one session and another (it can also be called an 'assimilation period').

Studying for long hours without breaks is likely to cause fatigue and stress, which decreases your capacity to absorb information.

Review with diligence: merging your memory with your present is the best way to effectively understand and memorise the content of your study. If you have read something in the morning, try reviewing the key points at night.

Simple words, verbs or case scenarios will activate your memory, and it is also likely you will capture a few things you did not the first time round.

Utilise logic: understanding the context of your studies enables you to learn at a much faster pace. During your learning, try to draw a picture of the whole process and then fill it with the specific details. Once you understand the logic of what you are learning, you'll find it much easier to solve varied problems.

Associate: associative words are memory triggers. Sometimes a lot of data is stored in your brain in hard-to-access places. By creating associations, you are creating links between different entities and scenarios, which facilitates your memory's capacity to retrieve data.

Have a sanctuary: create your own place to study - a study zone, and don't let anyone access it. Once you step into your temple (which could be comprised of anything that helps you concentrate on your task), you're free of all external interruptions: kids, parents, work, telephone, TV.

The environment will help switch your brain into 'study mode', and the 'burden' of having to study will become a constructive and pleasant way of having a break from everything else.

Be attentive: when studying, it is normal to forget things, have a bad exam or get stuck writing an essay. Instead of punishing yourself about it, simply accept the fact it happened and analyse the reasons for it.

You may be able to identify something in your study process which is causing diversion from your objectives. Remember that defeat is not an end, just a temporary detour.

Create a study framework: developing study schedules and protocols will not only help you concentrate, but also serve as measurements of productivity. Furthermore, creating rules for your study sessions will help you achieve the 'study mode' and keep your study zone in good shape. But once you set your study framework, make sure you stick to it!

Set goals: setting goals will help you progress periodically in your studies. Goals help to measure your productivity, keep yourself motivated, maintain your focus, realise your achievements and, most importantly, improve control over your available resources.

However, be realistic when setting your goals - make sure they are achievable.

Source

www.counsellingacademy.com.au

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