You never stop learning! Therefore, it is important to learn to study properly. This way you can retain the learning material in the long term and are well-armed against exam stress. Consequently, use the strategy of self-organization and automatism for effective learning.
Self-organization in learning at a glance
But what is the best way to learn? Everyone should ask themselves this question in order to develop individual learning strategies based on their own learning experience. Certain learning aids can be useful here, which ultimately promote success decisively. Your own organization is the most important thing when learning effectively. You should prepare the learning material in a structured way. You can do this as follows:
- Create an outline for clarity.
- Reduce the learning material to the essentials in a summary in order to identify the main points.
- Make checklists so you don’t forget anything important.
- Write down and define technical terms that are difficult to access on individual index cards so that you can query them yourself.
- Prepare a graphic preparation of the material so that the logical structure becomes clear again.
- Go through the subject matter several times; Reps are important.
Tricks for lifelong learning with success
In addition to the brief overview, we would like to give you more detailed advice on learning correctly and effectively. You should try everything out to see which learning methods are particularly helpful for you. There are also different types of learners since several sense organs are involved in the learning process. It may be the case that a sensory organ is particularly active during the process. But in reality, there are also many mixed forms. As a result, we have an overview of the predominant types of learning.
1) Work with organization and a fixed learning plan
The first step in learning to learn starts with the right organization. In the exam phase, a lot of learning material from different subjects usually comes together. Then it’s time to keep calm and create a learning plan. This way you don’t panic and can work through everything little by little. It is also good to prepare the content during the semester so that you only have to repeat everything during the hot exam phase. Also, read how you can overcome your weaker self.
2) Effective learning with notes and questions
During the first learning round, you should mark important passages in the text. Then go through the marked passages again and formulate questions and answers. You can also record simple hints or comments on index cards. Then go through the cards again from time to time instead of letting them disappear into the drawer. The better you get, the more you can increase your self-confidence.
3) Preparation of the learning material
Depending on what type of learner you are, you can prepare the learning material differently. Then your brain processes the learning material particularly well. So put information in a sketch, create a lesson plan, speak it on your phone, or share what you’ve learned with your family or friends. Pretty much all means are allowed that support your learning type or mixed forms in effective learning. In addition, note tips for more organization in everyday life.
4) Schedule fixed times for proper learning
You should also schedule fixed study times. Studying is very time-consuming and effective learning is quickly put off. But if you study regularly, that can’t happen to you. Thus, make studying a habit and reduce stress at the end of the semester. You may be able to make appointments with your friends.
5) Studying before bed helps
If you review the material before you go to bed, it will be remembered well because two properties of the brain are used in this case. On the one hand, the brain processes most of the learning information directly after learning and, on the other hand, particularly well during sleep at night. Also, note a healthy sleep and tips against sleep problems.
6) Take short breaks more often when studying
The brain cannot continuously store information. Sometimes it needs a short rest phase to be able to save again. Therefore, occasional short breaks during learning are recommended. Likewise, short, regular repetitions of the material are more successful than cramming for hours. Also, note efficient tricks to learn math better.
