Here are a few effective ways to learn faster that might prove useful.
Highlighting and summarizing are some common learning techniques many people have tried to use to learn new information. However, research says they are not very effective. To learn faster and smarter, here are some useful learning methods that could be more effective.
Practice testing
A practice test can be an effective way to better understand what you know and don't know. This method is commonly used by teachers to help gauge where their students are at when it comes to understanding a certain subject. When you better understand what you are finding more challenging to learn, you can adjust your study plan and spend more time on what you are finding difficult to learn. One study found those who took the practise test were able to remember information better than those who simply reviewed the material. Practise tests can also alter how the brain stores information and pays attention. It could also help the brain to organise information in a better way.
Distributed practice
There is good reason to plan your study session. It is not just about time management. The time and duration you choose to dedicate to a study session could impact how much you retain. In one study, participants were put into three groups. Group one had six study sessions for six consecutive days. The second group had a day between each session, and the final group had an entire month between each session. The results showed that group one retained more information earlier. But those who had some time between study sessions were able to retain more information. Take some time to take in the information between every study session, especially if you want to remember something long-term. Give yourself a whole day between study sessions. This method, according to experts, is a highly useful strategy for learning.
Self-explanation
Self-explanation is a learning method that requires the learner to explain the principle behind the information they are learning. Explaining how something works could help them apply that principle to future problems. One study found participants who were asked to explain their solution to a problem after receiving information did far better in a transfer test than those who were asked to simply solve it. While it is an effective technique, self-explanation is not always a relevant one. Use it with intention and only when required.
