We all want to learn new things, whether it’s a new language, a new skill, or a new hobby. But learning can be hard, boring, or frustrating at times. How can we make learning easier, faster, and more enjoyable? Is there a secret formula to master any topic or domain?
The good news is that science has some answers for us. Researchers have studied how the human brain learns and what are the best strategies to optimize our learning process. In this article, I will share with you four science-backed methods that can help you learn anything faster and better. These methods are:
Let’s dive into these methods and see how they work and how you can apply them to your learning goals.
1. Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing the same material at increasing intervals of time. The idea is to take advantage of the spacing effect, which is the phenomenon that we remember information better when we study it multiple times over a long period of time rather than cramming it in one session.
Spaced repetition works because it helps us consolidate our memory and prevent forgetting. When we review something after a while, we have to reactivate our memory and strengthen the neural connections that store it. This makes the memory more durable and resistant to interference. On the other hand, when we study something only once or in a short time span, we don’t give our brain enough time to encode and store the information properly, and we are more likely to forget it soon.
Spaced repetition is especially useful for learning facts, vocabulary, formulas, or concepts that require rote memorization. To apply spaced repetition, you can use flashcards, apps, or software that help you schedule your reviews based on algorithms that calculate the optimal time intervals for each item. Some popular spaced repetition tools are Anki, Quizlet, and SuperMemo.
2. Interleaving
Interleaving is a learning technique that involves mixing different topics or problems within a study session. The idea is to create contrast and variation in your learning rather than focus on one topic or problem at a time.
Interleaving works because it helps us generalize and discriminate between different concepts or categories. When we interleave different topics or problems, we have to switch our attention and adapt our strategies to each one. This makes us more flexible and creative in our thinking and problem-solving. It also helps us compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the topics or problems, enhancing our understanding and knowledge transfer. On the other hand, when we study one topic or type of problem at a time, we may fall into repetition and overconfidence, and we may fail to see the bigger picture or the connections between different topics or problems.
Interleaving is especially useful for learning skills, procedures, techniques, or strategies that require application or practice. To apply interleaving, you can shuffle your study materials or practice problems or alternate between different topics or types of problems within a study session. For example, if you are learning math, you can interleave different types of equations, or if you are learning a language, you can interleave different grammar rules or vocabulary words.
3. Retrieval practice
Retrieval practice is a learning technique that involves recalling information from memory rather than reviewing it from the source. The idea is to test yourself on what you have learned rather than re-reading or re-watching it.
Retrieval practice works because it helps us reinforce and monitor our memory. When we retrieve information from memory, we strengthen the neural pathways that store it and make it more accessible and reliable. We also identify the gaps in our knowledge and the areas that need more review or clarification. Retrieval practice also helps us organize and integrate the information in our memory, which improves our comprehension and application of knowledge. On the other hand, when we review information from the source, we may create a false sense of familiarity or mastery, and we may not realize how much we actually remember or understand.
Retrieval practice is useful for learning any information or skill requiring memory or understanding. To apply retrieval practice, you can use quizzes, tests, questions, or prompts that ask you to recall or apply what you have learned. You can also use self-explanation, summarization, or paraphrasing to explain or restate what you have learned in your own words.
4. Elaboration
Elaboration is a learning technique that involves adding more detail, meaning, or context to the information that you are learning. The idea is to expand and deepen your knowledge rather than memorizing or repeating it.
Elaboration works because it helps us connect and relate the new information to our prior knowledge and experience. When we elaborate on the information we are learning, we associate it with other relevant information we already know or have learned. This makes the information more meaningful and memorable and helps us organize and structure it in our memory. Elaboration also helps us generate and apply examples, scenarios, or analogies that illustrate or demonstrate the information we are learning, enhancing our understanding and knowledge transfer. On the other hand, when we learn information without elaboration, we may not encode or store it properly in our memory, and we may not be able to use or apply it in different situations.
Elaboration is useful for learning any information or skill requiring meaning or context. To apply elaboration, you can use questions, prompts, or cues that ask you to explain, justify, or elaborate on what you are learning. You can also use examples, scenarios, or analogies that relate or apply what you are learning to real-life situations or problems.
Conclusion
Learning is a lifelong process that can be fun, rewarding, and fulfilling. But it can also be challenging, tedious, and frustrating at times. That’s why we need to use effective and efficient learning methods that can help us learn faster and better.
In this article, I shared with you four science-backed methods that can boost your learning performance and outcomes. These methods are:
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you want to learn more about these methods and how to apply them, you can check out these resources:
Now, I have a question for you: Which of these methods are you going to try next? And what are you going to learn with them? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might benefit from it. Happy learning!