10 Tips to Help You Learn Faster.

How can you learn faster? Most people think that you have to dedicate countless hours each day to study in order to retain as much information as possible, but that’s not the case at all. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or learning how to master a new skill or trade, there are plenty of techniques you can use to study smarter, not harder, and make learning easier and more efficient than ever before. These ten tips on how to learn faster will help you get started immediately!

1) Explore Podcasts

Podcasts can be a fantastic way to learn faster. Podcasts are rich in memory-enhancing audio which has been shown to aid our brain’s ability to retain information, and there is a wealth of podcasts covering every topic under the sun. Start exploring different topics and you’ll likely find something that piques your interest; and once you find one, dive in! Listen for at least 20 minutes each day. Whether you listen on your commute or during a workout, podcasts make learning new material easier.

2) Read Articles

By reading articles on your topic, you’ll become more knowledgeable in your field. By having a better memory and understanding of your topic, you can make better judgements and have an easier time scoring high marks. Use social media to connect with influencers and experts in your industry. This will allow you access to knowledge others haven’t even had access to yet.

3) Take Notes

If you’re in school or college, take notes with pen and paper. Handwriting is faster than typing, which means you’ll get through your lecture material faster. Plus, writing your notes out by hand improves memory. When it comes time to study for an exam, you can just read over your notes instead of re-watching a video lecture.

4) Use Multiple Forms of Learning

In order to be truly efficient, learning should take place in several different mediums. If you want high marks on your next exam, don’t rely on only one form of learning. Utilize a variety of resources, such as study groups and tutors, printed materials and electronic material, practice exams and class time. Learning faster will help you learn better too!

5) Create Flashcards/Quizzes

Create flashcards or quizzes of information that you’re trying to learn. If you can spend a few minutes learning every time you sit down, your brain will start to store more and more information. Your learning curve will skyrocket as you begin retaining more and more information. Create an app with StudyBlue, create lessons on BusyTeacher or simply create your own with Notepad. If memorizing numbers seems tedious at first, think about all of those better jobs you could be applying for in no time!

6) Take Breaks While Studying

While you might have cram sessions in mind when it comes to learning, often times taking a break from studying can be just as effective. When we study for long periods of time without taking breaks, our brains become fatigued and we find it harder to focus on studying. Breaks also help us learn better because they give our brain a chance to process what we’ve learned so far and cement it into memory.

7) Listen while Sleeping

Spending just a few minutes learning while you’re sleeping, or right after you wake up, has been shown to dramatically improve learning speed. This is because our brains are primed and ready for new information when we first wake up; if we don’t use that opportunity, it slips away in a matter of minutes. Listen while sleeping and you can learn faster! If possible try listening with earbuds on (with white noise)

8) Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice makes perfect, right? Well, not really. Practice just means you can do something better—but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll do it faster. If you’re trying to learn a new skill or craft and are eager to get up-to-speed more quickly, work on those areas where you feel like you already have some experience.

9) Don’t Procrastinate. Start Early.

If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ll never get started. In other words, procrastination might make your life better in terms of efficiency and productivity (it doesn’t), but it certainly makes life worse when it comes to learning new things. The longer you put off studying for a test or learning a new skill, for example, the longer it will take you to actually learn said skill or prepare for that test.

10) Write Down the Key Points

In order to retain information and be able to draw upon it later, you need a foundation. Write down key points on paper while they’re fresh in your mind, so that when it comes time for exam prep or even just general review, you’ll have a list of things you know you need to remember. This has also been proven as an effective study tool for those looking for better jobs.

Conclusion

While you may think some people are simply smarter than others, research shows that learning can be improved by breaking things down into smaller chunks and studying regularly. If you want to learn faster, make sure you’re taking in new information, practicing what you learn regularly, and reviewing material as often as possible. That way, when it comes time for exams or test-taking of any kind—in business school or elsewhere—you’ll be ready!