How Can You Learn Fast?

Education is the foundation step to grow and succeed in life and thus each and every individual needs to learn and study as much as possible or rather requires. Learning the study and subjects fast is more important as there is always lack of time in today’s time. To learn and memorise anything fast is one of the most important steps to be followed to achieve heights and growth in life. There are various steps one can follow to learn fast and quick. Few of them are mentioned below and an individual can follow the mentioned below steps.

Take handwritten notes

You are more likely to remember something you have written down and mentioned. If you are in a class, listen carefully to the lecture and jot down the keywords and phrases you hear as much as possible. If you are learning something online or from a book, rewrite what you read in your own words since that can help ingrain it better in your memory and will be helpful to remember later in a better way. That way, you will be able to recall it more quickly, thus one of the most important and useful way to learn fast.

For example, if you are trying to learn more about US history, you could write down a timeline of all the important dates and events in a systematic manner.

Say it out loud

Hearing yourself repeat the information helps you remember it easier and for a longer period. Read aloud if you are studying from a book, website, or your notes. Go slowly through the text so you do not skip over anything important study. Try pointing at the words as you read them to help you commit them to memorize them even more. The more you say the information out loud, the easier it gets to pull it off the top of your head and remember.

For example, if you are trying to learn a new language, practice saying vocabulary words and sentences as you learn them simultaneously.

Since you are actively speaking, the information stands out better in your long-term memory in the end.

Try self-testing

Quiz yourself so you see what topics you still need to review and give focus on. After you have read through or practiced something, test your memory by reciting everything you just learned to yourself. If you need to remember keywords or phrases, try writing down their definitions without looking at them up to help you to learn fast. Make note of what you have trouble remembering so you can go back and practice it some more. That way, you are not wasting time focusing on things you already know well rather focusing on stuffs that need more attention.

For example, if you are testing yourself on a textbook chapter, summarize everything that happened in your own words for better memorizing. Then check for any keywords at the end of the chapter and try to define them, thus helping you to learn faster. You can also find many practice tests online for the subject you are studying and this will help in learning fast.

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Teach the information to someone else

Explaining something helps you retain the main points and to put less focus on the one that is less important. Have one of your friends listen to you as you try to teach them the subject you have been learning the subject. Try to tell them everything you know in a clear and direct way so you do not confuse them. Ask them if they understand or if they need a better explanation and do the needful. If you have trouble remembering certain points, make sure you go back to review them as well to memorise. Since you have to actively recall the information you are teaching, it’s easier for you to learn the subject more quickly and in a more convenient way.

For example, if you are learning about chemistry, try teaching someone about the periodic table and how the chemicals bond forms.

If you do not have anyone to help you out, try writing out the instructions or information you just learned as much as possible. Use simple language so anyone who reads it can understand it and for later reference too.

Use mnemonic devices

Combine letters and nonsense sentences to remember complex topics and the difficult parts. If you have to memorize a list of information or a more abstract concept, abbreviate the first letter of each item or topic. You can also try making a funny sentence that’s easier to remember or memorize. Since you are associating visuals and images with the concept, you will have an easier time remembering the study. Since you only have to remember shorter phrases, you would not spend as much time on the difficult subjects or topics.

For example, if you are learning music and want to learn the notes on a treble clef, you may use the sentence “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge” to remember the notes E, G, B, D, and F respectively.

Make an analogy to something you already know

You will remember complex topics if you relate them to something else which is easier to recall. Tough subjects can be hard to wrap your head around if you cannot picture them in your head. Try to compare what you’re learning to something else that you already know so you can visualize and recall it easier. Because you already have an association to another thing you know well, you are going to recall it a lot easier and in a better way.

For example, if you have trouble understanding the structure of an atom, you might compare it to the solar system or anything similar. The electrons rotate around the nucleus of an atom just like the planets go around the sun precisely.

Space out your review sessions

You will have better long-term memory if you practice frequently as much as possible. Rather than trying to cram all of the information in a short amount of time, take your time learning and understanding the topic. Always review information from your last practice session for a little while in the following session so you do not forget about it in the next session. Since you are going over the information multiple times, it will be a lot easier to recall and improve your memory, thus making things convenient to learn.

For example, if you are learning Spanish, you may start by forming sentences with the vocabulary words from your last study session which was done earlier. For the current session, one can try adding some new words and using them in sentences as well if possible.

As another example, if you are trying to pick up guitar, practice the basic scales and chords every day before moving onto more complex songs or techniques as this step will help a lot in learning the art.

Cramming only works in the short term, and you are more likely to forget the information you learned sooner or later.

Change your practice technique each day

Making slight adjustments while learning helps you pick it up quicker and in a better way. Doing the exact same thing every day can make your brain fall into a routine thus helping to memorize. Instead, speed up your study session or add a slight variation, such as playing a learning game or upping the difficulty, so it challenges you in a different way respectively. Since you have to adapt to the new situation, it ingrains the information faster and easier.

For example, if you are trying to learn a new language, try writing the words and translations down on the very first and initial day. On the second day, make a game where you match each translation to the word respectively.

As another example, if you are learning how to properly swing a baseball bat, you might do regular practice swings one day but then try a weighted bat the next day respectively.

Take a 5-minute break each hour

Even a short breather gives your brain some time to refocus and given relaxation too. Your brain gets tired when you overload it with information and details. Try to give yourself a few minutes every hour to rest and step away from what you are learning and studying. Take the time to get up, stretch, and do something relaxing as much as possible and required. At the end of your break, focus back on your studies with a clear mind and better concentration. Since you have given your brain some time to relax, it will be easier for you to pick up on the information and detail now in a better way.

Stop multitasking

Trying to do too much at once makes it harder to learn and understand. When it’s time for you to study, get in the zone and only work on one subject at a time or rather one topic. Try to avoid watching TV, checking your phone, or studying other material while you are learning since you will have a tougher time remembering the subject you want to focus on respectively. Even though you might think you are learning more at once, you are more likely to get confused and have to go back to review the topics later on precisely.

Tell yourself you can do it

If you think you can learn something, you are more likely to succeed and achieve the goals. We know that it can be a little daunting to learn something complex, but it gets a lot easier if you trust in yourself and have full confidence. Whenever you have a negative thought about learning, push it back and replace it with something positive instead to bring about positivity. With a positive mindset, you will be more eager to learn so you are able to get the hang of the new skill even faster and quicker.

For example, rather than thinking, “I’ll never be able to understand this,” you can reframe it as, “If I put my mind to it, I can learn this”, thus bringing about positivity within.

Keep the benefits of what you are learning in mind while you are learning so you stay excited about it and even curious. For example, if you are a figure skater learning a new maneuver, you will feel more motivated to practice if you think about how it will make your routine better and will even help you stay fit.

Exercise regularly

Exercise gives a boost to your memory and keeps the mind fresh. Studies have shown that you have improved memory after doing aerobic exercises which helps in learning the subject better. It also helps increase your body’s production of a protein that supports how your brain cells grow and function respectively. Try to get in about 20 minutes of exercise during the day to keep your body healthy and your brain stimulated precisely. Since exercise stimulates your brain, you will have a lot better memory and learning ability if this is followed.

Get more sleep

Your brain processes your memories while you are asleep. Try to get a good night’s sleep in between your study sessions since it will help you retain the information better and keep in mind longer. Try to follow the same sleep schedule every day so it becomes a routine and habit. Keep your room cool and dark so you get the most restful and peaceful sleep. Since sleep helps you form long-term memories, you will pick up that new skill or topic even more quickly.