8 tips to help you learn more efficiently

8 tips to help you learn more efficiently

In a rapidly changing business world where trends and technology are in constant evolution, staying abreast of evolving professional knowledge is essential if you are to build a successful, ongoing career. But finding time to study can be hard, and your methods may not be as effective as they once were. To help you learn more efficiently – and make climbing the career ladder easier – follow these eight expert tips:

1. Study less, but do it more often

It’s the night before your professional training exam. You fire up the coffee pot and prepare to study from dusk to dawn. But the next morning your mind is blank – despite a pounding heart high on caffeine. Experienced this? Lesson one is simple: don’t try and learn everything in extended last-minute sessions. Your brain prefers regular repetition. Studying for one hour a day for ten days is better than ten hours the night before the test.

2. Learn actively

Studying is much more effective when you force yourself to learn actively. Join a group where each member must share a topic. Also, be active in discussions and ask questions of your lecturers. The questioning process will help you retain information better.

3. Relate learning to your life

When reading, try to turn theory into your daily practice. If your study topic is leadership, consider how different management approaches would work in your particular work environment.

4. Read it, write it

Make sure that you take notes. This is essential for memory retention. Write down chapter headings and briefly summarise the key points as they appear. Jot down any questions that arise, or disagreements you have with the author. This is another way to make your learning active.

5. Be realistic

Before embarking on new learning, set a realistic target, then create a manageable study plan. For example, set aside two hours twice a week to learn a 20-hour unit. Give yourself six weeks to complete this. Factor in some extra time to help you cope with busy work periods or potential delays.

6. Use technology

Devices like an IPAD, Galaxy Tab, in fact any of today's smart phone devices can help you learn on the road. This is especially handy if you have to commute from home to work, or travel between jobs. You can upload digital learning files onto handheld MP3 players and listen to them when convenient. Remember to take notes.

7. Check with an expert

You studied long and hard for weeks before an important exam. You’ve never studied so comprehensively and you are sure you will have performed well. But then your results arrive and you are disappointed. It appears that your understanding of the course was off track… It happens. To make sure that you are grasping concepts correctly, check with an expert before your test.

8. Study yourself

Learning sometimes feels like a burden. But without it you may find yourself under equipped to shine in your office. All of the above tips can help you learn more effectively. However, it’s also important to consider what works best for you.