7 Ways to Learn Anything Faster.

Written by: Javeria Khan   Date: May 2 2024

Introduction

Learning is a skill itself; it should be performed effectively to become equipped in a shorter time and also retain it. Incorrect or passive learning habits have a negative impact on the productivity of individuals and cause excess stress and anxiety.

Learning is indeed a process that causes rewiring of the neurons. In psychology, it is defined as a natural human process that causes change in behavior due to environmental, past experience, emotional, and cognitive factors.

We need to understand how the human brain learns anything, and then we will discuss how to speed up the process for better living. The key idea is to make pathways, or neuron connections, also known as synapses. According to the study at the University of California by Greg Ashby,.

The human brain has multiple learning systems; these systems are functionally and anatomically distinct. They evolved at different times and for different purposes. One is the procedural learning system, also known as muscle memory. Where improvement occurs with repitive practice, like piano playing.

Neuroplasticity is the capacity of the brain  and neural pathways in the brain to change their own connections and form new ones, which leads to a change in behavior when exposed to new experiences. Most of the research on neuroplasticity is done during brain trauma and injury.

It is surprisingly, a life long process. The brain is adaptable like plastic; hence, it is named neuroplasticity.

It destroys the conventional belief that the brain cannot change after childhood; hence, the brain can change at any age through neuroplasticity, forming different pathways.

Yes, the process does slow down. The rate at which the human brain learns (neuroplasticity). Acquiring healthy cognitive habits such as learning new skills, languages, and diets has a significant role in learning new things.

7 Ways to Learn Anything Faster.

1. Deep focus and Prolong Concentration.

There is a purpose for discussing this point first because it is a pillar of all the processes. Once you learn the process correctly, most of the job is done.

Deep Work is a book by Cal Newport; he mentions the most valuable information on focus. I will discuss some of it in detail.

High focus and a high level of alertness are required for neuroplasticity (learning). Bring an immense amount of attention to your work; it opens up neuroplasticity to that specific experience, especially in adulthood. If you do not pay attention, you will never learn the process. This is the difference between the neuroplasticity in the child  and adult brains.

The best way to get better at focus is to use the mechanism of focus. You are born with the key principle that mental focus follows visual focus. You can increase your visual focus more broadly.

Neuroplasticity activates on alertness.

In order to improve visual focus. The finer the visual image, and the more you can hold your gaze to that visual image, the higher will be the level of attention. Read a book or anything else you want to absorb and bring it closer to your visual acuity, creating fewer distractions in your visual field.

We blink more as we get tired, so practice blinking less during your work, increasing the gaze span to maximize the visual learning. This is the key to focusing for longer periods of time.

If you want to learn or focus deeply through hearing, you should listen attentively and close your eyes while listening to the ebook or podcast. A musician also applied this method while learning to play instruments.

Deep focus can be extremely boring, especially in this age of stimulation, so you have to embrace the boredom because, without it, you can never achieve your goal.

2. Taking Regular Breaks.

Prolonging focus throughout the day is crucial for productivity. To achieve this, taking regular breaks is key. By allowing yourself short periods of rest, you can recharge and maintain mental clarity, leading to improved concentration and overall performance. Remember to incorporate breaks into your schedule to optimize your focus and productivity levels.

It is recommended to take 10 minutes regularly between periods of deep focus to recharge yourself.

Taking breaks helps you reduce stress and allow your brain to process the information.

A very popular method known as Pomodoro‘s method is used to increase productivity; for that, you must have a table clock.

First, choose your goal or target, use a timer, and then work for 25 minutes without interruption. With deep focus, this period is called Pomodoro. Then, take a 5 minutes break.

After every four pomodoro  take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. It is a conventional method, but it still works. During your break, you should avoid any stimulation such as reading, using your smartphone, etc. It is recommended to go for a walk instead or take a nap. It is especially useful in understanding complicated concepts.

3. Learn by Actively Doing

It is a process in which the student actively uses the methods and techniques that he has learned to memorize them better and participates in activating them to earn the benefit of the information.

Practically using the method in our daily lives Actively engage in processes through various activities such as role-playing, fieldwork, and experimentation. The science behind it is very simple and involves neuroplasticity.

The concept of the generation effect states that children learn more when they are asked to generate a new idea than by just reading books. It also activates the perception action cycle in our brain. It is the process by which we acquire information through our sensory system, which is then carried to the motor cortex. As this cycle continues, the information goes from the motor system to the sensory and then to the environment again.

Learning by active doing is a highly effective approach that promotes engagement and knowledge retention. By actively participating in hands-on activities and practical exercises, individuals are able to deepen their understanding and acquire new skills in a meaningful way. This active approach to learning fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive develop. It will help you in learning anything fast not only your studying but this method is also applicable in sports

4. Active Recall.

Discovering the power of a active recall. I think it is the most advantageous advantage, where you learn fast without getting burnout and also a time efficient method.

You have to replicate the information, that you have learner without looking at the book and recall all that you had learned, the more you recall or revise the topic, the more you memorised it

Spaced Repetition: Space out your study sessions over time to allow for better retention and recall of information.

Flashcards: Create flashcards to aid in active recall. Write a question or concept on one side and the answer or explanation on the other. Quiz yourself regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Summarize and Teach: Summarizing what you have learned in your own words helps solidify your understanding. Teaching the material to someone else further enhances your comprehension and retention.

Practice Testing: Engage in practice tests or quizzes to actively retrieve information from memory. This exercise helps identify areas of weakness and strengthens overall learning.

Interleaving: Instead of dedicating long periods to a single topic, alternate between different subjects or concepts. This approach enhances learning by promoting connections and preventing monotony.

Visualize and Mnemonics: Use visual aids or mnemonic techniques to create memorable associations that aid in recall. Imagery and association enhance memory retention.

Break It Down: Break complex information into smaller, manageable chunks. By focusing on one concept at a time, you can grasp and retain the material more effectively.

By incorporating these seven techniques and emphasizing the importance of active recall, you can accelerate your learning process and improve your overall understanding of any subject. Remember, consistent practice and dedication are key to mastering new skills and knowledge.

5. Test Yourself.

After you have learned the skill you want, the next step is to memorize it for long periods of time, although learning by doing does the same thing. But testing yourself is an is an even better method.

Although active recall is also a self-assessment method, specifically testing yourself means solving the questions and tests available online. You will make mistakes and identify areas where you are lacking, which will then help you to polish your skill. The singers and musicians who take part in competition are often better than others.

Testing ourselves is a powerful tool for accelerating our learning process. By regularly assessing our knowledge and skills, we can identify areas that require further improvement and focus our efforts accordingly. Testing serves as a feedback mechanism, allowing us to gauge our progress and refine our learning strategies. Embracing testing as a fundamental aspect of learning can significantly enhance our ability to acquire knowledge and master new skills.

Testing has been proven for decades for long term retention. It is better to learn 10 times and then test yourself then to learn 20 times.

6. Exercise Regularly.

When it comes to enhancing our learning abilities, there are various techniques and strategies that can be employed. One such approach that has proven to be highly effective is regular exercise. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can significantly contribute to accelerating the learning process.

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory retention. Engaging in exercises such as cardio workouts or even simple brisk walks increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. This enhanced blood flow promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens existing neural connections, resulting in improved learning capabilities.

Moreover, exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. By reducing stress and promoting a positive mindset, exercise creates an optimal environment for efficient learning. Additionally, the increased energy levels and enhanced focus that come with regular exercise enable individuals to grasp and retain new information more effectively.

Incorporating exercise into your learning routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming or arduous. Simple activities like stretching breaks, yoga sessions, or even short walks during study breaks can make a significant difference. By prioritizing physical activity and harnessing its benefits, you can pave the way for faster and more efficient learning.

So, if you’re looking to boost your learning potential, consider making exercise an integral part of your routine. The combination of physical activity and intellectual engagement is a powerful duo that can help you achieve your learning goals with greater speed and success.

7. Teach someone else.

Sibling who teach there younger sibling have more deep insight about the topic that other student who don’t teach to others similar for the person who teaches to their friend.

When you deliberately learn something for the purpose of teaching other, you learn it quicker

Have you ever experienced that when you teach something to your friend, you ultimately understand it better?

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

Albert Einstein.

The protégé effect says that by teaching others skills, it helps us refine and perfect those skills.

It helps us learn anything faster. If you pass the knowledge on to someone in layman terms, it means you understand it better. Not only that, but it also increases the metacognitive abilities. When you learn to teach others, you try to gain as much knowledge and solve the problem critically.

It increases the invitation and active engagement, and when you see you are teaching them something useful, it will boost your confidence.

Another benefit of this technique is that it improves your own communication skills and eloquence. This ability can help you become a good professor.

Involvement of many people can open the door for new possibilities. You will be amazed why you haven’t looked at that topic in this way. The problem that you were struck with before now appears to be solved. You miss the point by calling it irrelevant and unimportant, but it turns out to be very critical and deep. When a student asks a question, it will help you think deeply about it and gain a better understanding of it.

Siblings who teach their younger sibling have more deep insight into the topic than other students who don’t teach to others, similar to the person who teaches to their friend.

When you deliberately learn something for the purpose of teaching others, you learn it quicker.