5 Unique Ways to Learn Effectively in Less Time

Learning can be tedious. Sometimes, it gets so interesting that we spend hours studying- which is good until we realize that we haven’t learned anything significant. This is why learning how to learn effectively in less time is of utmost importance. Increased time for social activity, improved mental clarity and an enhancement in subject knowledge are some of the benefits of knowing how to study in less time. In this article, we will explore five unique and time-tested ways anyone can begin right now to revolutionize their learning sessions.

1.    Study subjects that interest you

Studying can be really tedious as it is the act of putting the brain to work. It is therefore imperative to choose topics that are important or fascinating to you. When you choose to learn a subject matter that is intriguing, you will be operating in a flow state where time seems to freeze and learning becomes a beauty to enjoy. We track learning time when we get bored. However, when you choose to study subjects that pique your interest, you will be more productive. When choosing a subject to study, you may want to consider your needs, passions or background. If you grew up in a riverine area, with a sport loving father, subjects such as swimming and aquaculture will seem of interest to you.

2.    Define and limit your studying time

Can you remember the Pareto principle? “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

If you actually check the statement, you’d realize that it is true. You would realize that even though you had a whole semester to write a paper, you often start preparing few weeks to the deadline.

It is important to define and limit the time you spend in studying. This allows you to overcome procrastination and finish the material you are studying. There are ways you can apply the Parkinson’s law to your studying. Here are few methods:

i.                   Set artificial constraints: To learn effectively in less time, you may have to apply several artificial constraints such as not reading on your bed or the couch. Instead, find a comfortable desk at a corner of your room (in case you want to in your room) where all your studying will be done.

ii.                 Set a deadline to complete studying a material: Instead of reading “The Origin of Species” in 2 weeks. Read “The Origin of Species” before XXX date.

iii.               In case you are studying on your laptop, study without a laptop charger. That way, you are forced to complete your studying before your computer runs out of battery.

iv.                Set batch studying tasks: When you know you have to study another material in XXX time, you will be forced to focus on the material at hand.

Setting a limit for your studying time is one of the major ways of learning effectively in less time. There are lots of learning resources available. There are so much that it can take several lifetimes to consume them all. However, when one understands that there isn’t the luxury of time to study, one begins to effectively choose and study the materials that matter.

3.    Use productivity software to track your learning

There are lots of productivity applications that enable you to track your studying time. Many of these applications such as Tomighty use the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique simply means you study for a set time (25 minutes) with a break (5 mins for short break and 10 minutes for a long break). The process is repeated for as long as you want.

You can use a stopwatch to do this. However, using an app helps you to automate the process and your studying session isn’t interrupted. Some apps even allow you to play music, games or watch the news in the interval (break) between the studying sessions.

Great productivity apps that you can use include:

o  Toggl: This is popular among entrepreneurs. It has a powerful timesheet calculator and a simple online timer for tracking time.

o  RescueTime: In case you are doing your studying on certain websites and in certain programs, RescueTime helps you to track how much time you spend.

o  Task Timer: This is a chrome Plug-in that can be used to determine the time spent on doing batch tasks.

4.    Examine your learning strategy and style for the subject matter

The nature of the material you want to study will determine your learning strategy. For example, if you are studying a scientific material, you may need to have a calculator as well as a book (or sheet) to work out some exercises. However, if you are reading a Shakespeare’s novel, you do not need a calculator or a book for solving equations. Therefore, it is important to analyze your material of study before embarking on a studying session. The nature of the material will ensure that you adopt the appropriate learning strategy for the subject matter.

Another thing to look at when deciding the learning strategy is to check your understanding of the subject matter. A subject matter that you are not familiar with, will require more intense studying session and probably research resources to have a further understanding of the topics discussed in the material you are studying. The research resources may include dictionary or access to the internet.

What is your learning style?

To learn effectively, you have to figure out your learning style. There are four major unique learning styles and it is important you know what your unique learning style is.

Visual (spatial): You prefer using images, pictures, and spatial understanding. If you are a visual learner, it would be proper and more effective to use flashcards when studying.

Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music. If you are an aural learner, you will learn a lot by listening to tapes and podcasts. You can have your book of choice recorded in audio. Many books now have their audio formats on audible. You can also listen to podcasts instead of reading blog posts or articles.

Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in writing and speech. If you are in this category, you are going to learn more effectively by scripting, reading out aloud, and using word-based techniques.

Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your hands, body, and sense of touch. Learners who fall into this category are going to learn more if they have prototypes of what you want to study.

Most often, people rarely fall solely into one category of learning. Nevertheless, it is good to know which class of learning style you’re most dominant and begin to adjust your study materials to suit your style.

5.    Seek coaching or mentoring

The easiest way to learn is by studying others. When you have a mentor, you are able to cut the learning process. The time which would have been spent on trial and error will be eliminated when you walk in the footsteps of men and women who have walked the path you want to take.

Another way of minimizing your learning time is by ensuring you get a coach. The duty of the coach is to ensure you are held accountable. Sometimes, life happens and we lose focus. Instead of studying the materials that matter, we shift to YouTube videos or spend a huge chunk of time on materials that don’t matter. Having a coach ensures that you are held accountable for your studying commitment.

The importance of studying in less time is immense. When you begin to apply these techniques, you will have more time to pursue financial freedom, implement the knowledge you have acquired and stand out among your colleagues.