How We Learn

Learning is a vital part of life.

A deeper understanding of how it happens can be extremely beneficial in and out of the workplace.

With that in mind, enjoy an overview on the basics of learning below!

1. Understanding Learning

Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, attitudes, or preferences through study, experience, or teaching.

It's a complex process that involves several stages:

• Encoding: This is the initial perception and registration of information. When you encounter new information, your brain starts to encode it, transforming it into a form that can be stored.
• Storage: Once the information is encoded, it needs to be stored. This can be short-term (like remembering a phone number for a few seconds) or long-term (like recalling your first day of school).
• Retrieval: This is the process of recalling information that has been stored. Successful retrieval depends on how well the information was encoded and stored.

2. Effective Learning Strategies

Here are some strategies that can enhance learning:

• Active Engagement: Actively engaging with the material, such as through discussions, teaching others, or applying the knowledge, helps reinforce learning.
• Spaced Repetition: Spacing out your study sessions over time rather than cramming all at once improves long-term retention. This method leverages the spacing effect, where information is more easily remembered if it is learned in short, spaced-out sessions.
• Elaborative Rehearsal: This involves making connections between new information and existing knowledge. Creating associations and understanding the context helps deepen learning.
• Mnemonics: Using memory aids, such as acronyms or rhymes, can help encode information more efficiently.
• Visual Aids: Diagrams, charts, and other visual tools can help in understanding and remembering complex information.

3. Neuroscience of Memory

Understanding the brain's role in learning and memory can provide insights into how to optimize these processes:

• Brain's Memory Center: The brain has specialized areas that help process and store memories. When you learn something new, your brain forms connections between neurons. These connections strengthen with practice and use, making it easier to recall the information later.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections is essential for learning. Engaging in new and challenging activities can enhance neuroplasticity.
• Sleep: Adequate sleep is vital for memory consolidation. During sleep, the brain processes and integrates information learned throughout the day.

4. Applying What You’ve Learned

To make sure you remember what you’ve learned, consider these techniques:

• Practice Retrieval: Regularly test yourself on the material. Practice quizzes, flashcards, and teaching others can help reinforce memory.
• Interleaved Practice: Mix different topics or skills during your study sessions. This approach improves the ability to transfer learning to new situations.
• Real-world Application: Apply what you’ve learned in practical settings. This helps solidify the knowledge and makes it more meaningful.
• Reflective Practice: Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Writing summaries, discussing with peers, or contemplating how the new knowledge fits into the bigger picture can enhance understanding and retention.

5. Mindset and Environment

Your attitude and surroundings also play a significant role in learning:

• Growth Mindset: Believing that you can improve and learn through effort and perseverance fosters a positive approach to learning challenges.
• Optimal Learning Environment: A distraction-free, comfortable, and well-organized space can improve concentration and efficiency.

Wherever you are in your learning journey, carry on! Hopefully this article helps better inform your journey.