Try These 5 Tactics for Enhanced Learning.

In a recent newsletter, I wrote about the evolution of training?and the way we learn. I asked the question: If the real world, with its ease of access to Google, ChatGPT - and calculators, is now effectively an open book exam, if access to information is so accessible, why are we still testing people's knowledge retention skills?

However, there is no doubt that there will still be times when we need to pass a test, gain a new skill the old fashioned way or just simply sit in a seminar and do our best to absorb the knowledge that is being imparted to us.?

But, what if the key to unlocking our learning potential lies in where and how we study - as much as what we study? Recent studies suggest that simple adjustments in our surroundings and behaviours can significantly amplify our ability to learn. In this article, we look at five crucial elements that can potentially boost learning efficiency for you and your team.

It’s important to note that we all learn differently and are impacted in different ways so keep in mind some or all of these strategies won't work for everyone on your team. The best way to understand what works best is to test and trial in a safe environment to figure out how best to optimise for your teams.

Here are five tactics to test and trial for your team:

Temperature: The Goldilocks Zone for Learning

The impact of environmental factors, such as temperature, on learning efficiency cannot be overstated. Research indicates that the optimal learning environment should maintain a ‘just-right’ temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus 2 degrees. This seemingly minor adjustment can have a profound effect. When the temperature is too hot or too cold, cognitive functions may be compromised, leading to decreased focus and retention. By creating a comfortable learning environment within this temperature range, many individuals can maximise their ability to absorb and process information effectively.

Breaks: Refresh and Refocus for Maximum Productivity

There have been many studies on the law of diminishing returns. Studies suggest that the human brain operates most efficiently in cycles of intense concentration followed by brief breaks. The brain's capacity for sustained attention typically peaks at around 50 minutes before experiencing diminishing returns. Therefore, incorporating regular breaks into study or work sessions is crucial for maintaining optimal cognitive performance. By allowing the brain to rest and recharge, you can enhance overall productivity and prevent mental fatigue.

Music: Baroque is best

The relationship between music and cognitive function has long been a subject of interest among researchers and educators. Baroque music, characterised by its rhythmic patterns and moderate tempo, has emerged as a particularly effective aid for learning and concentration. Studies have shown that listening to baroque music while studying or working can enhance focus, improve mood, and increase information retention. The soothing melodies have been known to stimulate alpha brainwave activity, promoting a state of relaxed alertness conducive to learning.?

Colour: Painting Your Path to Success

The use of colour in educational materials and presentations has been recognised as a powerful tool for enhancing comprehension and memory retention. By leveraging the principles of colour psychology, it’s possible to stimulate different areas of the brain associated with learning and creativity. For instance, using red and yellow can capture attention and convey importance, while softer tones like blue and green promote a sense of calm and facilitate concentration. Incorporating colour-coded notes, diagrams, and visual aids can not only make learning materials more visually appealing but also help organise information in a way that resonates with the brain's natural processing mechanisms.?

Movement: Learning is Not Just from The Chin Up.

Learning doesn't need to be confined to a desk anymore than you do! Incorporating movement into learning environments can enhance cognitive function, stimulate circulation, and invigorate the mind. Whether through brief exercise breaks, active learning strategies, or simply changing positions periodically, physical movement can promote alertness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, physical activity has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself in response to new information and experiences.?

By testing and trialling these key elements—temperature, breaks, music, colour, and movement—you can unlock your full learning potential and achieve improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.?

Whether in professional development, or personal the incorporation of these simple adjustments can help create transformative learning experiences.?

Which one will you try first? Is there anything you'd add?