How to boost learning
WHEN you’re studying, should you lock yourself in your room and stay there poring over your textbook until you’ve mastered your subject?
Today, there are some researchers who think that this may not be the most efficient way to go about learning.
Studies suggest that memory is boosted by change. As such, making careful changes while you are learning may help you become more efficient.
A simple change of location can help give the impression of a rest break. For example, if you have statistics and history homework, you might do your statistics at your desk and then move to the library to do your history. The change of location is stimulating, giving you a little boost for that second session.
Similarly, sticking to one subject can be vital for mastering something complex but if you can split your work up into smaller learning objectives, juggling them about gives your mind a little respite – a break that acts as an energy boost.
For this, you need to know your personal study style. For example, some people study best in 40-minute blocks while others are better with 90 minutes. Figure out what suits you, and set your alarm so you stick to your schedule.
If you can, switch to a related topic at the end of the time, so that you get the added advantage of a general overview of your subject.
For example, if you have physics and history homework, see if you can study Newton’s theories and then follow up with looking at events around 1700.
If you’re into complex subjects, you may want to devote a day to a particular subject: like Monday is for Kant on ethics while Tuesday is devoted to the laws of genetic inheritance.
For this to be most efficient, relate it to your energy pattern over the week. That way, you won’t be struggling with something complex on your worst day.