7 effective methods for easier learning
Here are learning tips for anyone who wants to improve and streamline their learning technique. You don't have to be a high school or college student, these tips are also suitable for the work environment. Some of the methods mentioned in the article are PQRST, Pomodoro, 5P Method, Loci Method, and SQ4R.
1. NEANA method
Don't study, but DO study! What's the difference? With the NEANA learning technique created by David Gruber, you become the teacher trying to prepare students for the test. Make up questions from the headings of the material you need to master. Then prepare the correct answers to them, there is also the possibility of A, B, C, fill-in, open questions... However, it is important to cover all the material and to make sure that the questions are not ambiguous. The advantage of this method is that you can try to complete the test yourself after a while. Is it too much material to cover?
2. PQRST method
If you want to improve your memory and learning, try the PQRST method. This method will help you understand and remember information better. PQRST stands for Preview, Question, Read, Summary and Test. Follow these steps:
1. Preview: Look at the text and notice the headings, pictures, and key words.
2. Question: Ask yourself what you want to find out or learn from the text.
3. Read: Read the text carefully and look for answers to your questions.
4. Summary: Summarise the main ideas and facts from the text in your own words.
5. Test: Test what you have learned by asking yourself questions or completing exercises.
The PQRST method will help you focus, organize and remember information better.
3. 5P method
1. Planning: define your goals and create a plan. Planning is the foundation for effective learning.
2. Preparation: Gather the necessary materials and create a suitable learning environment where you will not be disturbed.
3️. Presentation: You can use different methods, such as creating mind maps.
4. Practice: Repeat and practice to strengthen your skills.
5. Progress: Assess your progress and check whether you are achieving your goals.
The 5P method is flexible and can be applied to different areas of learning and skill improvement. The important thing is to follow each step and to engage regularly in your studies.
4. Acrostics
Acrostic is creative learning technique in which information or concepts are remembered by making each letter of a word or phrase an acronym or meaning of its own.
How does it work?
1. Choose a word or phrase: It can be a key word from the textbook or an auxiliary phrase.
2. Create an acronym or word association that reminds you of the information.
Example:
*Theme: Cloud Computing in Economics
C - Data Centralization
L - Low cost
O - Performance optimization
U - User friendliness
D - Distributed environment
Why try it?
= Improve memory
= Space for creative thinking
= Linking and structuring information
5. Loci method
The Loci Method, also known as the Roman loci system, memory palace, memory path or route method, uses the ability of our memory to associate information with specific places in a precise order without omission. How to do it?
1️. Choose a familiar place: perhaps your room, a favorite café, or your way to school.
2️. Assign each task or fact to a place in that space that doesn't change.
3️. As you learn, imagine each place and connect it with information.
This method is not only effective, but fun too! Maximize the effectiveness by making connections full of absurdity, emotion, humor, and silliness. The more original and expressive the connections you make, the better they will stick in your memory.
6. Pomodoro method
Need to increase your productivity and stay focused? Try the Pomodoro Technique. What is it? Simply put, it's a time management method that helps you break up your studying into shorter intervals and keep your breaks short. A typical cycle is 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest.
How does it work? Simply set the timer for 25 minutes and devote yourself fully to your studies without any distractions. When the time is up, take 5 minutes of rest to recharge. After four cycles you can take a longer break, for example 15 to 30 minutes.
Why try this method? The Pomodoro Technique helps you stay in the rhythm of your studies, eliminates procrastination and allows you to use your time more efficiently. Regular short breaks help concentration and reduce fatigue.
7. SQ4R method
Want to improve your comprehension and memorization? Try the SQ4R method. What does this abbreviation of letters mean?
Survey: Quickly scan the text to get an idea of its content.
Question: Ask questions to help you focus on the important information and reading goals.
Read: Read the text carefully and actively, looking for answers to your questions and underlining important points.
Reflect: Think about the meaning of the text and its relationship to your existing knowledge.
Recite: Check your understanding of what you have read by summarising or repeating the key points of the text in your own words.
Review: Repeat the material, review your notes and make sure you remember the important information.
With the SQ4R method, you will gain better control over your learning and improve your academic performance.
Thorough chair, table and monitor setup = a must
Proper seating ergonomics are essential to maintaining health and well-being when working with computers. Chair settings, work environment and adherence to correct body positioning are key factors. Not following these rules can have a negative impact on your health, so it's important to establish healthy habits from the start. Your body will thank you for it, and you'll be able to work with greater comfort and efficiency.
Read more in the article How to sit properly.