How to Learn Effectively

Whether you're trying to learn Chinese or golf or Medieval history, a positive attitude will help you succeed. Be eager to learn, show curiosity and have an open mind. Try to relate to your new subject in terms of something familiar. That will set up similarities and differences you can build on. But if you need more guidance, read on to learn how to learn effectively.

Instructions

1. Take an active role in your learning. Question, summarize, review, rephrase and if learning a physical skill--practice.

2. Make sure you've had a good night's sleep, eat well and exercise. Body and mind work together.

3. Learn to concentrate. Don't listen to the TV or music while trying to learn something new. Multi-tasking is not an effective way to master a new subject.

4. Supplement your listening to a new subject by taking notes. The two ways of learning, hearing and writing, will reinforce each other. Then try to summarize what you have learned in your own words. Try to teach your new concepts to someone else.

5. Personalize your learning. If you're studying transportation in a government class, adopt a street. Learn everything you can about this street. Find out who walks there, whether it's clean or dirty and if there's crime. Join a neighborhood association. Make this your focus so that transportation issues are relevant and relate to larger issues in society.

6. Find something to engage you deeply. Select something "useless" to learn for no other reason than it attracts you. Once bitten by the love of learning, you'll be exploring life to the fullest. Being able to learn new skills gives you the flexibility you need throughout life.