Learn Smarter
By Tom Castor | September 7, 2016 | To say it more simply (On Writing)
Not long ago, I joined a new(ish) communication platform called Ideapod. It is a quirky sort of virtual gathering place for people with ideas ~ ideas of all sorts. One of the unique features of the site is that the articles that share these ideas may only be 1000 characters in length. It is a kind of Twitter on steroids.
Just in case you decide to visit Ideapod and look around, do NOT expect to read much from a Christian perspective. But, if Augustine was right, and all truth is God’s truth, you may just bump into some truly helpful things.
I found one. This one is from Tracy (her Ideapod username). It is what Ideapod bits are, succinct ~ and occasionally very helpful. I stumbled across this as I was hoping to find a “hack” for memorizing scripture. Turns out, this isn’t it, (if you know of one, please let me know) but it certainly did help.
Learn Smarter, Not Harder
1. Break down difficult skills into smaller ones.
For example, if you’re looking to finish a book. Instead of trying to read the WHOLE book in one go, break your goals down to one chapter a week.
2. Focus on one sub-skill at a time.
It’s easier to master one smaller skill than trying to master several at the same time. You’ll make more progress this way.
3. Celebrate your mistakes and learn from them.
A mistake is simply success in progress.
4. Shorter periods of study every day instead of a long one every week.
The human brain can function at 100% focus for 51 minutes at a time, then it needs a break.
5. Monitor your progress.
Keep track of your goals and make sure you’re always improving.
6. Quiz yourself.
Don’t ‘assume’ you know.
7. Teach other people.
This is one of the best ways to learn, by articulating what you have learnt to other people.
