Learning techniques to increase efficiency

From our childhood, we develop certain studying tactics like Mnemonics, Association, Story telling to memorise information and study more effectively. The tendency to do so comes off as an innate attribute, and those tactics do help us a lot as we go through primary or high school.

However, growing up, many of those methods may become obsolete, making studying and in general, just learning a lot harder. Fortunately, throughout the ages, a lot of techniques for studying and memorising have emerged that makes tackling hard coursework, curious embankments, and the road to self-development a lot easier.

Here are some of the best methods to effectively study, categorise and retain information that can not only help us for exams but also spend learning sessions more meaningfully

The Feynman Technique: Devised by visionary physicist Richard Feynman, the Feynman technique is intended to help individuals understand complex topics by breaking them down into easy-to-explain terms. At first we are supposed to choose a concept we are struggling with or want to revise. After developing a preliminary understanding of the concept, we have to break it down in simple terms and teach that to someone who has no prior knowledge of the subject. In doing so, we are able to find gaps in our own understanding, helping us focus on that area. We continue this cycle of breaking down and teaching until we are able to clearly and confidently communicate the idea. The technique leverages active and iterative learning to increase comprehension and retention.

Pomodoro Technique: One of the most popular studying techniques, the Pomodoro Technique, leverages short sessions of studying to maximise productivity and efficiency. In this technique, a person studies/works for 25 minutes, and then takes a five-minute break, effectively making one set of pomodoro. After four sets of Pomodoro, they take a longer break of about 15 minutes. This technique is very constructive because our mind can only retain deep focus for a short amount of time continuously, so taking a short break significantly increases the effectiveness of studying. This is a great technique for individuals who procrastinate or have trouble concentrating.

Mind Mapping: An essential technique for visual learners, Mind Mapping is used for representing ideas and concepts in a structured and interrelated way. In this method, a person creates a hierarchical structure of the concept on paper, starting from the core detail of the concept. From that central idea, we draw branches of related details and topics, further extending them to sub-branches, and creating a visually engaging representation of information. This method is especially helpful in note-taking, planning, problem solving, and understanding complex ideas.

Active Recall: Active recall is a method where the reader constantly stimulates memory recall during the learning process. This process relies on mental questioning and self-testing. In this process, while reading, as we come across a new bit of information, we will close our eyes and deliberately attempt to remember that information from our memory. This will help us transfer the information from short-term memory to long-term. If we fail to do so, we will read and try again. This method is particularly useful for self-learning and exam preparations.

SQ3R: SQ3R or SQRRR stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. This is a great method to learn newer topics in a way that ensures comprehension. During the first step , that is Survey, we develop only a superficial idea of the topic, skimming through the lines, headings and subheadings. In the next step, we develop questions about the topic. These questions reflect our curiosity and what we aim to learn after reading. The third step, Read, is the most crucial one as we carefully read the content and try to answer the questions we set out for ourselves. After reading, we recite the answers we got in our mind. Lastly, we review periodically to consolidate our knowledge about the subject

Method of Loci: Method of Loci is one of the most intriguing techniques that utilises association and storytelling, helping us remember long strings of information. This method, used by World Memory Champions, dates back to ancient Greece. The first step of this method is to think of a familiar route we walk through every day. Secondly, we think of particular set points along that route, maybe a restaurant, a green dustbin, things that are constant. Now we associate components of that route with things we need to remember. Perhaps we need to remember our to-do for the day, which includes collecting a few books and then calling a friend. Going back to that mental image we have created, we can think of a giant book on top of the restaurant, or our friend waving at us with a phone in hand on top of the green dustbin. Later when we visit these mental "walks'', we can immediately recognise the associations and recall what we need to recall.

Being mindful about our approach to learning can drastically help us increase our productivity.

But rather than conforming to a particular approach, we should try to use a couple of them in synergy, which we feel are best suited for our particular needs. Doing so will significantly help us overcome challenges

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