Learn the Best Way for YOU
by Bill Repp
Q. My job requires me to learn new software and procedures constantly, and I sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Some of my co-workers seem to learn new ideas and techniques faster and more easily. Are there some learning tips that can lighten my load? —Thomas M.
A. Each of us learns differently: by actually doing it; by hearing someone explain it; by watching it done; or by quietly thinking about it. We usually prefer one of these learning styles, and it’s important that we learn new ideas using the style that’s best for us.
First, think about how you typically like to learn something new: doing, hearing, seeing, thinking. Then, follow these guidelines, developed by the Center for Accelerated Learning (www.alcenter.com), to learn better, faster, more easily.
Learning by Doing
• Build a three-dimensional table-top model of an idea or process you want to remember, using cardboard, Lego parts, Tinkertoys, paper clips, Play-Doh, or anything else that's handy.
• Create cards that you can sort or post, based on what you're learning.
These could be flash cards or cards that you can use for a matching or sorting game.
• Physically act out ideas you're learning by miming or moving your body or by touching physical objects as you repeat out loud or in your mind the ideas or terms you want to remember. When you sit down to learn from written material, computers, or videos, get up frequently and sketch what you just learned on a flip chart, white board, or butcher-paper wall mural using words, doodles, and color.
• Put information you want to remember on an audio cassette and listen to it while you walk, jog, or exercise.
• Take frequent breaks when learning from written material or a computer, and take brisk “power walks”while you think over what you’re learning.
Learning by Hearing
• Look for opportunities to explain to others out loud what you’re learning.
When you can, read out loud from books and other written material, even from computer screens as if you were explaining it to someone over the telephone.
• Put learning material on audio tape and listen to it in your car or home stereo or on your Walkman or iPod while you’re doing other things.
• Discuss with one or more others the topic you're learning. Ask lots of questions of anyone who might know anything about what you’re try into master.
• Create an auditory memory device for what you want to remember. (Example: "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" for remembering which way to turn screwdrivers, valves, and light bulbs.)
Learning by Seeing
• Read a paragraph or two and then write a short summary of what you just read. Keep repeating the process.
• Put words, pictures or numbers you want to learn on large index cards or Post-It notes. Then put them where you you’ll see them often: bathroom mirrors, refrigerators, kitchen cabinets and closet doors.
• After watching a video, working with a computer, or having a live experience, write a quick summary of what you learned.
• Make a huge wall mural at work or at home with butcher paper. Use pens to put everything on the mural you’re learning into words, images, doodles, symbols.
• Create flash-cards out of material you're learning and use them for review.
• Highlight reading material in different colors: one color for key words, another for key ideas, etc.
• Divide a page in half. On the left side, write down the main ideas and processes you're learning. On the right, record how you plan to apply these ideas, and processes.
Learning by Thinking
• After a learning experience, sit quietly and reflect on what you learned and how it relates to what you already know.
• On a large piece of paper or wall mural create a diagram, flowchart, grid, or colorful picture of what you are learning.
• After experiencing or reading about a process, mentally practice performing the process in your mind several times.
• As you read, listen, or watch, develop rigorous questions you can ask yourself later that will make you think and force you to systematize what you've learned.
• Pose problems for yourself about the learning material and think through how you might solve them.
• Create metaphors and analogies that will help you remember important learning material.
• Create lists that help organize what you’re learning into appropriate categories. Find ways of systematizing for yourself material that looks haphazard and disjointed.
You can get more information on how to learn from The Center for Accelerated Learning: E-mail: alcenter@execpc.com
e-mail: billrepp@rochester.rr.com
Self Improvement 
