Rules fro better learning

1. Recalling: Try to frequently recall the main ideas of what you are learning...or try generating ideas from within yourself... 'I wonder what this means?'.
2. Testing: Use any method you can to test yourself all the time (recall, applying, asking others opinions etc.).
3. Chunking: Pretend what you are trying to learn is a song...learn to play it over and over again in your mind. In this way the information combines into a chunk you can access when needed.
4. Spacing: Your brain is like a muscle and needs a break now and again. Don't try to learn everything at once...spread the learning out over time.
5. Alternating: Practice different techniques for learning. A single approach is sub-optimal. Try writing things down, creating pictures, constructing a quiz etc.
6. Breaking: Taking breaks from a problem or a challenge allows the brain to take over and do some thinking in the background.
7. Questioning: Consider how you could explain a problem, challenge etc. in a way that a ten year old could understand? Using analogies can help.
8. Focusing: Turn off all interrupting things (phone, computer etc.) then set a timer for 20 minutes and focus on the one thing you are working on.
9. Thinking: Do the hardest thinking and problem solving early in the day when you and your mind are fresh.
10. Contrasting: Dream of where your learning is taking you (outcomes, insights, solutions, etc.) and then create a picture or words to describe that outcome. Reminding yourself periodically of the desired outcome (looking at the picture, reading the words) will motivate you to achieve greater learning.