The Smarter Learning Guide Desk Top

The SmarterThe Smarter
Learning GuideLearning Guide
Elizabeth WrayElizabeth Wray
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TheThe
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LearningLearning

Your BodyYour Body
It may appear that the mind is doing all the work when it comes to learning but we now know
that your body has a major influence on how effective your learning will be.
Take a breakTake a break
Although it might be tempting to slog away at something for hours on end without a break,
research has shown that we can only really concentrate on something for 20-25 minutes. You
need to take regular breaks when learning on your own. If you are learning in a class with
others it’s good for the whole class to spend ten minutes reviewing what they have learnt so far
– it will be time well spent.
Learn with the rhythmLearn with the rhythm
Our bodies do most things according to daily rhythms. Generally speaking, we absorb
completely new information better early in the day. Later in the day we are better at relating
information to what we already know. There is, however, no hard
and fast rule. Notice when you feel most alert and, if possible,
timetable your learning to fit your natural rhythms.
Sleeping is an important part of learning because it is during sleep
that we process what we have learnt. The time you spend sleeping is
some of your most important learning time. We need periods of deep profound rest if we are to
learn effectively. Some people require only 4-6 hours a night others need 8-10 hours.
Shoulders back!Shoulders back!
Don’t sit still at your desk for too long or your mind as well as your body can seize up! Stand up
for a few moments and move around, perhaps share your ideas with another person, this can
revive your attention and keep your mind fresh. It may sound old-fashioned, but sitting up
straight will make a difference to how well you can learn as it makes it easier for the blood to
flow to the brain.
FeedFeed your brainyour brain
According to an old saying, “what you eat today walks and talks tomorrow”.
Drinking plenty of water helps the circuits in our brain to work most
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effectively. Coffee, tea, sugar and alcohol all tend to reduce our ability to learn effectively. Make
sure you stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day.
Relax!Relax!
It may seem like common sense, but research has now proven that stress reduces our learning
ability. So if you have just had a blazing row with your partner you can’t expect to be learning as
effectively as when you are relaxed. If you feel stressed when you are learning, take time out to
relax. Go for a walk, listen to your favourite music for a few minutes or practise relaxation
techniques such as yoga or deep breathing. Meditation has now been clinically proven to
produce a clear mind and strengthen the immune system. Guided meditation leads to an
experience of inner peace and mental clarity. This practice is derived from the Buddist tradition.
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Ways of Learning –Ways of Learning – how can I improve my learning?how can I improve my learning?
Sensory learningSensory learning
Although we have five senses we often use just two of them to learn: vision and hearing.
Learning becomes even more effective, however, when we use our sense of touch to do the
learning as well. For instance, if we are learning how to use a video recorder we will learn faster
if we touch the buttons as well as read the instruction book. If we can also taste and smell the
learning, so much the better. The majority of people in Western culture are visual learners and
that is due to the fact that we live in a highly visual stimulating society. For people who are blind,
the senses of touch, sound and taste become more attuned and developed as compensatory
mechanisms. To enhance memory the more senses that are involved deepens the learning and
the recall.
Making connections – the jigsaw puzzleMaking connections – the jigsaw puzzle
Have you ever tried to put together a large jigsaw puzzle without ever
seeing the picture on the lid? Even a quick glance at the complete picture
before you start helps enormously. Learning isolated topics without an
overview of the entire subject is a bit like doing a jigsaw without looking at
the picture. We learn better when we know how what we are learning now
is connected to what we have learnt before. This is pegging the learning
and making links to unrelated items – a powerful memory game links 19 unrelated items through
story telling and visualisation and laughter. Although this is a game, the learning principles are
powerful, sustainable and linked to methodologies like brain storming and tools like reverse logic
and mind mapping.
If what you are learning seems unconnected to anything else it is harder to take in and
remember. Make connections, either along or with a colleague to understand how what you are
learning fits in with the broader picture eg your organisation’s business plan or project plan.
The mind’s eye – visualisationThe mind’s eye – visualisation
Look at Johnny Wilkinson’s kicking ritual - looking for Doris in the crowd behind the goalposts –
he is completely focused on a successful kick bringing back his rehearsed memory of success ie
it is his inner game in his mind’s eye – sports psychologist use this mind-training extensively and
books like the Inner Game of Golf, The Inner Game of Tennis are hugely successful. This
technique is so successful because the brain can’t tell the difference between imagining an
activity and actually doing it. If this sounds far-fetched just imagine your favourite meal, a juicy
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steak or spicy curry. Did your mouth start watering? But you didn’t have the meal in front of
you. Your brain visualised the sensation of eating and your body responded.
In the same way, you can help your brain prepare for the task ahead by visualising successful
learning. Imagine sitting in the exam and calmly answering all the questions or teaching a friend
the skills you are learning.
MemoriesMemories
We all remember the rote learning we did at school. Endless repetition of Kings and Queens of
Britain went in one ear and out the other. We now know that rote learning is one of the least
effective methods of creating long term memories. Cast your mind back to what you really
remember from school. The memories that stuck are probably connected with an activity or an
emotion. You may remember a role in a play, or scoring a winning goal in an important football
match. When you connect learning with an activity, emotion or smell your memory will be much
stronger. This technique is in the domain of accelerated learning, which is now widely used in
schools.
Do you find that you remember the beginning and ending of a film, but not what happened in the
middle? This is because our brain remembers beginnings and endings better than what comes
in between. If you break up a memory task into many parts you will create more beginnings and
increase your chances of remembering.
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20%
of what we read
30%
of what we hear
40%
of what we see
50%
of what we say
60%
of what we do
90%
of what we see,
hear, say & do
So don’t just read your list. Say it out loud and walk around acting it out. The more outlandish
the actions the more likely you are to remember. If you are a visual person, draw pictures of
what you are trying to remember. If you work better through your sense of hearing, make a tape
recording and play it back to yourself when you are driving.
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What type of learner am I?What type of learner am I?
Four types of learnerFour types of learner
How would you describe your learning style? When you were at school did your friends learn in
the same way that you did? If you and your partner are putting together some self-assembly
furniture, who carefully reads the instructions first and who jumps straight in and starts screwing
things together? Psychologists have identified four different learning styles. We normally have
a preferred learning style that is our natural way of learning but we can all improve our ability to
learn using the other styles.
Activists like to leap up and have a go - they learn by doing
Reflectors like to think about things before having a go
and to learn by watching others
Theorists like to understand the theory
and to have a clear grasp of the concept before having a go
Pragmatists like to have some practical tips
and techniques from someone with experience before having a go
While we probably prefer one style to another, to be a really effective learner you need to be
flexible enough to move between the four styles.
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FeelingsFeelings
If you have unhappy memories of learning at school don’t let them affect your learning at work –
because it is completely different. In fact many people have been amazed at how different
learning can be from their school experiences.
MotivationMotivation
Motivation to learn is very personal. It may come from a love of the subject or you may have a
goal in mind that the learning will help you achieve. Or a friend or relative may inspire you.
Whatever your motivation it helps to visualise what will happen as a result of your learning. If
you are working towards a qualification, imagine receiving the certificate with your name on it. If
you are working on a new skill anticipate the satisfaction you will feel when you can breeze
through a task that you find difficult today.
Motivation maintains energy levels. If your energy level is low, check:
 If you know why you are learning the subject
 Whether the learning is enjoyable and feels unthreatening
 Whether you believe you can achieve your learning goal
A five-year study was carried out of 120 top artists, athletes and scholars in America. University
of Chicago education professor, Benjamin Bloom, led the study. Dr Bloom reported “We
expected to find tales of great natural gifts. We didn’t find that at all. Their mothers often said it
was their other children who had the greater gift.” What the high achievers had was vision.
Eat the Elephant a bite at a timeEat the Elephant a bite at a time
Does it sometimes seem like you have bitten off more than you can
chew when you are learning something? It will help if you
break it down into bite-sized chunks. Set a small, reachable goal, one you
are sure you can complete. Then try and stretch yourself a bit more.
The longest journey starts with a single step. The first step is often the hardest but it can lead
you anywhere you want.
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Learning from MistakesLearning from Mistakes
Remember, if you’re not making mistakes then you are not really stretching yourself. Don’t feel
discouraged by your mistakes. They show that you really are learning. In fact many people will
tell you that they have learnt more from their mistakes than their triumphs.
Let’s work on the assumption that you are going to make mistakes while you are learning.
Create a support circle for yourself by telling friends, family and colleagues that you are learning
something new and you expect to make a few mistakes as you learn. Ask them if they would
mind chatting with you when you make a mistake to help you learn what you can from it. Recruit
a few experts in the area that you are learning and ask them if they will also spare you some
time to talk about your learning. The learning that results from our mistakes tends to ‘stick’
better than if we get everything right first time.
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How do I learn?How do I learn?
Multiple intelligences – nine ways to be cleverMultiple intelligences – nine ways to be clever
We have all heard of intelligence tests. They have been around a very long time. The first
intelligence test was developed during the early part of the last century. But there’s much more
to intelligence than IQ tests and formal qualifications. A brilliant footballer, a manager who can
really motivate a team and a passionate musician are all intelligent – even if they have never
passed an exam in their lives.
In the last ten years, science has begun to uncover the massive potential of the brain for
thinking, learning and creativity. These exciting discoveries fit in well with the new view of
human intelligence as a many-sided quality. Psychologists now believe that there could be at
least ten forms of intelligence which draw on the whole range of human ability.
Which is your intelligence type?Which is your intelligence type?
There are no hard and fast rules; we probably all possess a degree of each type of intelligence,
but you will recognise various strengths and weaknesses in the descriptions below.
Visual-Spatial intelligenceVisual-Spatial intelligence
If you have a good sense of direction and never get lost in an unfamiliar place, then you’ve got
good spatial intelligence. It’s all about being able to understand how objects are related to each
other in space and being able to create a mental map of a place. All the great architects have a
high degree of spatial intelligence because they understand the relationship of a building to its
surroundings. Games like chess develop spatial intelligence.
Musical intelligenceMusical intelligence
Most of us enjoy music – but no one really understands how the brain
creates it, or where musical talent comes from. If you are deeply moved by
music your musical intelligence is strong whether you are performing or just
listening. Some psychologists believe musical intelligence is part of a more
general creative intelligence that also covers the visual arts like paining and sculpture.
Bodily intelligenceBodily intelligence
All the great athletes and actors have it – bodily intelligence is about the way you move, handle
objects (like a football or golf ball) and hand-to-eye co-ordination. Clumsy people are low on
bodily intelligence, but any sporting activity, especially dance or yoga will develop it.
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Linguistic intelligenceLinguistic intelligence
Human evolution was driven by our unique language skills. Reading, talking, writing and
listening are all components of linguistic intelligence. Poets and chat show hosts alike have a
high degree of linguistic intelligence. Oprah Winfrey is an example of someone with high
linguistic intelligence. Reading, keeping a diary and saying poetry aloud will all develop your
linguistic intelligence.
Mathematical intelligenceMathematical intelligence
Carol Voderman is a good example of someone with a strong mathematical
intelligence. It is more than mental arithmetic, however, covering any form of
logical thinking – from the great scientific discoveries to making a shopping
list or analysing a problem in terms of pros and cons. Organising a project of
any kind will develop your mathematical intelligence.
Naturalists intelligenceNaturalists intelligence
Can you recognise any bird that lands in a garden or plant that grows in it? If
you can you probably have a high degree of naturalist intelligence. People
such as farmers, gardeners and conservationists are all strong in this
area.
Interpersonal (social) intelligenceInterpersonal (social) intelligence
Great politicians, nurses, teachers and doctors all show a high degree of personal intelligence –
the ability to inspire and empathise with the people they deal with. Think of Ghandi or Churchill.
Intrapersonal (emotional) intelligenceIntrapersonal (emotional) intelligence
The other aspect of personal intelligence is self-understanding and being at peace with yourself.
Any form of personal self-development from assertiveness training or psychotherapy to martial
arts or voluntary work will enhance your intrapersonal intelligence.
Spiritual intelligenceSpiritual intelligence
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An awareness of the higher things in life – whether it be devotion to religion or an awareness of
the beauty of nature – is known as spiritual intelligence. It’s easy to ignore the spiritual side
when you’re busy but meditation and related practices will put you in touch.
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Your environment – where and when do I learn best?Your environment – where and when do I learn best?
Your choice of wallpaper really can affect your learning! A number of factors will affect whether
you have a positive or negative environment for learning. These include:
 The quantity and quality of light
 Room temperature
 What you see, such as pictures on the wall, the colour the room is painted
 Noise levels, interruptions and distractions
 Use of music
 Fresh air – is the room well ventilated?
The sound of musicThe sound of music
Although some people prefer to learn in total silence, for others music can help reduce stress
levels and enhance learning ability. It’s worth experimenting to find out what is right for you.
A little help from your friendsA little help from your friends
It can be hard to study alone. Find yourself a learning partner if you can – another person who
is learning the same thing. Involve your family, letting them know what you are learning and
explaining it to them. This can also help them to understand the importance of what you are
learning and they are likely to be more supportive.
Ask colleagues who have already learning what you are learning how they went about the task.
They may well have useful suggestions to help you on your way.
Are we having fun yet?Are we having fun yet?
Can learning be fun? Many people think so. In a recent MORI poll 28% of respondents said
that learning was one of the things they enjoyed doing most, beating sport and watching
television.
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What we do know is that your learning will be more successful if you are having fun. Can you
make it a game? Learning has gained a reputation for being a serious business but, while we
can achieve serious benefits through learning, the most effective learning occurs when we are
having fun. Think about having a learning buddy who can act as a coach for you having regular
reflective learning sessions somewhere nice and inspiring, maybe outdoors, or in your favourite
café.
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Learning as a lifestyleLearning as a lifestyle
Of course, we all “learn something new every day”, but what do we do with it? One of the
easiest ways of learning is to treat everything that happens to you as a learning opportunity. Get
into the habit of asking yourself “What did I learn from that?”
To remember what you have learnt you must give your brain a chance to let it sink in. So make
a point of going over in your mind what happened and what you learnt. This process will be
even more effective if you make some notes. Or try sharing what you have learnt with a friend.
You may decide to set yourself some specific goals to develop your learning lifestyle. Learning
psychologist Dr Peter Honey recommends sticking to the L E A R N plan to help you decide on
your learning goals.
L
E
A
R
N
for Limited - have a maximum of three goals
for Exact -each resolution should be specific, with ‘i’s dotted and ‘t’s crossed
for Appropriate - each resolution should tie in with your needs
for Realistic - resolutions should be feasible taking account of all constraints/circumstances
for Now - the best resolutions start immediately
Learning resolutionsLearning resolutions
The learning resolutions below are just a few suggestions. You will be able to think of
resolutions that suit you.
Resolution 1Resolution 1
Keep a learning diary – minimum of three written entries per week
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Each week to take one lesson learned and ask “In how many ways could I apply this learning?”
Each month to pose the question “What have I learned about how I and others learn?”
Keep going around the learning cycle, do it, review it, analyse it and keep asking what do I need
to be doing differently and apply it through structured action plans.
You don’t have to be on a course to be learning!
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