When starting a new interactive training course, it's tempting to become a complete social outcast and immerse ourselves in our studies at every available opportunity. It's an exciting time, with lots of new, interesting subjects to get our teeth into. But apart from that being a rather strange thing to do, it's also not the best way to learn and retain information.
The first thing we need to establish is a sustainable study habit. This is a number of hours each week that we can commit to and stick to, and doesn't exclude every other area of our lives! It's better not to run before we can walk, and much easier to take in information in bite-sized pieces.
Repeatedly learning a smaller amount well is better and more sustainable than learning a larger amount less well. But however organised we are with our learning diary, there are always going to be occasions when the brain just glazes over, and nothing sticks.
When this does occur, it's essential not to get demoralised. There can be lots of reasons why we've reached a stalemate, and there are all sorts of ways to overcome the blockage. Taking a break, breathing deeply or going outside into the garden can all help. It's surprising how a hot drink and a piece of cake can fire up the reserves again.
It's not unusual to face challenges the first time we look at something - anything new can test our mental agility. Sometimes we just have to accept this as a part of learning - it happens occasionally and it's not comfortable, but with application we can push through until we hit the 'eureka' moment! Anything worth accomplishing takes a few stop/starts along the way - remember that awkward feeling when first behind the wheel of a car?
Our sub-conscious mind has a habit of solving problems when we're not consciously aware it was working on them, so it can help to leave something over-night and come back the next day with a fresh pair of eyes. Suddenly the answer pops into our head when we're least expecting it.
Covering a section again, and then having a go at explaining it to someone else helps to clarify the point. Writing it down helps to organise thoughts - if we state our assumptions and the evidence for them, we can usually analyse out the problem areas.
Using Google or technical forums for other explanations and descriptions can sometimes put it all in context. With so many different medias out there we can frequently stumble upon something that hits the spot.
Finally, the best learning programmes offer excellent tutor support. There's nothing like an on-screen demonstration and one-to-one explanation to help really drive the point home. - 16039
The first thing we need to establish is a sustainable study habit. This is a number of hours each week that we can commit to and stick to, and doesn't exclude every other area of our lives! It's better not to run before we can walk, and much easier to take in information in bite-sized pieces.
Repeatedly learning a smaller amount well is better and more sustainable than learning a larger amount less well. But however organised we are with our learning diary, there are always going to be occasions when the brain just glazes over, and nothing sticks.
When this does occur, it's essential not to get demoralised. There can be lots of reasons why we've reached a stalemate, and there are all sorts of ways to overcome the blockage. Taking a break, breathing deeply or going outside into the garden can all help. It's surprising how a hot drink and a piece of cake can fire up the reserves again.
It's not unusual to face challenges the first time we look at something - anything new can test our mental agility. Sometimes we just have to accept this as a part of learning - it happens occasionally and it's not comfortable, but with application we can push through until we hit the 'eureka' moment! Anything worth accomplishing takes a few stop/starts along the way - remember that awkward feeling when first behind the wheel of a car?
Our sub-conscious mind has a habit of solving problems when we're not consciously aware it was working on them, so it can help to leave something over-night and come back the next day with a fresh pair of eyes. Suddenly the answer pops into our head when we're least expecting it.
Covering a section again, and then having a go at explaining it to someone else helps to clarify the point. Writing it down helps to organise thoughts - if we state our assumptions and the evidence for them, we can usually analyse out the problem areas.
Using Google or technical forums for other explanations and descriptions can sometimes put it all in context. With so many different medias out there we can frequently stumble upon something that hits the spot.
Finally, the best learning programmes offer excellent tutor support. There's nothing like an on-screen demonstration and one-to-one explanation to help really drive the point home. - 16039
About the Author:
Author Scott Edwards divides his time between consulting and promoting quality training and support in the UK. If you're interested in IT Training, visit LearningLolly IT Training Courses.
