Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Best Way To Structure Your Study To Retain You're Learning.

By Scott Edwards

Having a structured study programme makes all the difference to the amount and degree of knowledge we can retain. The order of study is vital for long-term retention. Stepped, incremental education establishes frames of reference to build on and add knowledge to. By learning the basics and fundamental principles first, students can build on this stable foundation. Understanding why something works the way it does helps to frame meaning into what you learn.

The most sophisticated modern structured learning takes into account the natural ways that people absorb information. For most of us, looking at words alone is a less than effective medium. Our brainpower is used up processing letters on a page into meaning, as we have to read, process and remember all at the same time.

Happily, we've said goodbye to the days when the only way we could research information was through the written word, and we were subjected to a 'one size fits all' type of teaching. It's commonly known that our learning receptors are visual, auditory and kinesthetic - we look and see things; hear and listen to things, and touch, feel and sense things. By arousing each of the senses when teaching a subject, students absorb and retain information at a much deeper level.

Interactive learning is a method of study repetition and cycling that lines up neuron tracks in the brain, which strengthens the capacity for recall. It works by incorporating watching and listening to demonstrations, then practicing yourself to commit the work to memory via repetition.

Students can establish good recall by repetition, just as a pony can trek for miles without guidance because he's been there so many times. It's also really useful to use patterns for remembering, for example by using rhymes, mnemonics and visual pictures in your mind.

Structured studying also calls for goal planning. It's essential to define what you want, why you want it, and when you want it by. Display photos on your wall of what you want to achieve. This reinforces the message both to you and those around you, and helps you to stay committed.

By scheduling a study diary, with days, times and study breaks, you can have a tick off list to show your learning progress. Additionally, know how to cope with mental blocks when you hit a brick wall (See our article 'What Do I Do When I get Stuck in My Studies?')

The premium interactive training courses are specifically designed for the student to learn in the most user-friendly, productive manner. All the trainee needs is consistency and a willingness to learn. Everything is in place for a progressive, retentive learning experience that will serve the student well throughout his or her career.

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