This is another “back to school” article with a twist. Most of our content is focused on how to read faster and remember everything. Today I want to talk about a slightly different subject: how to organize things and prepare self for learning. I am using this article as a starting point.
Read syllabus.
Before we start to learn something it really helps to know the agenda. If you can read a syllabus – read it and let your imagination run wild. What will the learning be about? How can you use it in your life? If you see strange terminology – try to find our what it is. Occasionally spoilers only build up curiosity. What lecture you cannot wait to hear?
Preread the material.
Typically we learn with books, or articles, or other reading materials. It is not enough simply to have the material – try prereading it. Spend some time. Learn what is emphasized and what is downplayed. Think of various strategies to remember the things. What needs to be understood? Which information needs to be memorized? Which techniques need to be tried hands on? Pay special attention to visual information: graphs, images, photos.
Prepare to be active.
Active learning is much more effective than passive learning. If you can generate pet projects, teaching opportunities, study groups – this may increase your learning potential. Activity often requires some mental preparation. Try to visualize what you want to do and how it may progress. Quite often we fear these opportunities that are very important for our progress. Dealing with fear via mental preparation (mainly visualizations) is quite important.
Decide how to keep notes.
The methodology of note keeping is important. Do you want to keep notes, if so what is important for you to write down? Will you write down everything or just keynotes? Will you use highlighting and margin notes? Will you use hierarchical notes (midmaps), bullets or plain text? With you print on a laptop using e.g evernote or write down? Will you take photos of the board? How will you review the notes you make later on?
Build daily schedule.
Make sure you have time planned for everything you need, including some time to rest. As a superlearner, try to generate a schedule which allows you 8 hours of reading per week, and think what kind of reading you want to add. If possible, try to plan for some meditation or sports. Make sure you get enough sleep.
Socialize.
Making friends is quite often the most important part of the learning experience. Plan how to socialize with your peers and dedicate time to help them and learn from them. If you are meeting some old friends say hello, do not be shy using social media.
Relax.
We are good with some level of stress, but bad with too much stress. Think of ways to balance your stress and relax. Try to generate some time for procrastination, coffee breaks and general laziness. If you are still too excited, try some mindfulness exercises, watch TV or do som casual gaming.
Learning is fun for a prepared mind. Prepare yourself to learn new and exciting things!
