How to improve learning

Learning is part of life. At all stages of life, we are exposed to new experiences, which require our ability to retain acquired knowledge effectively, that is, to learn. Whether it’s a new language, a sport, or a subject at school, it’s important to know how to improve brain function and make learning more efficient. Thinking about it, we prepared this article with tips to improve learning.

How does the brain learn?

Before improving learning ability, it is important to know how the brain learns new information. This is a question that is not entirely clear and has puzzled neuroscientists for years. The brain’s learning mechanisms are complex and involve many factors that are still not fully understood.

Some of the most studied factors that influence learning are memory, interest, and attention. In general terms, strategies that improve memory, which arouse the interest and attention of the person, accelerate the learning of the subject in question. Within this scenario, scientists give some tips to improve the brain’s ability to retain information.

  1. Organization. Organization when studying or learning a task is essential for the brain to absorb information. The best tip is to know how you feel most comfortable and what type of organization you prefer. Focusing on one activity at a time rather than doing too many at once also helps with organization.
  2. Frequency or repetition. Scientists have shown that the brain retains information better when it is repeated or practiced several times. Generally speaking, the more a person performs a task, the more their brain stores this information and learns to perform the function. This happens because the neuronal pathways created need to be strengthened, and this happens through repetition.
  3. Intensity. In addition to frequency, the intensity of study or practice to be learned is also important. This means that the more dedication and rigor in the studies, the more effective the learning. In other words: it is better to study 30 minutes a day diligently than 2 hours slackly.
  4. Heads up. Another important factor is the attention given during the learning process. Focusing on the task at hand and dedicating yourself as much as possible are crucial elements in learning something. Studies point out that information that does not call our attention tends to be forgotten more easily.
  5. Motivation and interest. Scientists have shown that for learning to be effective it is important that the learner is motivated to absorb certain information. For this, it is important that the person understands the importance of a certain subject in order to develop an interest in it. Studies show that people learn faster those skills they are most interested in.
  6. Make connections between subjects. An effective way to supercharge learning is to make connections with situations that are familiar. Neuroscientists claim that we must make use of the already existing strong neuronal connections when learning something new. This shows the importance of integrating subjects rather than teaching them separately. In this sense, it is always important to ask yourself what is the relevance of that subject to your daily life, what is the reason for learning that and how this new skill changes your way of thinking.
  7. Learn new things constantly. In that sense, the brain is like a muscle that we always need to exercise. The more we learn new things, the easier the brain’s ability to form connections, i.e. keep learning. It is important to explore the different areas of human knowledge and be in touch with different subjects, such as arts, languages, sports, science, politics, etc. Another important tip is to learn in different ways, using different methods. Instead of studying a book just by reading it, try listening to it, as this stimulates hearing and triggers different neuronal responses.
  8. Understand how you learn best. Some people learn best by listening, others by reading. Knowing how the most effective way is for you is important when studying. Recognizing study habits and their potential helps in this process.
  9. Practice what you’ve learned. Practice is a way of repeating what has been studied in theory, reinforcing the newly created neuronal circuits. Even in abstract situations, it is possible to practice the acquired knowledge in some way, such as teaching other people.
  10. Stimulate memory. There is a very intimate relationship between memory and learning, so that the better a person’s memory is, the more effective the learning of a subject. There are several techniques to improve memorization such as underlining texts, taking notes on the subject studied, using mental maps and drawings, among others.

Lifestyle and learning

Recently scientists have discovered that lifestyle influences the brain’s ability to form neuronal connections. Leading a healthy life, practicing sports and eating well helps the brain’s ability to absorb information. Studies show that people who practice physical activity have better brain activity, better vascularization and oxygenation of nervous tissues, which improves learning.
Diet also plays an important role in this process. Certain foods improve the cognitive functions of the brain. The list of foods that lend themselves to this purpose is long, but some examples include:

– Cold water fish rich in omega 3 , such as salmon.

– Foods rich in B vitamins, such as oats ( vitamin B1 ), almonds and rice ( vitamin B2 ), peanuts and broccoli ( vitamin B3 ), bananas and wheat germ ( vitamin B6 ), among others.

– Foods rich in vitamin C , such as citrus fruits, cashews, acerola, among others.

– Foods rich in phosphorus and magnesium , such as sunflower seeds, fish, tofu and legumes.

– Olive oil , due to its rich content in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

– Berries, as they are rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamin E and selenium , which help prevent damage to nerve cells.

– Kiwi and apple, rich in fisetin, which stimulates the formation of nerve connections.

– Foods rich in vitamin D , such as cod liver oil, as it stimulates neuronal regeneration and helps in fixing calcium, an important element for memory.

– Foods rich in calcium , such as milk and derivatives, as calcium is an important element in neuronal transmissions.

– Egg, as it is rich in choline, precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has functions of transmission of nerve impulses, formation and cell regeneration.

Try practicing these tips to boost your learning.

Jeanne Kenney
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I’m a stylist trainer, a content creator, and an entrepreneur passion. Virgo sign and Pisces ascendant, I move easily between my dreams, the crazy world I want, and my feet on the ground to carry out my projects.

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