Articles on Learning

How to Learn Faster and Better We all want to have that superpower or extraordinary ability to learn faster. Some of us wish we had photographic memories and could consume a textbook in one night. Others daydream about being able to just look at new material or watch a pro perform a skill and instantly …

Introduction to Learning The summer sun shines brightly on a deserted stretch of beach. Suddenly, a tiny grey head emerges from the sand, then another and another. Soon the beach is teeming with loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings (see the image below). Although only minutes old, the hatchlings know exactly what to do. Their flippers are …

On Mindset and Learning In this article, you will learn about the fixed and growth mindsets. These are two basic mindsets that determine how we approach learning. You will also learn how mistakes might help us learn better and faster. Are talents, gifts and intelligence given to just a few? We often think that intelligence is something …

Article Overview In this article, you will learn about the importance of taking tests as a part of your learning and study sessions even if they are self-administered. You will also learn how to prepare for formal tests and examinations. Pause and Think: “Why do so many students dread tests and exams?” Imagine you’ve been reading …

Overview In this article, you will learn about what happens when you sleep. Also, you will learn about why you dream and how sleeping proves very crucial to learning and memory. You will also discover how really essential getting a good night’s sleep can be for your health. Pause and Think: “Why do we really need …

Overview In this article, you will learn about your memory, how it works, how we form memories and why we forget or lose some memories. Pause and Think: “Why do we forget?” Imagine you’re writing an examination which you’ve prepared long and hard for. You’re currently on a particular question which you’re sure you read adequately …

You need to always remind yourself that you have a really capable brain, and it’s the truth. Intelligence or a “good” memory is not something that is fixed. You don’t forget what you read because your brain is incapable of taking in the information you give to it. The brain works mostly similarly for most of us.

Overview Open-mindedness is a very important and beneficial trait of every learner. In this article, you will learn about the importance and benefits of open-mindedness in learning. Pause and Think: “Are some ideas really worth fighting for?” We’ve all had our fair share of experiences with bigots. Bigots are people who are stubbornly or intolerantly devoted …

Article Overview In this article, you will learn about the importance of having mathematical and numeracy skills. You will also learn how to get better at mathematics and improve your ability to understand and work with numbers. Pause and Think: “Why does Maths sometimes seem so strange?” Imagine you’re in front of your Maths textbook trying …

This article is a summary of some of the articles that have been posted so far on the How to Learn series.  1. How We Form Habits: Extra Ideas to Help You Handle Procrastination Human beings are creatures of habit and there are so many things we do today that we do without thinking much about them …

Article Overview In this article, you will learn why we remember certain things but forget others. You will also learn some memorization tips for committing lists and names to memory. Pause and Think: “How do I remember all these?” Kelvin! Juliet! Henry! Ifeanyi! Ayomide! Usman! Imagine being introduced to these six people at a party. Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, …

Overview In this article, you will learn about how to form chunks when learning. This is a follow-up on the previous article which introduced the idea of chunking. You will also learn how important chunks are for effective learning. Pause and Think: “How can I chunk this song?” Imagine you’re learning to play a song on the …