10 Practical Strategies to Teach Yourself How to Learn

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

6. Implement Spaced Repetition

8. Explore Online Learning Platforms

9. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

10. Evaluate and Adjust Your Process

Learning new skills and knowledge can be both exciting and challenging. But what if you could teach yourself how to learn more effectively? In this blog, we'll explore 10 practical strategies that will help you become a better learner and master the art of self-education. Whether you're trying to pick up a new hobby, improve your professional skills, or simply satisfy your curiosity, these tips will put you on the right track.

1. Set SMART Goals

One of the first steps in teaching yourself how to learn is setting clear and achievable goals. SMART goals are an excellent way to do this. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here's a breakdown of each component:

Specific: Clearly define what you want to learn or achieve. Instead of "I want to learn a new language," try "I want to learn conversational Spanish."
Measurable: Determine how you'll track your progress. For example, you could measure your progress by the number of Spanish phrases you can use in a conversation.
Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic and attainable. It's better to aim for learning 100 new phrases than trying to become fluent in Spanish in a month.
Relevant: Ensure your goal is meaningful and connected to your overall objectives. If you're learning Spanish to communicate with coworkers, focus on phrases relevant to your job.
Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal to help you stay focused and motivated. For instance, aim to learn those 100 phrases in two months.

By setting SMART goals, you'll have a clear path to follow and a better understanding of how to teach yourself how to learn effectively.

2. Create a Learning Plan

Once you've set your SMART goals, it's time to create a learning plan—a roadmap that will guide you through the process of teaching yourself how to learn. A well-structured plan will make it easier for you to stay organized and focused on your goals. Here are some tips to help you develop a solid learning plan:

Break down your goal: Divide your main goal into smaller, manageable tasks or sub-goals. This will make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
Identify resources: Research and gather the materials you'll need for your learning journey. This might include books, websites, videos, podcasts, or even people you can ask for help.
Allocate time: Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to learning each day or week, and schedule it into your calendar. Consistency is key when teaching yourself how to learn.
Choose learning methods: Identify the learning techniques that work best for you, such as reading, listening, practicing, or discussing with others. Mix and match these methods to keep things interesting and engaging.
Monitor progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. If you find that a certain resource isn't helping, don't be afraid to try something new or change your approach.

Creating a learning plan is a crucial step in teaching yourself how to learn. It will help you stay organized, focused, and motivated as you work towards your goals.

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique

One effective way to teach yourself how to learn is by using the Pomodoro Technique. This time-management method can boost your productivity and help you stay focused on your tasks. The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking your work into short, focused intervals called "Pomodoros" followed by a short break. Here's how it works:

Choose a task: Pick a specific task or sub-goal from your learning plan that you want to work on.
Set a timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes—this will be the length of one Pomodoro session.
Work on the task: Focus on the task and work on it until the timer goes off. If you get distracted or think of something else you need to do, write it down and return to the task at hand.
Take a break: When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Use this time to stretch, grab a drink, or do something non-work related to give your brain a chance to recharge.
Repeat: After your break, start another Pomodoro session. After completing four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

By using the Pomodoro Technique, you'll be able to maintain your focus and teach yourself how to learn more effectively. Remember, the key is to consistently work in short, focused bursts and give your brain time to rest and recharge in between sessions.

4. Embrace Active Learning

Active learning is a powerful approach to teaching yourself how to learn. Instead of passively absorbing information, active learning involves engaging with the material in a more hands-on way. This helps you retain and understand new concepts more effectively. Here are some practical strategies to incorporate active learning into your study routine:

Summarize: After reading or watching a lesson, try summarizing the main points in your own words. This helps reinforce the information and tests your understanding.
Ask questions: As you learn, come up with questions about the material. This encourages you to explore the subject more deeply and identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Teach someone else: One of the best ways to solidify your understanding of a topic is to teach it to someone else. This forces you to explain the concepts clearly and can help you uncover any areas where you may need more practice.
Apply your knowledge: Look for opportunities to apply what you've learned in real-life situations. For example, if you're learning a new language, practice speaking with native speakers or try writing a short story in the language.
Participate in discussions: Join online forums or social media groups related to your subject area. Engaging in discussions with others who share your interests can help deepen your understanding and expose you to new perspectives.

By embracing active learning methods, you'll be better equipped to teach yourself how to learn and retain new information more effectively. Remember, the more you engage with the material, the more likely you are to succeed in your learning journey.

5. Try Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help you remember information more easily. They can be particularly helpful when you're trying to teach yourself how to learn new concepts or facts. Here are a few mnemonic techniques you can try:

Acronyms: Create a word or phrase using the first letters of the items you want to remember. For example, to remember the order of operations in math (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction), you can use the acronym PEMDAS.
Acrostics: Similar to acronyms, acrostics involve creating a sentence or phrase using the first letters of the items you want to remember. For example, to recall the names of the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie), you could use the acrostic "She Has Only Muddy Eels."
Chunking: Break down large pieces of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, when memorizing a phone number, you might remember it as three separate chunks (e.g., 555-123-4567).
Visual imagery: Create a mental image to associate with the information you're trying to remember. For example, to remember the capital of France (Paris), you might imagine an Eiffel Tower-shaped pastry.
Rhymes and songs: Set the information you want to remember to a catchy tune or rhyme. For example, many people use the "Alphabet Song" to remember the order of the letters in the alphabet.

Experiment with different mnemonic devices to see which ones work best for you. These memory aids can make it easier to teach yourself how to learn and retain new information, helping you become a more effective learner.

6. Implement Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a powerful learning technique that involves reviewing information at gradually increasing time intervals. This method helps you retain information more effectively and for longer periods compared to cramming or reviewing the same material repeatedly in a short amount of time. To implement spaced repetition when teaching yourself how to learn, follow these steps:

Start with a review session: After learning new material, review it within 24 hours. This initial review helps cement the information in your memory.
Extend the review intervals: Gradually increase the time between review sessions. For example, after the first review, wait two days before the next one. Then, wait four days, then a week, and so on.
Create a schedule: Keep track of your review sessions by creating a calendar or using an app designed for spaced repetition, like Anki or Quizlet.
Adjust the intervals based on difficulty: If you find certain topics more challenging, review them more frequently. On the other hand, if you feel confident about a topic, you can extend the time between reviews.
Test yourself: During each review session, try to recall the information without looking at your notes. This active recall helps reinforce your memory and ensures you're making progress.

By implementing spaced repetition, you can teach yourself how to learn more efficiently and effectively. This technique is not only useful for academic learning but also for acquiring new skills, languages, or any other knowledge you want to retain for the long term.

7. Engage in Peer Teaching

Peer teaching is an excellent strategy to deepen your understanding of a subject and to teach yourself how to learn more effectively. When you explain concepts to someone else, you're not only helping them learn, but you're also reinforcing your own knowledge and identifying any gaps in your understanding. To engage in peer teaching, consider these tips:

Find a study buddy: Connect with someone who is learning the same topic or has a similar interest. You can find study partners in online forums, social media groups, or within your local community.
Prepare your lessons: Before teaching a concept, make sure you understand it well enough to explain it clearly. This will require you to review and organize the material, which helps solidify your own understanding.
Encourage questions: Invite your study partner to ask questions and challenge your explanations. This helps you identify any areas where you need to improve your understanding and stimulates further learning.
Take turns teaching: Switch roles with your study partner, allowing them to teach you as well. This gives you the opportunity to learn from their perspective and discover new insights.
Reflect on your teaching experience: After each teaching session, take a few minutes to think about what went well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine your teaching and learning strategies.

Engaging in peer teaching is a valuable way to reinforce your learning and develop better communication skills. As you teach yourself how to learn, sharing your knowledge with others will not only benefit them but also enhance your own learning experience.

8. Explore Online Learning Platforms

Online learning platforms offer a wealth of resources to help you teach yourself how to learn. These platforms provide courses, tutorials, and interactive activities covering a wide range of topics. By exploring different online learning platforms, you can find the most suitable resources to support your learning journey. Here are some tips for using online learning platforms effectively:

Choose the right platform: There are numerous online learning platforms available, each with its own strengths and focus areas. Some popular options include Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX. Research and compare different platforms to find the one that best fits your learning goals.
Set a schedule: To make the most of online learning, establish a routine for engaging with the platform. Dedicate specific times each week to exploring new courses, watching videos, or completing assignments.
Participate in discussions: Many online learning platforms have built-in discussion forums where you can connect with fellow learners and ask questions. Participating in these discussions can deepen your understanding and expose you to new perspectives.
Track your progress: Most online learning platforms offer tools for tracking your progress, such as quizzes and assignments. Use these features to measure your understanding and identify areas where you need to focus your efforts.
Apply your learning: As you learn new concepts and skills, look for opportunities to apply them in real-life situations. This will help reinforce your learning and make it more meaningful.

By exploring and utilizing online learning platforms, you can access a vast array of educational resources designed to support your efforts to teach yourself how to learn. Take advantage of these resources and watch your learning abilities grow.

9. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can greatly enhance your ability to teach yourself how to learn. These techniques help to improve focus, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness, all of which contribute to more effective learning. Here are some simple ways to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine:

Start with short sessions: Begin by setting aside just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the duration of your sessions.
Focus on your breath: One of the simplest meditation techniques is to focus on your breath as it flows in and out of your body. This helps to anchor your attention in the present moment, making it easier to maintain focus.
Be patient with yourself: It's normal for your mind to wander during meditation, especially when you're first starting out. When you notice your thoughts drifting, gently bring your attention back to your breath without judging yourself.
Practice mindfulness throughout the day: Look for opportunities to be fully present in everyday activities, like eating, walking, or listening to music. The more you practice mindfulness, the easier it will become to maintain focus during learning sessions.
Use guided meditation apps: If you're new to meditation, consider using a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm. These apps offer step-by-step instructions and guided sessions to help you develop your meditation practice.

By incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine, you'll be better equipped to stay focused and present during your learning sessions, making it easier to teach yourself how to learn effectively.

10. Evaluate and Adjust Your Process

As you teach yourself how to learn, it's important to regularly evaluate and adjust your learning process to ensure you're making progress and continually improving. Here are some tips for evaluating your process and making necessary adjustments:

Reflect on your learning: Take time to think about what you've learned, what worked well, and what could be improved. This can help you identify areas where you need to make changes in your approach.
Set benchmarks: Establish specific milestones or goals to measure your progress. This can help you stay motivated and ensure that you're on track with your learning plan.
Seek feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement that you might not have considered.
Experiment with different techniques: If you find that a particular learning strategy isn't working for you, try a different approach. There are many ways to teach yourself how to learn, so don't be afraid to explore new methods.
Stay adaptable: Be open to change and willing to adjust your learning plan as needed. As you progress, you'll likely discover new interests, strengths, and weaknesses that may require you to adapt your approach.

Regularly evaluating and adjusting your learning process is essential for making the most of your efforts to teach yourself how to learn. By staying flexible and open to change, you'll be able to continually refine your approach and achieve greater success in your learning journey.

If you enjoyed this blog post and are interested in learning more about building a successful career as a self-taught artist, don't miss the workshop 'Navigating A Career As A Self-Taught Artist' by Maayan Sophia Weisstub. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and advice on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a self-taught artist, helping you to thrive in the creative world.