5 tips for effective learning

Learning is necessary for your self-development and for your growth within your organization. And it is also important for the growth of the organization itself that employees continue to work on competencies. But ... effective learning is difficult. Because maybe you follow an e-learning or webinar once in a while, but do you get anything out of it? Is your learning agenda effective? And are you picking up the learning practically?

Lisan van der Lee and Achraf Jabri, our learning experts at SkillsTown, have put together 5 learning tips to help you learn effectively. Make the most of your learning experience to achieve your goals!

Teaching tip 1: Make a schedule

When you start learning, it is important that you schedule certain times for this. This way you encourage yourself to actually make time for this. Put it in your calendar so you can be sure to block out this time. Don't schedule a big block all at once, but rather split it into parts. Also consider which parts you will cover at a time. Also choose a convenient time for this. You can take into account that you choose a quiet time when you have fewer phone calls or appointments, for example. Also choose a time when you think you can concentrate well. Are you ready for the weekend on a Friday afternoon? Then choose another time during the week.

Teaching tip 2: Choose a buddy

Learning certainly doesn't always have to be done alone. It can help you to work together with someone on a particular learning goal. This way you can help each other, as well as encourage each other in the learning process. Coordinate your schedule with your buddy and meet weekly or biweekly to discuss progress and topics learned with each other. This way you can exchange thoughts on these. Plan a celebratory moment when you have both completed the learning process.

Teaching tip 3: Make sure environment is 'learning proof'

If recent times have taught us anything, it is that a quiet environment is crucial to concentrating. While you are learning, make sure you choose an environment where you will be distracted as little as possible and can sit comfortably. This may be in the attic for some, but in the garden for others. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in that environment and have as few distractions as possible where you sit.

Nowadays, we are constantly used to being stimulated by our phones and laptops. Apps, emails, all day long we get notifications that distract us. This can be a distracting factor during your learning process. Therefore, put your phone on silent, close your mail and you are ready to learn. If necessary, inform those around you that you are not accessible for a while.

Teaching tip 4: Take notes

Research has shown that effective learning is easier when you take notes while learning. By taking notes, you repeat, deepen and structure the material. Besides helping you better understand and remember the material, it's also easier to quickly read it back later or share it with others. The best notes are taken by:

• To write in keywords
• To choose own words instead of quotes
• Immediately jot down action items to take up

Teaching tip 5: Bring it to practice

You haven't really learned something new until you can explain it to someone else. Share your knowledge with your buddy or other workers so you can test whether you understood everything. Also think about how you will apply what you have learned in practice. Be sure to look back at what you have learned and see how you will fit this within your workdays. Make it as concrete as possible. For example, have you learned a new model around time management? Then adjust your schedule accordingly.

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