Private: Learning Essentials – Learning to Learn

Lesson 1 – How to improve your reading skills
12 Topics
Introduction and overview
What is “reading”?
Types of reading – part 1
Types of reading – part 2
Speed reading – part 1
Speed reading – part 2
Managing your environment
SQ3R
Reading electronic materials
Summary
End of lesson activities
End of lesson assessment
Lesson 2 – How to Improve your Memory and Mental Agility
11 Topics | 1 Quiz
Introduction and overview
The Relevance of Memory to Learning and Work
Memory in a Nutshell
Knowing Your Mind
“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”
Recitation
Mind maps and Mnemonics
Practical Tips for Improvement
Forgetting
Summary
End of lesson activities
End of lesson assessment
Lesson 3 – How to improve your study skills
12 Topics
Introduction and overview
Preparation
Learning styles
Principles of planning for study
A study plan
A model for study
Resources and information sources
Concentrating on your study
Motivation
Summary
End of lesson activities
End of lesson assessment
Lesson 4 – How to Improve Your Time Management for Learning Skills
12 Topics
Introduction and overview
Learner Competencies
Planning Part 1 – Principles
Planning Part 2 – Scheduling
Goal setting for learning
Action Planning and To Do Lists
Prioritisation
Obstacles to achievement
PDPs and CPD
Summary
End of lesson activities
End of lesson assessment
Lesson 5 – How to Improve Your Exam Skills
12 Topics
Introduction and Overview
Knowing About The Exam
Exam Preparation – The Practicalities
Revision – A Timetable
Revision Techniques
Exam Papers
Before The Exam Dealing With Nerves
Problems With Exams and Some Solutions
Maximising Exam Performance
Summary
End of Lesson Activities
End of Lesson Assessment
Previous Topic
Next Topic

Practical Tips for Improvement

Improving and developing mental agility and memory is like exercising for fitness. Here are some ideas for you to consider:

  • Reading – literature (fact and fiction), newspapers, reports, etc
  • Watching or listening to documentaries or watching films and factual programmes
  • Socialising – learning about people, new ideas, different ways of doing things
  • Research – finding out new information and facts (this could include using the internet, attending seminars, presentations and training events)
  • Crosswords, quizzes, puzzles and other problem-solving activities – both written (number or word based) and practical (jigsaws, games, etc)
  • Participating in debates, discussions or other similar activities

When endeavouring to improve your general knowledge, it is helpful to use your preferred learning style, whilst by contrast, when seeking to improve mental agility, engage in activities that are not typical of your preferred learning style. This will naturally stretch your abilities and give you valuable practice in other styles of learning.