Many of us struggle with learning, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information and unsure of how to approach new subjects. The good news is that learning how to learn is a skill that can be developed like any other. In this post, we will explore some tips and strategies for improving your learning skills.

1. Develop a growth mindset

   One of the most important factors in successful learning is having a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and believing that you can improve with effort and practice. By adopting a growth mindset, you will be more likely to persevere through difficult concepts and bounce back from setbacks.

2. Set goals

   Setting clear goals can help you stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and achievable. You should also break down larger goals into smaller milestones, which can help you track your progress and stay on track.

3. Learn actively

   Passive learning, such as listening to lectures or watching videos, is not as effective as active learning, which involves engaging with the material. I did this, and now I can understand some Spanish and Chinese, but I am terrible at speaking them. Try taking notes, asking questions, and summarizing what you have learned in your own words. You can also try teaching the material to someone else, which can help you solidify your understanding.

4. Practice, practice, practice

   Practice is essential for learning any new skill. Try practicing new concepts regularly, whether through exercises, quizzes, or real-world applications.

5. Take breaks

   Taking breaks is important for both physical and mental health, and it can also improve your learning. When you take a break, your brain has a chance to process and consolidate information. Try taking short breaks every 25-30 minutes, and longer breaks every hour or two. I love using the pomodoro method for this.

6. Stay organized

   Staying organized can help you stay focused and reduce stress. Try keeping a schedule or planner to track your assignments and deadlines, and keep your study space clean and clutter-free. I like to use Notion to stay on top of my notes, schedules, and just about anything.

7. Seek feedback

   Feedback is essential for improving your skills. Seek feedback from instructors, peers, or mentors to help identify areas for improvement and build on your strengths.

Now that I’ve shared this with you, I hope that I myself can put this into practice as I go through my software developer boot camp. We’ve started Sprint 1! Focusing on advanced HTML and CSS. See you soon!