Learning How to Learn: My Personal Journey and Learning strategies that actually work.

I used to think I knew how to learn. I mean, I went to school and got an education at a university level, so I must be pretty good at it, right? Well, turns out I was wrong. It wasn't until I started my BSc degree that I realized something was seriously lacking. Not just for me, but for thousands of students out there too. We were just thrown into school and told to learn, but nobody bothered to show us how it's done. What an injustice!

When students like me struggled, the default assumption was that we simply lacked talent. We were told to pursue something that came more naturally to us. But you know what? That's a big fat lie! When I decided to take the bold step of enrolling in this BSc program, I had to face my fear of mathematics. I had been made to believe that I just wasn't cut out for numbers. So, I avoided them like the plague, even though I had studied math in high school. I thought needing extra time to study meant I was just not good at it. But here's the truth: someone should have taught me how to learn because anything can be learned, even if it doesn't come easy.

Now, let's talk about those learning styles. I bet you've come across books and blogs that categorize people as visual learners, auditory learners, or whatnot. I've read all those books that tried to define what kind of learner I was. But honestly, all those categories are garbage—at least for me.

So, here are the strategies that have worked for me:

Firstly, setting intentions, Learning isn't just about getting good grades; it's about finding meaning in what you're learning. Aside from passing why are you studying this? Find your big why ....Forget about the pressure to perform and focus on the joy of the learning process itself.

Secondly, let's talk about procrastination: We all tend to put off things we don't enjoy, right? Well, I used to avoid math because my brain associated it with pain. But I've learned to reframe those negative feelings and rely on willpower to push through.

Fight procrastination with the Pomodoro Technique. This has been a game-changer for me. I set a timer for 25 minutes, fully focused on the task at hand. It's amazing how much you can accomplish just by being in "focused mode". Let me know which other productivity techniques work for you.

Active recall is another powerful strategy. After each study session, I recall everything I've learned and write it down. It helps me identify gaps in my knowledge and topics that need further review. I do this before I move to a new topic. The more you do active recall the more you see the connection between all your subjects. I have seen similarities between mathematics and programming, I won't lie I always find that exciting!

Now let's not forget spaced repetition. I have a schedule for revisiting topics, ensuring that I reinforce what I've learned over time.

Time management is crucial. You can't expect to study effectively if you don't allocate enough time for it. So, forget cramming and give yourself the time you need to truly understand and retain information.

It's all in the routine. Never let your day happen by accident! Before going to bed, I empty my mind and jot down the tasks I need to tackle the next day. This simple practice keeps me organized and focused.

Recording my progress is another habit I've adopted. With each study method I try, I evaluate its effectiveness and make adjustments accordingly. After all, what works for others may not work for me, and vice versa.

Now, let's dive into memory aids. No matter how hard you study, your brain needs to retain the information for you to remember it. Flashcards help a ton. I also use Anki to review material. It is pretty handy too.

Let me stress this: learning is a process. It's okay not to understand something right away. Don't beat yourself up over it. Give your brain time to process and find solutions. Sometimes, taking a break, going for a run, or doing something unrelated to studying can help whenever you feel stuck.

Sleep is your learning buddy! Your brain works on processing information while you sleep. Trust me, I had dreams about HTML code when I started studying Web Technology, It's amazing how much you can absorb when you let your brain rest.

As an aspiring techie, learning how to learn has become an indispensable tool for me. In the constantly evolving world of technology, you have to stay on your toes and keep learning. So, if you're also pursuing a career in technology, figure out what learning strategies work best for you and never stop honing your learning skills.

That's it from me, friends. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. Embrace it, enjoy it, and keep growing.

Happy learning!

FREE AND AMAZING RESOURCE TO HELP YOU.

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn/home/week/1