Skills for Learning

There are many skills that can help towards effective learning and improving a learning journey.

Some skill requirements will vary depending upon the context in where the learning is taking place as well as what it is that is being learnt, for example a practical hands-on skill or maybe supporting knowledge that complements a practical skill.

Ten specific skills that will help with any learning journey might be given as follows:

1. Time management: Make time for learning to take place, in an environment that best suits the learner. This might mean having several time periods during a day which are dedicated to learning.

2. Organising: This is often included within time management, but this focus is on being well organised thereby making sure all resources are available. You can then concentrate on learning rather than being distracted by having to find something.

3. Active learning: Engaging with the learning process and learning material in an active and positive way. Don’t just passively read through material, or listen to someone or an audio otherwise, whilst you will have been present during the learning session, no learning will have taken place.

4. Attention: Being able to stay focused and attentive to the task in hand is a skill which is linked to active learning. If your attention span is short, then make sure a learning session is broken up into smaller chunks. However, it is important to ensure that the smaller chunks are properly linked up otherwise it is easy to become confused about how the many different parts relate to each other.

5. Reflecting, reviewing and recalling: Reflect on what is being learnt at suitable stages of the learning journey. Consider why something might have been stated within the learning material and the implications of it. After some of the subject matter has been studied, review it and practice recalling key points to understand how much might have been learnt. This can help identify whether you may need to revisit some of the learning material before moving on further. Plan for repeat recalling of what has been learnt at various stages of the learning journey. Don’t just do one recall session, but plan for several sessions to aid memory retention.

6. Note and record keeping: Make notes to keep an appropriate record of your learning journey. This will help track progress made, achievements to date, as well as be an excellent resource to revisit as part of a recall process to help reinforce learning that has taken place. Don’t just make written notes, but use diagrams, sketches, take pictures, video clips as well as audio recordings as part of your records. Summarise key points in your own words, don’t just repeat word-for-word what is in the learning material.

7. Critical thinking: Ask yourself questions that challenge statements made. Analyse and evaluate information further to help develop more insight into what is being learnt. This might open up new areas for exploration to help further understanding of subject matter.

8. Problem solving: Being able to identify and then solve a problem through a composed and logically reasoned approach to find a suitable solution can help maintain progress on a learning journey. If a problem arises then it’s important not to panic. Sometimes just putting everything down, taking a short break and then re-engaging can help to clarify what it is that is causing the problem; this should then make it a lot easier to help produce a solution.

9. Adaptability: You may have initially planned everything out, however, if things don’t quite work out as best as they could then adapt what’s needed. If you need to adjust your learning schedule because circumstances have changed, then do so, don’t stick rigidly to plans if you can see that some adaptation is needed to improve your learning journey.

10. Self-discipline: This skill includes elements of many other skills and focuses on being able to persevere through distractions and setbacks. These negative impacts can affect your emotional state and without good levels of self-discipline can disrupt a learning journey.