10 Ways to Improve Your Commitment to Personal Learning
We�re busier today than ever before. As important as it is, learning can very often get crowded out. This article looks at some simple and effective ways of developing and improving a commitment to personal learning.
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Concentrate on topics you enjoy most: As obvious as it sounds, a lot of people spend far too much time studying topics they feel they �ought� to be learning, rather than focusing on those subject areas they find most enjoyable, useful and beneficial. Learning should be fun!
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Don�t be afraid to make mistakes: They are very often a sign of progress. Remember as well, that we tend to learn much more from errors than from successes.
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Questions help: Asking questions isn�t a sign of weakness or ignorance. It is important to seek out the collaboration of a friendly and experienced teacher to answer any questions you may have, and to help fill any gaps that might otherwise niggle.
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Make a learning schedule: Give yourself a set amount of time each week for study or reading. Make out a chart, or keep a note in your diary. Take the phone off the hook during your learning period and make sure friends and family members know not to disturb you.
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Keep it simple: Don�t try to �cram� everything in one go. Keep individual learning periods short and focused, 20 minutes for example, followed by a break. If you are taking notes, concentrate on key themes and use headings and bullet points to break up the text.
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Use what you�ve learnt: Try applying what you learn to everyday, real-life situations. For example, use simple math to help figure out the interest payable on a particular loan, or the amount owing on a groceries list.
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Get friends and family involved: Ask friends or family members if they would like to learn with you, especially where you share a common interest or hobby. Learning together is useful for motivation and confidence-building, and besides it�s fun.
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Develop your own techniques: Different people will have different ways of solving the same sum, or writing the same sentence, or learning the same language. Concentrate on your own strengths, and develop techniques which make the most of them.
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Practise regularly: It�s important to practise regularly, to build confidence, develop fluency and identify areas for further improvement. Practice will also help reinforce what you have learned so far.
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Enjoy your learning experience: Keep learning simple, honest and fun. Approach your given subject area with a sense of discovery, don�t rush anything, keep track of your progress. Share your experiences with friends, family and teachers.
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