The most efficient way to improve your grades.

There are many ways of teaching something but our education system never teaches us how to learn. Here are some learning techniques:

1. Use mental pictures

Have you ever tried to remember something through visualization? Complex mathematical formulas are particularly hard to remember. Instead of memorizing them, you can break them into smaller components, and try to imagine them as part of a graph.

2. Metaphors/analogies

Metaphors are used to relate two things that are not, in fact, related. When you learn something new, try to think of similar concepts. The idea is that, by creating metaphors, you will understand new concepts by seeing them through understandable vantage points. You can learn an abstract process by comparing it to a more common event. For instance, you can compare derivatives to the speedometer on your car. Use metaphors that you can easily understand and relate to.

3. Pegging

This tactic is used to memorize complex numbers; it’s mostly used by mental magicians. The basic idea of pegging is to attach digits to specific consonants. For example: 1=s 3=k, and 9=r. These consonants will form a jumble of letters. Insert a vowel between them to form nouns. This tactic will help you to remember big numbers.

4. Use diagrams

Recent research shows that drawing improves your concentration. If you are in class, and bored out of your mind, you should draw diagrams. Draw something that is related to the subject you are learning. Doing so will keep boredom at bay, and increase your concentration.

5. Teach someone else

What did you learn in class? If you can explain it to somebody else, your brain will create connections that will improve your understanding. Teaching will also force you to break down complex concepts; a step that will further increase your comprehension of the subject.

6. Avoid taking rigid notes

When taking notes, make them interesting. Better yet, you should write your ideas in connections and branches. Adding your personal thoughts and diagrams will make the notes easier to understand.

7. Dig a foundation

Have you ever noticed that early subjects seem easier once you advance in them? For instance, algebra looks like child’s play once you start learning calculus. Advancing in a subject means that you will struggle to understand the newer material. However, the old material will seem easier by comparison.

8. Visceralization

This tactic differs greatly from visualization. When you learn by visceralization, you create an experience by combining feeling, texture, image, and sound. Basically, you need to take an abstract thing and make it tangible. How do you do this? Start by forming relationships between different ideas and putting them on paper. Imagine what a certain concept would feel, smell, and sound like. Use your imagination to come up with different sights, textures, smells, and sounds for different concepts.