You might be reading this because you read books, watch YouTube videos, and listen to podcasts normally, but can’t seem to remember much from them, and therefore what you read or hear isn’t of much use to you later. Or, you might be someone who is learning, and retaining new information every day(I hope you are), and you’re simply looking for a few new tips. Either way, I hope you benefit from these bits of advice.
- Underline Important Points
To do this, you’ll probably want to own your copy of the book). You may not read through the book a second time word for word, you might rather just flip through it once in a while, and now when you do, you’ll have left yourself a guide to the most useful information. “Never read a book without a pen in your hand” ~Benjamin Franklin
This quote also relates to the next tip.
2. Take notes
Write down a few key lines from each chapter, and read over them several times when you’re done. You’ve probably(hopefully) done this in class a considerable amount during lectures, or just reading a text book, so you already know you can do it. Besides, independent learning, in some situations, can be more beneficial to you than what you learn in the class room.
3. Repeat It to Yourself.
Try to recall the information in your memory the rest of the day, and all throughout the next day. The more you think about it, the more familiar it will be.
4. Keep folders
Keep a separate folder for each subject that you read and study. Every time you read a book or listen to an audio on a certain topic, take notes and add them to their appropriate folder. While you’re there, read over the pages already in the folder to keep the information present in your memory.
5. Teach it
Every time you learn new things from a book or audio, teach it to someone or a group of people in a conversation if you can. This will challenge you to remember main points and make them clearly. If you write a blog or make videos or podcasts, teach it there also.
6. Marker Boards are Gold
Keep a marker board and write down key points on it. Put the board somewhere in your work space where you’ll most likely see it a lot. You can also write bullet points down on paper, and put the sheet mounted on the wall next to your computer monitor, on your desk, or anywhere else, be creative with it.
7. Experiment
Try these things out and see if they work for you. Or better yet, don’t just take my advice, find your own ways of learning and comprehension, and stick to the ones that work.
