Staying competitive typically involves learning new things, whether it’s a new technology, a foreign language, or an advanced ability. Being a quick learner can help you get an even bigger advantage. 

There are six techniques to acquire and retain information faster, according to science. Let’s reiterate all of them for you:

1. INSTRUCT ANOTHER PERSON (OR JUST PRETEND TO)

According to research by  Washington University in St. Louis, imagining that one is teaching someone the content or task can increase the speed of learning and create remembrance. John Nestojko, a postdoctoral psychology expert, claims that anticipation transforms your mindset, allowing you to engage in more effective learning ways than those who just learn to pass a test. Also, he confirms that taking regular but short breaks in between stressful sessions enhances retention significantly.

2. EXPERIENCE LEARNING IN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME

The Center for Academic Success at Louisiana State University recommends devoting 30-50 minutes to learning new content. “Anything less than 30 is insufficient, but anything more than 50 is too much information for your brain to process at once,” writes Ellen Dunn, a graduate assistant in learning techniques. Take a five- to ten-minute pause after you’ve finished before starting another session.

Microlearning sessions are always recommended.

3. WRITE DOWN NOTES BY HAND

While taking notes on your system/laptop is faster, utilizing a pen and paper can help you comprehend, study, and remember more effectively. It helps employees identify crucial concepts, according to researchers at Princeton University and UCLA. They even claim that taking notes on a laptop leads to mindless transcription as well as the possibility of being distracted by any pop-up or email.

4. MAKE THE MOST OF THE POWER OF MENTAL SPACING

While it may seem paradoxical, scattered learning, sometimes known as “spacing,” can help you learn more quickly. This can increase employee productivity in the long run. Benedict Carey says that learning is like watering a garden in an interview with The New York Times. He claims that a lawn can be watered once a week for 90 minutes or three times a week for 30 minutes. But, watering the grass at different times throughout the week will maintain it greener over time.” So, rather than repeating the information in rapid succession, repeating it over a longer period of time–say, a few days or a week later–sends a stronger signal to the brain that it needs to keep the information.

5. TAKE A BREAK 

According to the latest research published in Psychological Science, downtime is key for remembering what you learn. Having a quick tea/smoke/coffee break between heavy-loaded work sessions can improve your recollection up to six months later, and in turn, enhance your recollection your productivity.

6. DIFFERENTIATE IT

According to a study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, it is important to modify the way you practice or do a particular activity. Those who employed a modified working methodology usually outperformed those who did it in a stagnant way.

So, break through the stereotypes, and use these brain hacks to ensure employee productivity and returns.

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