Lifetime Learning

Learning in the first few years of your life is much easier and there is the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". However, having said that, we spend the whole of our life learning. It is why, in many cultures, elders are consulted on big decisions. It is often harder for someone who is older to learn something completely new. This can often be the attitude of "I've done this job for 20 years, I don't need someone to tell me how to do it" or "If it isn't broke then don't fix it". Learning from one's mistakes, previous experiences and other people changes something that has happened into a learning experience.

To Become An Effective Learner

Firstly lets look at what learning actually is. My books are telling me that:

"Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge through experience which leads to a change in behaviour"
Huczynski, A and Buchanan, B(1985) Organisational Behaviour, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall

I think to put it simply you have learned something when you are able to explain it or show it to someone. For example if you learn how to make wooden spoons then you could show someone how to do it or if you learn about the history of Henry VIII then you can explain to someone about his 6 wives.

So then why is it then that some people learn faster?
Well this isn't always just about people's levels of intelligence. Everyone has their own way of learning styles. Some people learn quickly by sitting down and reading about it, others would learn quicker by doing things. For example, going back to Henry VIII, One person may learn better by going to the library. Someone else may instead be better taking part in a play.

So what factors effect how you learn?
The four main factors are:
Motivation: Wanting to study! Keeping that motivation is key, without the motivation you won't finish anything.
Time management: This is making sure that you give yourself enough time to complete your tasks.
Understanding your type of learning: Knowing how you learn best and modifying your study time to maximise learning.
Study Skills: Knowing how to study effectively, taking regular breaks, being in the right environment (i.e. Quite room with no interruptions)

1st Post

My Grandad has always told me that the best way to learn a subject is to explain it to someone else. This is why i'm going to create this blog. If I can explain to you what I am learning then it should sink in and maybe it will benefit you the reader also.

My course is for a degree in business studies. My first module is about learning styles.