How to Retain What You Have Learned

How often have you learned new information only to forget it a few days later? It has happened to all of us at some point in life. Retaining information is not always as easy as it seems but by following a few simple steps higher retention of information can be achieved.

Attention and Focus

When you give your undivided attention to the material you are learning, there is a higher possibility of retaining the information. Focusing on one subject at a time rather than trying to cram in dozens of things at once helps to remember what you are learning. Set up a peaceful and harmonious learning environment without any distractions. Do what works best for you whether it be studying in a quiet space or with music in the background.

Become Interested

It is difficult to learn something you have no interest in. You will most likely not remember anything at all on the subject. Find a reason to get motivated about learning the material you are studying. Personalize the subject you are learning about by relating it to something you consider important. Whether it is a subject you must learn for a test, college, or your career; take the time to understand the concept. Maybe you find it uninteresting because you doubt your ability to learn the concept or do not fully understand it. Once you begin to understand the concepts you are studying, your interest in them will be greater.

Practice and Teach What You Have Learned

Studies have shown that people retain approximately 90% of the information they learn when they teach it to someone else or put it into practice immediately. When they only put it into practice without teaching it, only 75% is retained. When engaged in a group discussion, 50% is retained. When learners view a demonstration, 30% is retained. Only 20% is retained from audio-visuals and 10% from reading. This percentage decreases significantly with lectures with only 5% being retained. Now, you may be wondering the reason why you retain more information when you teach someone else or use it immediately. 

The simple answer is: you make mistakes when teaching the information to someone else. When you make a mistake, you obviously have to correct it. This forces you to go back to your notes or mental files and in turn, causes your brain to concentrate. So go ahead and grab a friend or family member and talk to them about what you learned. Use the information by writing articles about it or producing recordings. Making mistakes is necessary in order to learn and most people never retain 90% of what they learn because of their fear of making mistakes. Don’t let this be you.

Studying on your own may not always be effective as sometimes you may stumble upon a subject that is not clear to you or that you need additional help with. 

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