How to become an Active Learner?

How many times have our thoughts wandered through, while being in a lecture or a class? How many times have we tried “not to fall asleep” in a session or training although that training was very important? May be a lot of times this has happened to all of us but have we ever wondered how can we be a more efficient learner even in a situation like this? So what can we do to avoid being unmindful over and over again?

The solution lies in the “Process of Active Learning” which is definitely an acquired skill that develops over time.

What is Active Learning?

Active Learning is a process where learners engage themselves in activities related to the topic or training.

Why is Active Learning Important?

Several researches demonstrate that “Active Learning” helps to build on the intellectual ability that gives encouragement both to the instructor and the learner. Some of the benefits of active learning are as follows:

·        Helps to maintain Learner’s concentration

·        Performance enhancement

·        Enhanced critical thinking and problem solving abilities of the learners and

·        Deepens learning to build skills

Now how can we, as learners take an initiative to become an Active Learner and never miss an opportunity to learn and develop skills? Below are the 5 techniques to achieve active learning:

1.   Active Listening

The thumb rule to become an active learner is to be an active listener first. Active listeners completely focus on the topic or the discussion taking place. Understands what is going around in the environment and responds appropriately towards the related situation. The more you listen, the smarter you become.

2.   Take Notes

Keep a notebook and a pen always handy to write the important points or topics that are being taught. Researchers say that taking notes help learners to retain knowledge better since this is an action taken immediately after listening, reading or discussing.

3.   Do your homework

It is always better to get a fair idea about what the class or the training is holding for you. How the particular session will be beneficial. Before attending training go through the objectives or learning outcomes of the training that will be included in your training invitation or the training you have signed up for. Note few things that you already know about the topic or you would like to ask your instructor at the end of the session.

4.   Join a community or an online forum

This is an era of digitization. Internet is a powerful tool where the whole world sets itself in your gadgets. To learn more about the topic join an online community or a forum related to the topic that you want to learn. After a training session it is advisable to join an online forum related to the topic on any social media platform. Set apart some time in a week to go through the discussions, ask questions and clear queries. This will help you to understand the topic well.

5.   Practice

After any training session it is always better to practice the same. Many free resources are readily available in the internet. You can also ask your instructor for some reference material to practice. Practice will help to retain the skill much better and faster.

I hope this article will help you all to become active learners and better performers.

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