Active Learning

Learning is best seen as an active and not a passive process. In practical terms, active learning means keeping your mind alert as you study, so you can react to the material even as you take it in. 

For instance, rather than simply reading a page of text, why not write notes on it as you go to practice active learning? These could be a summary of key points - in your own words. Or, having read a section, why not try active learning by summarising what you've just learnt from memory? Again, write it down.

Or, if you're a visual learner, you could practice active learning by creating a summary in sketch form. Alternatively, why not imagine you've been asked to give a quick talk on what you've just learned? Summarising what you would say changes your learning from passive to active learning? (You might even want to use a dictaphone or tape player to record what you come up with, and then use it for revision later.)

These kinds of active learning techniques won't only help you keep your focus and stay alert. They're also a great way to process information and really make it your own. For more helpful tools and tips to improve your active learning style, go to our How To Section.