Learning strategies for learners

We’ve all heard about learning strategies and what to do to teach them to our students. The problem which arises is how you can understand this tough puzzle: 
 
DIRECT STRATEGIES 

o I. Memory

1. Creating mental linkages
2. Applying images and sounds
3. Reviewing well 
4. Employing action

o II.Cognitive 

1. Practising
2. Receiving and sending messages strategies
3. Analysing and reasoning
4. Creating structure for input and output

o III. Compensation strategies 

1. Guessing intelligently
2. Overcoming limitations in speaking and writing    

  

 INDIRECT STRATEGIES

o I. Metacognitive Strategies    

1. Centering your learning
2. Arranging and planning your learning
3. Evaluating your learning

 o II. Affective Strategies   

1. Lowering your anxiety
2. Encouraging yourself
3. Taking your emotional temperature 

o III. Social Strategies   

1. Asking questions
2. Cooperating with others
3. Empathising with others

This in fact is what learning strategies are divided into. In this article let's focus on the most important person here – you,  the learner – how to learn more effectively. We’re going to look at some studying habits. It’s always worthwhile to remember some of them, even if you think they are obvious.

First of all, an effective learner is a responsible learner. And a responsible learner is an autonomous learner. We won’t put down numerous definitions of what autonomy is. But you should:

      - Understand that the time passes. In many aspects you should be aware of the fact that you should prioritize your learning. Admit – you can’t learn everything in 2, 4, 6 hours. You should know what’s best for you. Also, never get distracted from the goals you have set. Not by your friends not by anything else. These are your goals, stick by them

       - Know when the best time for studying is for you. Look for the optimum. If you feel that mornings are the time when you achieve maximum productivity, consider waking up earlier to study a bit. If you’re more a night person – consider staying late and even studying at night. Some people will tell you that it’s bad for you because you need the sleep, but remember that it’s you who is studying and if you’re brain is doing his best at night – go for it! I even know people who study only around noon. Given you have proper conditions – why not!

        - Consider music. Again don’t look at others. Try listening to relaxing music while learning. Is it helpful? It might be but it might be not. The genre which is considered to be relaxing is classical music. So launch a piece by Bach or Beethoven and let your studying begin! Yet, I know many people who learn only to their favorite music. If it works for you – let it be. Remember that you might have the opposite tendency. You might love silence. Search for a place that suits you, don’t let others bother you. This is also connected with the next point, that is…

       - Choose your place. Outdoors or indoors? Silence or a bit of noise? People chatting or not a living soul near you? It’s important to choose the location which will suit your personal likes and dislikes. On many occasions you aren’t able to do so, but still try to choose what’s closest to your ideal. After all it’s not possible to visit a desert island everyday. But a short trip might be accessible!

        - Revise! Remember to come back to the material you had learned before. Our brains are constructed in such a way that it will eliminate the old knowledge in benefit of the new one. 

       - Be your own interlocutor. After learning something – tell yourself about it! Paraphrase. Use your own words. Remember about the details.

        - Think of funny examples. Or the characteristic ones. But they should be yours. Because you will easily forget the “The path to the mountain was insurmountable”. Instead think of something like this: “I’ve been studying English and suddenly I hit myself on the head with my fist, angry that this material is insurmountable”! This example is individualized. It’s about you. Not some path to the mountain you have never seen in your life.

        - Think of some rewards. It’s always easier to study when you think that there is a delicious pie waiting for you in the kitchen. But…! Only when you succeed to trudge through the first chapter.

        - Have breaks! Remember – it’s impossible to study non-stop. You need a break. Think about them before you study. One hour of studying – 15 minutes break? 
   

       - Consider using flashcards. Small pieces of paper might be good for those who take advantage of visuals. Use them everywhere. Or maybe you could glue them to the wall? I know people who used flashcards as posters in their room. If you don’t get mad, you will most likely benefit from looking at the words all the time.