Most effective ways to learn new skills

[zerostyle]

Hi,

After many years of being out of school, and being very lazy about learning new skills, I decided that I want to get back into a learning mode at age 30.

However, I realized that many of my study techniques in the past were probably very poor.

With all of the evolution of technology, psychology, and other research in the last century, I'm really surprised that I haven't heard more about break-through ways to learn.

A few things I'm considering learning:
- A programming language ( I have very beginner knowledge of a few )
- A foreign language
- A musical instrument

In short, I'm not looking for advice like "practice a lot" - because this is obvious. I'm looking more for specific strategies in these various areas that will make my practice sessions much more efficient.

Any suggestions? What techniques do teachers learn these days to help children learn faster? Do they apply at higher education levels? What about ideas for better understanding very difficult concepts?

I should add that I've always been pretty strong with math/#'s. Trying to sight read music was near impossible for me.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by zerostyle

Hi,

After many years of being out of school, and being very lazy about learning new skills, I decided that I want to get back into a learning mode at age 30.

However, I realized that many of my study techniques in the past were probably very poor.

With all of the evolution of technology, psychology, and other research in the last century, I'm really surprised that I haven't heard more about break-through ways to learn.

A few things I'm considering learning:
- A programming language ( I have very beginner knowledge of a few )
- A foreign language
- A musical instrument

In short, I'm not looking for advice like "practice a lot" - because this is obvious. I'm looking more for specific strategies in these various areas that will make my practice sessions much more efficient.

Any suggestions? What techniques do teachers learn these days to help children learn faster? Do they apply at higher education levels? What about ideas for better understanding very difficult concepts?

I should add that I've always been pretty strong with math/#'s. Trying to sight read music was near impossible for me.

There are many effective ways to learn but it really depends on your own learning style. Everyone is different.

 

[yjeezle]

foreign language: try private tutoring and speakig clubs
programming: idk... courses?
musical instrument: lesson and lots of practice

i feel like techniques apply only to musical instruments. in any case, i think that for all 3 you really should get lessons because it's worth it to have hte proper technique/knowledge.

 

[otc]

Originally Posted by zerostyle

I should add that I've always been pretty strong with math/#'s. Trying to sight read music was near impossible for me.

Sight reading music can take a while but the mathematically inclined tend to do very well with music. Music is very systematic...you just need to learn a new notation.

 

[Reevolving]

After many years of being out of school, and being very lazy about learning new skills, I decided that I want to get back into a learning mode at age 30.

Re-read that, and understand why you are destined to fail.

 

[ginlimetonic]

Originally Posted by Reevolving

Re-read that, and understand why you are destined to fail.
1. **** re-evolving. 2. its much harder to grasp new concepts when you're over 30. Yet, I believe old dogs can learn new tricks. programming language- it takes a logical person to learn a programming language musical instrument- makes your life richer, and activates other parts of your brain language- probably the most difficult one I have. Good luck, I think persistence is the key.