What are the 12 keys to learning?

Learning makes us human, through the acquisition of knowledge our brains evolved to create things as wonderful as symphonies, cathedrals and spaceships. It is a dynamic process that shapes our competencies and abilities,

“The process of acquiring new knowledge, skills and competencies transforms our way of thinking, perceiving and acting,” says Ariel Villarroel, expert at the Head of Teaching and Learning (JEA) at the Franz Tamayo University, Unifranz.

The transformation that learning brings is clear in several aspects of our lives, says Villarroel. In the workplace, the constant updating of knowledge and skills is essential to stay relevant and competitive. With the rapid advancement of technology, those who resist change quickly become obsolete. Learning new tools and techniques not only improves our efficiency, but also opens doors to new professional opportunities.

On a personal level, according to the academic, continuous learning enriches us and allows us to enjoy a fuller and more meaningful life. By learning about different cultures, languages ​​or disciplines, we expand our understanding of the world and develop greater empathy and respect for others. This personal growth fosters healthier relationships and greater satisfaction with ourselves.

Furthermore, learning helps us face challenges with a more resilient attitude. The ability to adapt and change according to circumstances is vital in an environment as unpredictable as the current one. By embracing learning as a constant in our lives, we cultivate the flexibility and resilience necessary to overcome adversity and thrive.

However, learning does not happen alone, it requires certain conditions and keys to be meaningful and permanent. In this context, various experts in the areas of educational research, cognitive psychology and human development have raised different elements:

1. Motivation: Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan point out that motivation is the engine that drives learning. Being motivated means having a genuine desire to learn, which may be based on personal interests, long-term goals, or immediate rewards. Intrinsic motivation, which comes from self-interest in the subject, is often more effective than extrinsic motivation, which is based on external rewards.

2. Metacognition: Psychologist John Flavell indicates that metacognition involves being aware of one’s own thinking and learning processes. It means thinking about how we think and learn, and using that information to plan, monitor and evaluate our own learning. It helps you identify which strategies work best and adjust your approach when necessary.

3. Connection with prior knowledge: David Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of connecting new knowledge with prior knowledge. Relating new information to what we already know facilitates understanding and retention. This is because our brain organizes and stores information in networks. By linking new concepts with prior knowledge, we create stronger, more meaningful connections.

4. Repetition and practice: Repetition and practice are essential to consolidate learning. Repeating information and practicing skills help strengthen neural connections, making information more accessible and automatic over time.

5. Variety of methods: Using different learning strategies and resources can make the process more effective and engaging. Visual (diagrams, graphs), auditory (podcasts, read-alouds), and kinesthetic (learning through movement) methods can complement traditional learning and accommodate different learning styles.

6. Suitable learning spaces: Having a conducive environment for studying is crucial. An appropriate learning space is quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions. Having all the necessary materials and good organization also helps to maintain concentration and effectiveness.

7. Feedback: John Hattie and Helen Timperley’s feedback theory, which highlights the importance of specific and constructive feedback. Feedback allows students to know which areas they are excelling in and which areas they need to improve on. Feedback can come from teachers, classmates, or self-assessments, and is essential for continued growth and development.

8. Autonomy: Encouraging independence and self-assessment in learning empowers students to take control of their own educational process. Autonomy involves making decisions about how, when, and what to learn, which can increase engagement and motivation.

9. Collaboration and discussion: Learning in a group and discussing topics with others can enrich the learning experience. Collaboration allows us to share different perspectives, solve problems as a team, and build knowledge together. Plus, teaching others what you’ve learned is a great way to reinforce your own knowledge.

10. Clear objectives: Having specific, achievable goals guides learning and provides a sense of purpose. Clear goals help maintain focus and motivation, allowing you to measure progress and adjust strategies as necessary.

11. Innovation and creativity: Stimulating innovative thinking and creative problem solving can make learning more dynamic and meaningful. Creativity allows you to approach problems in new and unique ways, which can lead to deeper understanding and original solutions.

12. Time management: Time management and productivity techniques, such as those proposed by David Allen in his GTD (Getting Things Done) method, indicate that it is important to plan and manage time effectively is crucial to optimize learning. Setting a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and dividing work into manageable chunks helps maintain organization and reduce stress, ensuring that the necessary time is dedicated to each activity.