How to Master the Art of Learning to Learn (No.2 in series)

Learn how metacognition helps you study smarter. Explore reflection, learning diaries, and practical ways to master learning itself.

How to Master the Art of Learning to Learn

Understanding the Two Dimensions of Study

I had a revelation about learning that completely changed my approach to education. I was reviewing a study session, frustrated that I hadn't retained much information despite spending hours on the material. Then I asked myself a different question: instead of focusing on what I was learning, I started examining how I was learning.

Can you see the difference? The content of your study versus the process of doing it—these are two distinct dimensions that most of us never separate. We're so focused on absorbing information that we rarely step back and analyse whether our method of studying is actually effective. Only when I began examining the process did I realise there might be more effective ways of approaching my work.

This is the essence of learning how to learn: becoming aware of both what you're learning and how you're learning it, then using that awareness to improve your performance. Research has consistently shown that this metacognitive approach—thinking about your own thinking—can dramatically improve learning outcomes.

Taking Responsibility for Your Learning Journey

Learning how to learn places considerable responsibility on you to think through the process. This might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you've been accustomed to being taught rather than actively directing your own learning. But I've found this shift incredibly empowering.

When I focus on my learning rather than just on teaching, I gain much more control over my educational experience. Whether I'm in a formal classroom, taking an online course, or teaching myself something new, understanding what happens to me when I learn allows me to optimise that experience. I'm no longer passively waiting for knowledge to be transmitted to me—I'm actively engaged in constructing my understanding.

This doesn't mean teaching is unimportant. I've had wonderful teachers who've made enormous differences in my life. But ultimately, learning happens inside my brain, and the more I understand about that process, the better I can make it work for me.

The Practice of Self-Awareness in Learning

So how do you actually learn to learn? It starts with developing conscious awareness of your learning patterns. I recommend beginning with a simple exercise: think about one recent learning experience and ask yourself these questions:

● What was I trying to learn?

● How did I approach the task?

● What methods did I use?

● What worked well?

● What didn't work as planned?

● How did I feel during the process?

● What would I do differently next time?

This kind of analysis might feel strange at first. We're not accustomed to examining our learning with this level of detail. But I've found that even brief moments of reflection can reveal patterns I'd never noticed before.

Keeping a Learning Diary: A Powerful Tool

One of the most valuable tools I've discovered is keeping a learning diary. The process is straightforward but incredibly revealing. Over at least a week—or during a complete section of study—I record:

● Practical details: what, when, where, and how I studied

● Study methods and skills: the specific techniques and approaches I used

● My feelings: how I felt about the methods I employed

● Effectiveness: how productive each session actually was

● Reflections: how I might change my practice to be more effective

The real value comes from reviewing this information. When I look back at my diary, I ask myself:

● What circumstances were most conducive to study?

● What sessions worked best, and why?

● What activities were most successful?

● How much planning did I do in advance?

● What did I do when I got stuck, lost concentration, or felt unmotivated?

● What changes can I make to improve?

● Where can I go for help and advice?

Through this process, I've discovered surprising things about myself. I learned that I study best in the morning despite being a self-proclaimed night owl. I found that 45-minute sessions with 10-minute breaks work far better for me than marathon study sessions. I realised that handwriting notes helps me remember better than typing, even though typing is faster.

Understanding Your Motivation and History

Two main factors shape your approach to learning: your motivation and your previous history as a learner. I've found it helpful to pause and think about:

● One good learning experience—what made it enjoyable and effective?

● One less effective experience—why didn't it work?

My positive learning experiences usually involved clear goals, engaging material, appropriate challenge, and a sense of progress. My negative experiences often featured confusion about expectations, material that felt either too easy or impossibly difficult, and a lack of feedback.

Your formal learning history (school, courses, training) and informal experiences (hobbies, life lessons, unexpected learning moments) have shaped your current approach. The question is: are you consciously using methods that work, or are you simply repeating patterns from the past without examining whether they're effective?

Many of us use methods developed from various experiences and sources—some effective, others not. Being aware of how we learn enables us to make informed choices about the most appropriate way to tackle any learning task. This doesn't mean you need to be rigidly organised or regimented. If a relaxed, unpredictable approach works for you and your lifestyle, that's perfectly fine. But if it's not working well, at least you're now considering the possibility of changing it.

The Three Phases of Reflective Learning

Learning how to learn involves three interconnected phases that I've found create a powerful cycle:

Preparation (Reflection-for-Action)

Before starting a learning task, I pause and think purposefully. What am I trying to achieve? What approach will I take? What resources do I need? What challenges might I face? This forward-looking reflection sets me up for success.

Implementation (Reflection-in-Action)

While learning, I maintain awareness of what I'm doing. Am I understanding the material? Is this method working? Should I adjust my approach? This real-time reflection is challenging but becomes easier with practice, especially when working with a study partner who can help you articulate your thinking.

Review (Reflection-on-Action)

After completing a learning task, I look back over the entire experience. What did I learn about the content? What did I learn about how I learn? What worked? What didn't? What will I do differently next time? This backward-looking reflection closes the cycle and prepares me for the next learning challenge.

These natural breaks—at the end of a course section, after completing an assignment, or at other transition points—are designed to help you fit in time for meaningful reflection.

Critical Reflection: The Key to Growth

The most important characteristic of effective learning is critical reflection—not in a negative or destructive way, but through rigorous questioning and deep probing. I've learned to actively challenge both myself and my assumptions. Am I really understanding this, or just memorising it? Is there a better way to approach this problem? What evidence supports my conclusions?

Critical thinking is what separates surface learning from deep learning. It's what transforms information into understanding and understanding into wisdom.

Making Reflection Practical

For many people, reflection becomes more meaningful when shared with others. Discussing your learning with another student, a friend, or a study group makes the process more interactive and developmental. Even if you can't easily engage with another student, any supportive person—friend or family member— who shares your interest in learning can be a valuable reflection partner.

If sharing isn't possible, at least take time to record your reflections in writing. The act of putting thoughts into words clarifies thinking and makes insights more concrete and actionable.

Learning how to learn is ultimately about development and change. Understanding how you learn is just the first stage; taking action to improve your learning is an ongoing process. It requires patience, experimentation, and kindness towards yourself when things don't go as planned.

The beautiful truth is that learning to learn is itself a learnable skill. Every time you consciously examine your learning process, you're getting better at it. Every adjustment you make based on reflection improves your effectiveness. You're not trying to reach some perfect state of learning mastery—you're engaged in a continuous journey of growth and improvement.

Ready to Transform Your Learning?

If you're inspired to take your learning to the next level, you don't have to figure it all out alone. At ntsslearning.com, we specialise in helping teenagers and adults develop powerful learning skills through personalised courses, one-on-one tutoring, practical workshops, and expert guidance. Whether you're returning to education, pursuing professional development, or simply wanting to become a more effective learner, we're here to support your transformation. Visit ntsslearning.com today and discover how we can help you unlock your full learning potential.

If you would like to use a resource to help you improve how you learn, then NTSs has the perfect tool for you - the Learning Compass. Click here to check it out!

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