Practical Strategies and Activities to Develop Your Learning Skills
Team NTSs 
This is post No.3 in the Learning To Learn Series. It includes helpful advice, strategies and activities to help you inprove your ability to learn.
Blog Post 3: Practical Strategies and Activities to Develop Your Learning Skills
Building Your Learning Toolkit
Now that we understand why learning is essential and how the process of learning to learn works, I want to share practical strategies and simple activities that have genuinely transformed my effectiveness as a learner. These aren't just theoretical concepts—they're tools I use regularly to study more efficiently, retain information better, and actually enjoy the learning process.
The beauty of these strategies is that they're adaptable. What works brilliantly for me might need adjustment for you, and that's perfectly okay. The goal is to experiment, reflect, and discover which approaches suit your unique learning style and circumstances.
Strategy 1: The Pre-Study Planning Ritual
I used to dive straight into studying without any preparation, thinking that spending time planning was wasting valuable study time. I couldn't have been more wrong. Now, before each study session, I spend five minutes on what I call my "pre-study planning ritual":
● Identify the goal: What specifically do I want to achieve in this session?
● Assess my state: How am I feeling physically and mentally right now?
● Choose my method: Based on the material and my current state, which approach will work best? ● Gather resources: Do I have everything I need within reach?
● Set a time limit: How long will I work before taking a break?
This simple preparation dramatically increases my focus and productivity. I'm not just randomly studying— I'm studying with purpose and awareness.
Strategy 2: Active Learning Techniques
Passive reading rarely leads to deep understanding. I've discovered that engaging actively with material transforms my learning. Here are techniques I rotate through depending on the subject:
The Feynman Technique: I explain the concept I'm learning as if teaching it to someone with no background knowledge. If I can't explain it simply, I don't truly understand it yet. This reveals gaps in my understanding immediately.
Question Generation: Before reading a chapter or article, I turn headings into questions. "Causes of World War I" becomes "What caused World War I?" This creates a purpose for reading and helps me identify key information.
Concept Mapping: I create visual diagrams showing how ideas connect. Drawing these relationships helps me see the big picture and remember details within their context.
Teach-Back Method: I regularly explain what I'm learning to a friend, family member, or even my cat. Speaking the information aloud reinforces it in my memory and highlights areas I need to review.
Practice Testing: Rather than simply rereading notes, I test myself frequently. This retrieval practice is one of the most powerful learning techniques backed by research.
Strategy 3: Optimising Your Study Environment
Your environment significantly impacts learning effectiveness. Through my learning diary, I discovered that seemingly small environmental factors made enormous differences to my concentration and retention:
Location Matters: I study analytical material at my desk with minimal distractions, but I review flashcards or listen to educational podcasts during walks. Different tasks suit different environments.
Timing Awareness: I track when my energy and focus are highest. For me, it's morning for challenging new material and late afternoon for review and consolidation. Your optimal times might
differ completely.
Distraction Management: I use website blockers during study sessions, put my phone in another room, and close email. Single-tasking produces far better results than attempting to multitask.
Comfort vs. Alertness: I balance physical comfort with maintaining alertness. Too comfortable (lying in bed) makes me drowsy; too uncomfortable (an awkward chair) is distracting.
Strategy 4: The Power of Spaced Repetition
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that timing matters as much as method. Cramming information in a single session produces poor long-term retention. Instead, I use spaced repetition:
● First review: within 24 hours of initial learning
● Second review: 3 days later
● Third review: 1 week later
● Fourth review: 2 weeks later
● Fifth review: 1 month later
This spacing leverages how memory works. Each time I retrieve information just as I'm about to forget it, I strengthen the memory pathway. Apps like Anki can automate this scheduling, but even manual spacing makes an enormous difference.
Strategy 5: Dealing with Stuck Points
Everyone gets stuck, loses concentration, or feels unmotivated sometimes. Instead of powering through ineffectively, I've developed a toolkit of responses:
When I'm stuck understanding something:
● Take a 10-minute complete break
● Find an alternative explanation (different textbook, YouTube video, article)
● Discuss the concept with someone else
● Sleep on it—my brain often makes connections overnight
● Break the problem into smaller components
When I lose concentration:
● Do 10 jumping jacks or take a brief walk
● Switch to a different task or subject
● Check if I'm hungry, thirsty, or tired—basic needs impact focus significantly
● Acknowledge the loss of focus without judgement and gently redirect
When I feel unmotivated:
● Reconnect with my "why"—remind myself of my goals and reasons for learning ● Start with just 5 minutes—often momentum builds once I begin
● Work with others—social learning can boost motivation
● Celebrate small wins—acknowledging progress creates positive momentum
● Review past successes—reminding myself of previous achievements builds confidence
Strategy 6: Note-Taking That Actually Works
I've experimented extensively with note-taking methods and discovered that effective notes are tools for thinking, not just recording. Here's my current approach:
Cornell Method: I divide pages into three sections—notes, cues, and summary. During lectures or reading, I take notes in the main section. Afterward, I add key questions or cue words in the left margin and write a brief summary at the bottom. This structure encourages review and active processing.
Emphasis on Understanding, Not Transcription: I no longer try to write down everything. Instead, I focus on capturing key concepts in my own words, which requires understanding, not just hearing.
Visual Elements: I incorporate diagrams, symbols, and colour coding. These visual elements engage different cognitive pathways and make review more engaging.
Same-Day Review: Within a few hours of taking notes, I review and refine them. This consolidates learning while the material is fresh and identifies gaps I need to address.
Activity 1: The Learning Audit
Set aside 30 minutes for this revealing exercise:
List your last 5 learning experiences (courses, workshops, self-study, skills development
For each, rate on a scale of 1-10: How effective was the learning? How enjoyable was the experience? How much effort did it require?
For your highest-rated experiences, identify what made them successful
For your lowest-rated experiences, identify what hindered your learning
Look for patterns across all experiences
Write down 3 specific changes you could make based on these patterns
This audit has helped me recognise that I learn best with clear structure, regular feedback, and practical application opportunities. Your patterns will reveal your own optimal conditions.
Activity 2: The One-Week Learning Challenge
Commit to one week of conscious, reflective learning:
Daily: Spend 5 minutes before each study session setting intentions and 5 minutes afterward reflecting on effectiveness.
Mid-week: Review your progress and adjust your approach based on what you're noticing.
End of week: Complete a comprehensive review asking:
● What worked better than expected?
● What didn't work as planned?
● What surprised me about my learning?
● What will I continue doing?
● What will I stop or modify?
This concentrated period of awareness accelerates your development as a self-directed learner.
Activity 3: The Study Buddy Partnership
Find one other person—ideally someone also committed to improving their learning—and establish a study partnership:
● Share your learning goals and plans
● Discuss methods you're trying
● Teach each other concepts you're learning
● Provide mutual accountability and encouragement
● Exchange feedback on each other's work
Even if you're studying different subjects, the process of discussing how you learn benefits everyone involved. Some of my best insights have come from conversations with study partners learning completely different material.
Building Sustainable Learning Habits
The strategies and activities I've shared aren't meant to overwhelm you. Start with one or two that resonate most strongly, implement them consistently, and build from there. Sustainable change comes from gradual integration, not wholesale transformation overnight.
I've learned that being kind to myself during this process is essential. Some days, learning flows easily; other days, it feels like pushing a boulder uphill. Both experiences are normal and part of the journey. What matters is maintaining awareness, reflecting honestly, and continuously adjusting based on what you learn about yourself.
The most important habit I've developed is regular reflection. Whether through journaling, discussion with others, or simply pausing to think, this conscious examination of my learning process has produced more improvement than any single study technique.
Remember that learning how to learn is itself a learning process. You won't master it immediately, and that's completely fine. Each time you consciously examine your learning, try a new strategy, or adjust your approach based on reflection, you're making progress. You're developing a skill that will serve you throughout your entire life.
Your Learning Transformation Starts Now
Becoming an effective, confident, and independent learner is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. These strategies and activities provide a starting point, but personalised guidance can accelerate your progress dramatically.
At ntsslearning.com,, we're passionate about helping teenagers and adults discover their unique learning potential. Our experienced educators offer:
● Personalised learning skills courses tailored to your specific needs and goals
● One-on-one tutoring that addresses your individual challenges and strengths
● Interactive workshops on study skills, time management, and learning strategies
● Ongoing support and advice as you develop your capabilities
Whether you're preparing for exams, pursuing professional qualifications, or simply wanting to learn more effectively in any area of life, we provide the expertise, resources, and encouragement you need. Don't navigate your learning journey alone—visit ntsslearning.com today and let us help you transform from a passive student into a powerful, self-directed learner. Your future self will thank you for taking this step.
Next Up: Learning to Learn - Your Complete Guide to Becoming a More Effective Learner
Next time, I will bring everything together - remember, learning how to learn is one of the most valuable skills you can develop—and it’s fully within your control.
Click here to read the other previous blog posts in the series:
Blog Post No.1: Why Learning Is Essential for Every Human Being (And Yes, That Includes You)
Blog Post 2: How to Master the Art of Learning to Learn
We also have a really super diagnostic tool to support you to improve your learning - the Learning Compass. Just click here to access this fantastic resource.
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Categories: : Learning To Learn