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Effective learning techniques

If we knew the best ways to learn, we could save a lot of time and money in training. This led the National Research Council's Committee on Techniques for the Enhancement of Human Performance to study the evidence various techniques, to see which were most effective.

Some of the more interesting techniques the Committee studied were ESP, brain hemisphere synchronization, neurolinguistic programming, hypnosis, and subliminal learning tapes. They didn't find any evidence for any of these techniques.

One interesting finding was that the importance of training, practice, and experience is often underestimated, while the importance of "innate" ability is often overestimated. The effects of training and practice can be more powerful than we think.

What works

More effective were the tried and true approaches. Concrete, "hands-on" experience and abstract "theory" knowledge were both important in building skills. These should be linked for the best results (the theory directly related to the practice).

Cooperative learning and training in teams led to better performance, but roles and activities must be carefully defined. Competitive learning (e.g., competing for a prize) may actually hinder learning.

One highly rated technique was the mental practice of motor skills, along with physically practicing the skills. Thus, to improve your softball game, you could mentally picture yourself swinging the bat, practicing the best way to swing; then physically practice your batting.

What may or may not work

Watching experts and imitating them may be useful once people reach a certain level of competence. However, for beginners, it may not be effective.

The Committee found that sleep learning may be marginally useful, combined with other types of learning, but said the evidence was weak.

While increasing self-confidence may greatly help learning, it's important to make sure that the gap between what a person thinks they know and what they actually know isn't too large.

What really improves performance, one committee member said, was hard work, and not trying to take an easy way out: "You really just can't beat determination and practice, practice, practice. And not being afraid to make mistakes."

For more information

The Committee's full report, Learning, Remembering, Believing, is available for $44 from the National Academy Press, 202-334-3313; it was summarized in detail in the APS Observer.