Strategies and Techniques for Learning New Information Effectively

Learning new information is one of the most important activities for our personal and professional growth. However, we often find ourselves having to deal with the fear of making mistakes , a barrier that can drastically limit our learning potential. We are not talking about artificial intelligence, but about using only and exclusively the very powerful human brain supported by some strategic habits.

Fear of Ignorance: The First Obstacle to Learning

First of all, it is essential overcome the fear of ignorance . This fear is, paradoxically, the main cause of ignorance itself. Let me explain this better by telling you an episode taken from my own experience. This anecdote was told to me by a professor of medicine of mine, who had done part of his teaching in Germany.

During a lecture, the professor told us that he had been in an operating room, where a resident asked very naively if the organ he was pointing to was the liver, committing a very obvious anatomical error. In Italy, such a question would have caused laughter, derision and maybe some sarcastic comments on social media. But in Germany, the professor answered calmly and precisely, explaining that the organ in question was not the liver, but another, explaining in detail its correct relationship with the arteries, etc., etc.

This experience transformed his view of learning: There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers . With this approach, the professor encouraged the entire class to ask any question, no matter how simple or stupid it might seem.

The Impact of Society on Our Ability to Learn

In Italy, unfortunately, there is a strong social pressure according to which certain information “should” already be known at a certain age. For example, it is assumed that at 16 one should already know who the Partisans were and at 21 one should know all the capitals of the world.

This mentality does nothing but create a climate in which people are ashamed to ask, thus contributing to collective ignorance . Contrary to popular belief, Admitting you don't know something and asking questions is the first step toward effective and continuous learning .

Three Rapid Learning Techniques

Now let’s move on to practical strategies for learning new information. Here are three techniques I use daily to improve my learning ability:

1. Micro Study Sessions

When I find myself studying new topics or topics that are outside my area of ​​expertise, I adopt the technique of micro study sessions .

Modern life is hectic and finding time for long periods of study becomes difficult. With only 24 hours in a day, with most of it dedicated to sleep, work and other activities, it is essential to divide your study into very short but frequent sessions.

For example, every morning I spend five minutes reading a physical therapy manual while sitting on the throne. Even if I only study for a short time, repeating this ritual every day allows me to accumulate knowledge over time. This method is incredibly effective because it avoids overloading the brain, improves concentration and makes studying an integrated part of my daily routine.

To apply this technique:

• Clearly identify your learning priorities: Decide what topic you want to study and break it down into manageable sections.
• Schedule specific times for studying: Even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference in the long run.
• Stay consistent: Repetition and consistency are the keys to turning micro sessions into deep, lasting learning.

2. Speed ​​Reading and Selective Reading

When I am faced with topics with which I am already somewhat familiar, I use the speed and selective reading . The goal is to quickly identify key information without having to read every single word.

This technique allows me to go through a book or article efficiently, focusing only on what's new or details I didn't know.

In practice:

• Quickly flip through pages: Look for subheadings, bullet points, charts, or any visuals that indicate the most relevant sections.
• Focus on lesser-known topics: Since you are already familiar with the general topic, it is relatively easy to spot areas that you are not fully informed about.
• Write down the key points: Take notes as you read to capture the most important information.

For example, when I'm browsing through a 300-page anatomy textbook, I skip the sections I already know well and focus only on the parts that deal with lesser-known topics. This way, I can understand the content of the book in much less time than with traditional reading.

3. Instant Memory Palace

To memorize complex terms or concepts, I often use the technique of instant memory palace . This method involves creating vivid and bizarre mental images to associate with the information you want to remember.

For example, to memorize the word “Bucintoro” (the ceremonial boat of the Doge of Venice), I might imagine a bull in a hole. This unusual association makes it much easier to remember the word when I need it.

To apply the memory palace:

• Create sharp and bizarre images: The more unusual the image, the better it will stick in your memory.
• Connect concepts to predefined structures: Imagine a series of rooms or locations that represent different categories of information.
• Repeat mentally: Whenever you encounter a new piece of information, connect it to an existing image in your memory palace.

This technique is especially useful when you receive unexpected information during casual conversations or readings. For example, if someone told you about an ancient Venetian rite while you were busy doing something else, the immediate creation of a mental image will help you remember that information.

If you are interested in this technique, I talk about it in more depth in this article: Memory Techniques

The Importance of Reworking and Consistency

Another fundamental aspect of learning is reworking information . When I study, I take screenshots of the most important pages of a digital book and then rework the essential points into notes.

This process of rewriting and summarizing helps me better capture the information and make it my own.

Modern technology offers excellent tools for this type of approach. Using note apps on your smartphone, you can collect and organize your ideas in a convenient and accessible way wherever you are.

Cultivating Curiosity and a Big Picture Vision

To be curious and maintain a Overview are essential qualities for any apprentice.

I choose to study topics outside of my professional field to keep my mind agile and versatile. This approach not only enriches my knowledge base, but also makes me a more complete and adaptable professional.

For example, a doctor who studies physical therapy can learn manipulative techniques that are useful for providing non-invasive and immediate treatments to patients. This type of transversal competence is what differentiates a good professional from an excellent one.

Conclusions: Become a Continuous Learning Machine

Overcoming the fear of ignorance and adopting effective study techniques can transform the way you learn new information. The techniques of microstudy sessions, speed reading, and the memory palace not only make learning more effective, but also easily integrate it into your daily life.

Adopting these strategies allows you to become a "continuous learning machine", ready to assimilate and apply new knowledge at every moment of your life. Remember, There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers . Curiosity is the engine of learning and asking questions without fear of making mistakes is the first step towards deeper knowledge.

With these techniques, I am sure that you will be able to significantly improve your learning abilities and successfully tackle any intellectual challenge.

Happy studying and don't forget: the key to success is constant curiosity and the courage to always ask, without fear of making mistakes .