How to Learn as an Adult 

How to Learn as an Adult

It’s not just school-age children who are focused on learning. In fact, in 2021 the Learning and Work Institute found that 44% of adults surveyed had taken part in some form of learning over the past few years. 

However, for many adult learners, the idea of taking exams or being in a classroom setting can be quite daunting. Especially, if it’s something they’ve not done for many years.

So whether it’s wanting to attain a Maths, Science or English GSCE or prepare for a foundation course, this guide explains how to learn as an adult. 

1. Make a Revision Schedule 

If there’s an exam or qualification that you’re revising for, you need to carve out a set number of hours a week that’s dedicated to revision time. Whether it’s early in the morning before work or a couple of hours in the evening, you need to be consistent with your revision. 

There’s no point leaving it until the last minute to cram a couple of days before the exam. This will overload your brain and leave you feeling stressed and nervous. Give yourself plenty of time to learn all the essential components and then the space to revise all of the material. 

2. Don’t Worry If You’re a Bit Rusty

If you haven’t had to do any learning for years you will probably be a bit out of practice, so don’t be hard on yourself if you’re finding it difficult. The muscle memory for learning will come back, it’s just about applying yourself and putting those hours in.

One good habit to keep your brain active is to do regular crosswords and mental maths games such as sudoku. These games will challenge your brain and help you with staying switched on. 

A scientific study even found that doing regular crosswords delayed the physiological effects of dementia patients by up to 2 and a half years.

3. Work with an Online Tutor 

If you want to see good results as an adult learner, working with an online tutor can be a beneficial way to give yourself a heads start. They will be able to take you through your chosen subject or course content in an easy-to-digest way in order for you to achieve your best. 

They will also be able to identify any gaps in your knowledge and give you materials to work on between lessons for you to fully grasp the concepts. Online tutoring is great for those with a busy schedule as it’s done remotely and all you need is Wi-Fi and a laptop. 

4. Read Fiction and Non-fiction Books

Reading is an excellent pastime for those who are looking to expand their knowledge and get into learning more. You can choose books on almost any topic and the act of reading can help with boosting brain connections as well as improving your vocabulary and comprehension skills. 

It can also help with unwinding and relaxing after a working day which can reduce your stress levels allowing you more mental capacity for learning in your free time. 

5. Work Out What Kind of Learner You Are 

There’s been much evidence over the past few years suggesting that people have certain learning styles. By working out what learning style suits you, can help with how you decide to structure your learning for maximum results. 

The 4 main learning styles are as follows:

  • Visual 
  • Auditory 
  • Read/Write 
  • Kinaesthetic 

Once you’ve figured out the style of learner you are, you can tailor your learning to how best you process and retain information. This will make it easier for you overall if you are working towards a qualification or exam.

6. Incorporate Learning into Your Everyday Routine

Learning as an adult can take a bit of prior planning as ultimately you are the one solely responsible for your schedule. Carve out those moments in a day when you can spend a bit of time on your subject. 

These can be as creative as you like! Here are some of our favourite approaches for building in learning for your everyday routine:

  • Post-it revision notes that you can stick on your fridge or bathroom mirror 
  • Educational podcasts that you can listen to on your way to and from work 
  • Record voice notes to summarise key information and play them back 
  • Find a study partner to test you infrequently on your knowledge 
  • Use revision packs to work through your course syllabus 

How to Learn as an Adult With Sandeman Tutoring 

Sandeman Tutoring has teachers with years of experience teaching adult learners so that they can achieve their best. 

If you are wondering how to learn as an adult, online tutoring can be a great way to incorporate learning into your life without even having to leave your house. 

Contact us today to find out more about our tutors and how we can support you as an adult learner. 

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