how to get coursework done quickly

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 8 easy ways to finish your homework faster.

How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening.

We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage:

1. Make a list

This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.

2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list

You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.

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3. Gather all your gear

Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework.

The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break.

5. Time yourself

Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session.

6. Stay on task

If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session.

7. Take plenty of breaks

Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so.

8. Reward yourself!

Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix.

Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan.

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How to Get College Credits Fast [2024 Ultimate Guide]

Wondering how to get college credits fast? Maybe you only need to know how to get 15 college credits fast?

We can tell you how to get college credits at blazing fast speeds… because we’ve done it!

Fastest ways to get college credits:

Take accelerated online classes from an accredited university like Purdue (just 6 weeks long!)
Use life experience to get college credits
Take a few multiple choice exams. Get up to 30 college credits. That’s 1 year of college.

You do not have to spend years in college to finish your degree!

Ready to get started? Here we go…

By using our step-by-step guide below, you can free up 880 hours of your life by shaving an entire semester (or year) of classes and study time from your degree plan.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

How to get 15 college credits fast

Although this guide focuses on showing you how to earn 15 credits fast, you can earn 30 credits or more using these methods. The key is checking your target school’s credit policies to maximize your accelerated learning options.

Accelerated Online Courses
College Credit for Your Experience
TECEP Exams
Excelsior College Exams
NYU Language Exam
GRE Subject Exam

These 8 methods can help you get college credits at a faster pace. But they are just a starting point. Feel free to mix and mingle these methods to maximize the number of credits you can apply to your degree plan.

Is it possible to get 15 college credits fast?

Yes. And depending on your current knowledge and past experiences, you can even get 15 college credits in a single day.

It might seem far-fetched, but it’s true — and we will walk you through the process step-by-step in this guide.

If you have a great deal of work or life experience, use your life experience to get college credit.
Feel confident taking multiple choice tests? Get 6 college credits in 90 minutes.
Prefer taking actual college classes? Several universities offer fast-track courses that let you earn college credits online.

We prefer to use a mixture to maximize our credit opportunities: Test out of classes + Credit for experience + Accelerated classes.

Option 1 – Accelerated Online Courses

You DO NOT have to sit in a classroom for 16 weeks to get college credits.

The fastest way to get college credits is to go to a college that offers accelerated classes online.

At these universities, you can finish classes online in just 6 to 8 weeks. That’s fast!

Student taking 30 college credits online

If you want to put those courses towards a bachelor’s degree, most universities offer dozens of accredited online degree programs.

And if you already have some college credits under your belt, schools accept most transfer credits from other accredited universities.

Option 2 – Take 3 CLEP Exams

Getting credit for classes that you did not attend may sound like cheating, but this method is completely legitimate. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams are accepted by 2,000+ accredited universities across the nation.

To get the most bang for your buck, choose 2 exams worth 6 credits and 1 exam worth 3 credits. Most exams are multiple choice and last just 90 minutes, so they’re pretty painless.

Here are the steps to get 15 college credits with CLEP exams:

1 — Choose 2 exams worth 6 credits each from this list:

College Composition
French Language: Level 1
French Language: Level 2 (9 credits)
German Language: Level 1
German Language: Level 2 (9 credits)
Spanish Language: Level 1
Spanish Language: Level 2 (9 credits)
Spanish with Writing: Level 1
Spanish with Writing: Level 2 (12 credits)
Social Sciences and History
College Mathematics
Natural Sciences

There’s a subject for everybody on this list. Using your own area of expertise could help you get college credits even faster.

2 — Choose 1 exam worth 3 college credits.

American Literature
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
College Composition Modular
English Literature
American Government
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present
Human Growth and Development
Introduction to Educational Psychology
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present
Calculus (4 credits)
College Algebra
Precalculus
Financial Accounting
Information Systems
Introductory Business Law
Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing

3 — Make sure the university YOU want to apply to will give you credit for these exams.

How you do this is:

Visit your school’s website
Use the website search feature and type “CLEP” and perform a search. NYU’s website is a perfect example of how you can find this info in just a few seconds.

4 — Register for your CLEP exams and pay the fee of $85.

Military service members may qualify for free exams. Yay!

5 — Choose your study guide.

This pops up when you register for the exam. Easy-peasy! The CLEP Official Study Guide is $24.99 and offers practice questions for all 33 possible CLEP exams. A good idea if you are taking more than one exam. There is also the choice of questions for each individual exam for only $10.

6 — Set up your appointment with a test center near you .

7 — Practice, practice, practice.

I’m not promising that this will be easy. This is hard. But remember it is quicker than taking a class. You might already know this stuff anyway!

8 — Take your exam.

9 — Take a selfie once you’re done and caption it “I just got 6 credits in 2 hours! Genius!”

Option 3 – Take 5 DSST Exams

Like CLEP exams, DSST exams are widely accepted with over 1,500 colleges honoring credits earned through this method.

DSST exams are two hours long and multiple choice.

1 — Check that your college accepts DSST credit.

Don’t you love that I am saving you from wasting your time? Always check first!

2 — Choose your favorite exam from this list of exams .

There are a lot of choices from Astronomy, Finances, and even Public Speaking. You can earn 3 credits for each exam you pass.

3 — Locate your testing center by searching the database.

You can also use that page to double check which schools accept DSST credit.

4 — Call the testing center before you plan to take the exam.

Some centers schedule exam times and some do walk-ins. Sometimes there are extra fees. Find out!

5 — Go online and practice for your test .

You can take up to 3 full length tests online. Your brain will grow so much!

6 — Go to the testing center, bring your $85 test fee 7 — Show that test who’s boss!

You may be all alone in the exam room so give yourself a high five after you finish, knowing you scored 3 credits for $80 and 2 hours of exam time.

That wasn’t so hard, was it? You would probably put more effort into planning a vacation. Which you could do now, in your free time. Because you are not in class.

Option 4 – Get 15 College Credits for Your Life Experience

Yep. I said it. College credit for life experience. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a credit that you can earn for any work experiences or training that would be similar to something you would learn in a classroom.

I have a friend who was a stay at home mom for 17 years who was able to use her experience in management, organization, scheduling, and teaching to earn credit for a college degree. You have skills too that are JUST as valid as any classroom education.

Here’s how to get college credit for your life experience:

I’m going to use Columbia College in Missouri as an example of how the process works, but most schools will use similar methods to award credit. Also, each school will put a limit on how much credit for prior learning credit you can get. For some schools, it’s 15 hours, for others it can be as high as 30.

1 — Check if your college awards credit for prior learning credits .

Always check first. Did you remember reading that anywhere else?

2 — Read over the course descriptions.

You’ll want to figure out which classes most closely align with your work and life experience.

As an example, Columbia College in Missouri has 45 classes that are available using credit for prior learning in classes that range from Watercolor to Personal selling (Etsy shop anybody?)

Columbia College Credit for Prior Learning

3 — Meet with your academic advisor.

You’ll want to get the full picture of what your school requires and familiarize yourself with the rules. Always important to follow the rules.

4 — Write up your portfolio. This will take a lot of work. Just being honest. You’re welcome.

Your school will have a specific way to compile your portfolio. Right down to font and page numbers. This is your chance to show them your skill of attention to detail!

Then start writing about what you’ve done. Life experiences, clubs, volunteering, training, hobbies, recreation, travel. Describe your competencies, your goals and demonstrate how you have covered the material from the course description.

Include any documents, awards or letters of recommendation that you have received.

5 — Hand in your portfolio to your advisor.

Be sure to smile politely and shake hands like you were taught. Pay the required fees. That’s more important than shaking hands.

When I applied for credit for prior learning, I spent about 5 hours preparing my portfolio. It took a bit of work, but I was awarded 18 credit hours. Sweet!

Although credit for prior learning appears to be a lot of work, it is an amazing way to receive credit for work you have already done. Also, it’s easier and cheaper than just taking the classes.

Option 5 – Take 5 TECEP Exams

Are you keeping up with all these acronyms? Welcome to the academic world. Acronyms are king.

TECEP exams are another way to use that knowledge you have already gained to get credits.

Check to see if your school honors TECEP credit. Yes, this again. It’s important.
Read through the list of TECEP exams and find one that fits you. There are lots of choices from Nutrition, Psychology and Music History.
Take a look at the test description for your exam as this will tell you what the exam covers, ideas for studying and even sample questions.

You then register for your exam using the Thomas Edison State University website.
Don’t forget to pay the $75 registration fee.
This next part is great, you can take your exam at home. College credit without even leaving your house!
TECEP exams can be taken online or the traditional pen and paper method with a local professor, university staff member or librarian overseeing your exam.

The Thomas Edison State University even allows you to suggest exams that you would like to have offered. DYOE! Design Your Own Exam!

Option 6 – Take 3 Excelsior College Exams

Excelsior offers 64 credit by exam options with a strong focus on nursing, arts and sciences.

Excelsior even boasts that you can almost complete an entire degree by exam only.

College credit for life experience Excelsior College

Here’s how to get credits fast with Excelsior Exams:

Check with….you know what I’m going to say. Check with your school.
Try out a few of the online practice tests to get an idea of what you already know. Even discover what you still need to learn.
Register for your exam .
There’s even a fun option called a Value Package. It costs $145 and allows you to retake the exam. Just in case you didn’t know as much as you thought you did.
Find your closest testing center using and schedule a time in the next 8-16 weeks to take your exam.

There are a variety of supports offered through Excelsior including online tutoring, tutorials, library access and practice exams. They want you to succeed!

Option 7 – Take 1 New York University Language Exam

Do you speak a second language? Or better yet can you listen, read and write in another language. That skill alone could earn you 16 credits. Muy bien!

Through the New York University School of Professional Studies, you can take a language exam worth 12 – 16 credits.

Here’s what the exam involves:

Answering multiple choice and short answer questions
Write one essay
Translate a passage into the target language
Respond to two audio sections
For the full 16 credits, you also have to write a 350 word essay on a complex subject using abstract ideas, supportive arguments hypothesize and longer paragraphs

Make sure you:

Check with your chosen school what credits would be granted.
Register by calling 212-998-7030
Pay the exam fee, $450 for the 16 point exam and a $20 registration fee.
Exams are administered onsite at NYU, although arrangements can be made to take the exam off-site for an extra fee of $20. You would have to set up a proctor who is a college faculty member, administrator or government/company official.

Learning a second language is hard work. But if you have already done the work, you should get the credit for it, too.

Option 8 – Take 1 GRE Subject Exam

This is the big money option! You can take one GRE with Charter Oak State College and receive 24 credits. That’s 8 classes worth of credits in one exam!

The catch is you have to be an enrolled student with Charter Oak. But that’s not a big deal if you aren’t currently attending a college or university. If Charter Oak State doesn’t interest you, you can still get college credits fast using one of the other 7 options outlined above.

You can earn up to 24 credits in:

Computer Science
Mathematics

You can earn up to 18 credits in:

Literature in English

To use this method, you will need to:

Enroll at Charter Oak
Take the 2 hour and 50 minute GRE subject exam that is offered 3 times a year at a testing center.

Completing the GRE will take a lot of study time to prepare, but could be worth the effort if you have a strong background in any of the exam topics.

Can you test out of college courses and get credit?

Yes, it depends on each university’s policies, but most universities will allow you to test out of 15 to 30 credit hours.

You can read more about testing out of college courses here.

Can work experience equal college credits?

Yes, some colleges award college credit for prior learning and experience. Usually, you will have to submit your resume along with a portfolio that outlines your relevant experience in order to be considered for prior learning credit.

How can I get college credits before college?

The fastest way to get college credits before you attend is to take CLEP exams or DSST exams. Most accredited universities award college credit for these exams.

In addition, if you are currently a high school student, your school may offer a dual-enrollment program that awards both high school and college credit for taking a single course.

How long does it take to get 15 college credits?

How long it takes to get 15 credits will depend on the length of your college’s academic terms. If the college offers accelerated classes, you can typically earn 15 college credits in 12 to 16 weeks.

If you want to speed up the process, you can also take CLEP or DSST exams to help you earn your college credits at a faster pace.

How long does it take to get 30 college credits?

If you attend college on a traditional campus, it will take one year to complete 30 college credits. However, if you test out of 30 college credit hours using CLEP or DSST exams, you can get 30 college credits in just a few weeks, assuming you want to take one week to study for each exam.

Alternately, you can enroll in accelerated classes that let you finish 30 college credits in about 30 weeks — assuming you take two classes at a time and enroll in 6-week online courses.

How long does it take to earn 60 college credits?

If you attend college on a traditional campus, it will take two years to complete 60 college credits.

However, you may have the option to test out of at least 30 credit hours, speeding the time to completion by one year. In addition, your university might offer credit for prior learning opportunities to help you complete your degree in less time.

If you opt for online classes, you also have the option to enroll at a university offering accelerated 6-week or 8-week online classes which can help you finish your degree in less time.

How long does it take to get 90 college credits?

If you attend college on a traditional campus, it will take three years to complete 90 college credits.

That being said, you can use a combination of credit by exam, credit for prior learning, and accelerated online classes to complete 90 credit hours in two years or less.

How long does it take to get 120 college credits?

If you attend college on a traditional campus, it will take four years to complete 120 college credits.

As an alternative, you can enroll in accelerated 6-week or 8-week online classes and speed up your time to completion considerably.

In addition, you can make use of your university’s credit by exam program and test out of 15 to 30 credit hours in just a few weeks. If you have work or military experience, you may also be able to submit credit for prior learning portfolio that awards college credit for your experience.

Get college credits fast so you can focus more on what matters most to you!

The world is changing and how we do education is changing just as quickly. You have loads of experience, skills and knowledge but you may not have extra time and money.

Take the next step!

Taking advantage of accelerated classes can help you get college credits fast so you can spend more time on what matters most to you.

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Homework Hacks: 8 Tips to Get It Done Faster

Homework is no fun, especially if you’ve got a full schedule. You only have a little bit of time and a little bit of energy. And it takes so long to get through it.

Not anymore. We’ve got some helpful homework hacks for you that will make doing your homework faster and less painful.

1. Plan Your Homework and Make a List

When you start your homework, you’ll probably jump right into the first thing on your mind or the first thing you pull out of your backpack, then work your way through the rest of your assignments. There’s a better way.

Figure out how much time you have to do homework, then list out all the different tasks that you have to do. Estimate how long it will take to complete each assignment to see if you need to allow yourself more time. Be realistic. Once your list is complete you can work straight through instead of stopping frequently to figure out what to do next. It will also be extremely gratifying to cross things off after each assignment you finish!

2. Get Out All the Books and Supplies You Need

While you’re working, you discover you need a calculator, you need a certain book, you need a new pencil, you ran out of paper… the list can go on.

Since you’ve now identified all your assignments, figure out everything you need to get each item done and bring it to your workspace so it’s there when you need it.

3. Find a Quiet Place to Work Without Distractions

Speaking of workspace, you probably prefer doing your homework in front of the TV, but that can actually be the biggest distraction of all. Sitting in front of the TV is probably slowing you down, making homework time seem much longer that it actually is.

Find a place that’s quiet, with as few distractions and clutter possible. Remember, the faster you get it done, the faster you can get back to fully enjoying Netflix.

4. Turn Off Your Phone

We know this is probably the last thing you want to hear. How can you live without your phone? But for a couple hours, its totally worth it. Every time you get a notification and check your phone, it breaks your focus. It then takes more brain power to get back on track to what you were working on.

5. Listen to Classical Music While Working

We know what you’re thinking… Classical music? Seriously?

However, classical music is great for background audio. There aren’t any lyrics or beats to distract your focus. And research has shown that students who listen to classical music score higher on tests than students who listen to other genres of music. So find some good classical playlist on Spotify, then celebrate with Queen Bey when you’re done.

6. Eat Snacks and Drink Water

At the end of a long day, you may be mentally and physically tired. If you go straight into homework it may take you a long time to finish and it won’t be your best work.

Having some light healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water helps revitalize your brain and body. Avoid soda, energy drinks, or sugary snacks that will only make you crash before you’re done.

7. Take Short Breaks in Between Homework Tasks

If you have a lot to do, you may feel the pressure to just work straight through hours and hours of homework. But this will likely end up slowing you down, prolonging the entire session.

Do your work in short sprints. Go hard at a task, then take a quick break to stretch and walk around. It’ll re-energize your mind and body to keep going. For starters, try working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break.

8. Reward Yourself After You’re Finished

Homework isn’t always fun. But negativity can slow you down.

Our brains work off of reward systems. If you give yourself a reward when finishing your homework, it makes it a lot easier to start your homework the next time and you’ll get through it faster. Rewards could be being able to watch a show, eat ice cream, play a game, or going out and doing something fun.

Now that you’ve got all these tips, go get your homework done faster than ever before. It may be hard at first, but keep using these tips and it’ll get easier as you go.

Featured Image: Piotr Marcinski/Shutterstock

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How to Learn Quickly: 10 Proven Methods for Mastering Any Skill

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One Key Skill to Learning Quickly

What it means to learn quickly, manage energy, not time, improve your focus, understand how your brain works, use the right study techniques, how to become a fast learner (in a nutshell), frequently asked questions (faqs) about learning quickly.

In this article, we’ll cover ten proven methods for mastering any skill. You’ll learn how to learn quickly, supercharge your personal growth, and stand out from the crowd without having to spend every living minute bent over text books.

What would you say if I told you there’s a skill that could benefit anyone, any place, any time? Something that would accelerate your progress no matter what career path you chose, indifferent to technological disruptions?

Does that sound too good to be true? Well, here’s the pitch: in a world that’s changing faster than ever, you need to adapt quickly and constantly. That requires the willingness to change, and the ability to learn. Learning quickly — and becoming a life-long learner — should become your new superpower. You won’t be able to stop the world from changing, but with this ability to adapt, you’ll be the first to embrace change and leverage it for your own benefit — and you’ll also amaze potential employers.

When we think about quick learners, we might remember those few people back in our school and university days who just seemed to breeze through class. Or we’ll remember that memory champion with the unique ability to somehow remember not just the first six digits of pi (3.14159 btw) but 65,536 . Sixty-five thousand! What an impressive feat. These people surely are special. Or they must practice all day, every day.

Here’s the thing, though: you can learn this skill too. There’s no superpower, reserved for a few gifted people, or something that can only be achieved with pills and supplements. Good news, huh?

Being a fast learner simply comes down to knowing how your brain (and body!) work and how to tailor your study activities accordingly. Everyone can do it. It’s a skill. Here’s how.

Don’t bother with time management. Manage your energy. First things first: it doesn’t really matter how much time you spend learning.

There, I said it. Pulling an all-nighter before your exams, participating in a 12-hour-YouTube-study-with-me session, or starring at your books long after midnight, aren’t just unnecessary. They actively sabotage your progress.

Sure, you need to invest time to learn a new skill. But even more importantly, you need to invest energy.

Think of energy as the most relevant resource in your learning endeavor. Your brain’s ability to grasp new concepts or to come up with new ideas doesn’t so much hinge on the time you spend on taking notes, but on your state of mind and available energy while doing so.

And energy is a finite resource. It helps to imagine your energy levels as something similar to your bank account. You’ve got a certain amount in there (hopefully) and maybe also some allowance for withdrawals beyond that. But at some point, you’ll have to recharge things or you’ll run out of steam.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Stop sabotaging your own success

If you’re one of the 20% of American students who routinely pull an all-nighter during semester time, you should know that science thinks very little of this strategy for improving your output. To the contrary, sleep deprivation is linked to poorer performance across the bench and will likely hinder your long-term memory formation.

So while all-nighters make for good stories, they won’t do much for you in terms of learning effectively (and sustainably).

What’s more, because we’re so used to measuring our study efforts by time, we start using these crazy long sessions as benchmarks for us to achieve again, leaving us disappointed and frustrated whenever we don’t reach them.

Instead of measuring the quantity of study time, we should prioritize the quality. Put in a few hours of high energy work in each day and you’ll vastly outperform your former night-shift-zombie-self.

2. How to actually learn in your sleep

I have some bad news for you: if you’re hoping to learn something passively in your sleep by playing a lecture in the background, it’s not going to work. This hack to boost your learning has failed the scientific test .

The good news, however, is that you really can learn in your sleep. It just works slightly differently. So-called slow wave or non-REM sleep cycles help your brain to turn short-term inputs into long-term memories . What’s more, this process helps your brain find patterns and connections with existing ideas, thus increasing your creative problem solving potentials.

But it doesn’t stop there. Sleep also helps you reset your brain’s capacity to take in new information . So the next time you’re feeling like your head is filled to the brim and you just can’t practice anymore, consider taking a break to nap or get a good night’s sleep.

A good sleep is crucial to sort through what you’ve learned during the day and to make sure that you retain it long-term.

So while you can’t use your sleep time to put more information into your brain, a night of good sleep is crucial to sort through what you’ve learned during the day and to make sure that you retain it long-term.

If you struggle with this, here are some ideas for getting more sleep:

No caffeine after 2pm . While the effect of caffeine sets in nearly immediately after drinking, it remains for hours in your system . Six hours after consumption, half of the caffeine will still remain and affect your sleep.
Establish a night and morning routine . A night-time routine signals to your body that it’s time to power down. And the proper morning routine sets you up for success and ensures you don’t spend your first hour after waking up doom-scrolling (and no, checking your social media in a specific order doesn’t count as a morning routine).
Avoid highly stimulating activities before bed . Help your body (and brain) to get into night mode and don’t pump up the energy levels close to bed time. Things to avoid include intense workouts, energizing music, heavy food, exhilarating readings or all-too-tense TV shows.
Improve your sleeping environment . While many factors contribute to a good night’s sleep and not everyone can splurge on the latest mattress trend, there are lots of things you can easily implement to get a good sleep. Most importantly, have a dark room with no or minimal light sources. If needed, invest in some light-blocking curtains (there are lots of very affordable options). And ideally, leave your phone outside the bedroom.

Once you’ve got your energy levels up and stabilized, and you’ve had a good night’s sleep, it’s time to turn your focus to … your focus.

“Focus” in this context means your ability to actually sit down and study a topic. It’s the skill that stops you from cleaning up your room for the third time this week instead of tackling that new chapter in the book.

No matter how much energy you’ve got, if you can’t channel it into your learning project, if won’t be of much use.

3. You need a tomato

A tomato will actually will help your learning skills. The so called Pomodoro Technique (pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato) is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer used by its inventor.

Using a timer also happens to be a very effective approach for supercharging your study sessions.

Here’s how it works:

Set your timer for 25 minutes. (It doesn’t have to be shaped like a tomato, but it would be kinda cool.)
Study. Don’t interrupt your learning session for anything. It’s just 25 minutes. Pretty much anything can wait until you’re done.
Once the timer rings, stop immediately. This trains your brain to expect clear borders between study time and break time and makes it more likely to actually focus during the 25 minutes.
Take a quick break of five minutes. Avoid overly stimulating activities (so ideally, don’t start scrolling social media). Instead, stretch a bit, watch your breathing or de-clutter the sixteen coffee mugs that have somehow accumulated on your desk.
Repeat two or three more times before taking a longer break.

Why does it work?

Multitasking is a myth. Your brain isn’t wired to do two things at a time. Instead, it quickly switches between tasks. And each switch costs mental bandwidth. Context switching takes a much bigger toll than we assume. Quickly answering a text during your study session doesn’t just cost two minutes. Research shows that it can take up to 25 minutes to get back into a focused state .

But when we decide to study for the next two hours, it’s hard to fight back distractions constantly. Instead, it’s easy to pick up the phone to “just quickly check my messages” or respond to that one semi-urgent email you know is sitting in your inbox.

So instead of hoping that you’ll somehow manage to stay focused for two hours despite countless possible interruptions, create smaller, more intense study sessions and learn to clearly distinguish between study and break time.

4. Fight procrastination with the five-minute rule

There are many potential reasons for procrastination . A task might be perceived as too difficult or too unstructured. Or it might simply bore you. But whatever it is, our internal resistance is usually strongest before we start a task.

Here’s where the five-minute rule comes in. It’s a simple trick to convince yourself and it will work, even if you know that you’re about to trick yourself.

The next time you feel procrastination creeping in, make a deal with yourself to get started on the task for five minutes only. After those few minutes, you’re allowed to stop and do something else. Chances are, though, that you’ll continue with the task at hand because you’ve already moved past the first hurdle and gained some momentum.

It also pairs neatly with the Pomodoro Technique. Whereas the Pomodoro Technique is geared towards reducing distractions during your work sessions, the five-minute rule is the ignition for each individual session.

5. Pay attention to your environment

Anyone who has read Atomic Habits , by James Clear, has realized how big an impact your environment has on your subconscious behavior. This is as true for your learning process as it is for habit building. You’ll want to design your environment to support your study efforts instead of working against them. Here are a few guiding thoughts:

Put your phone in a different room and make it hard to access YouTube or social media. Recent studies have suggested that the perceived effort required for a task might be related to the estimated opportunity costs . Unfortunately, social media, video games or simply YouTube videos are all designed to be very, very attractive to our brain — so the perceived opportunity cost is high. Help your brain out and eliminate these alternatives to bring down the effort of another study session.
Set up a simple routine at the beginning of each study session. It could be as simple as pouring a cup of tea and putting on some study music. What’s more important than the routine is that you signal your brain: now it’s time to learn. Maybe even plan out your whole study week .
Along the same lines is the advice to separate your learning space from your relaxing space. Dedicated rooms are the best, but where this luxury isn’t an option, reserve a location only for learning. If everything in your room has to serve several purposes, it’s a good practice to remove all learning material after you’re done for the day and put it back only when the next Pomodoro session is due.
Lastly, tidying up a room and decluttering your desk is a great way to reduce the information overload associated with unordered spaces. The same is true for your digital space. And no, having all files dumped on your desktop and relying on Apple’s Finder to discover documents is not a good approach to personal knowledge management .

With our newly acquired laser focus and the energy levels still sufficiently high, let’s take a closer look at what science has to say about acquiring new skills.

6. What most people get wrong about learning

When we’re in school, we pick up a simple approach to learning. We listen to a teacher, write down notes, maybe read a book … and then write more notes. Once exam time comes around, we start to re-read our notes until we feel confident enough about the topic.

That approach is deeply flawed and not really tailored to the way our brain processes information and learns a new skill.

First, we don’t practice the new skills we actually aim to master. Chances are, you won’t be tested on “writing notes and re-reading them later”. You’ll have to pass a multiple-choice test or write an essay in school. Later, you might want to create a website, learn a new language or master a new song on the guitar. In each case, the the most effective way to learn something is to practice the actual new skill you’re trying to master.

This so-called active practice is important because our brain has a really hard time transferring knowledge and skill from one area to another . So if you want to make things easier for your brain, do the real thing and design your practice around your desired outcome — rather than the default path you’ve been taught in school.

Secondly, and probably even more importantly, re-reading notes is a bad idea for another reason. Our brains actually don’t acquire knowledge when we try to get an idea into our head. We learn by trying to get something out of there.

Research shows that re-reading notes is a very low value study activity. In the study , students were separated into four groups, working through the exact same thing with the following rules:

the first one was allowed to read the material once
the second was allowed to read the material four times
the third was asked to create a mind map after reading it once
the fourth group tried to recall the content of the material after reading it once

The fourth group outperformed all groups by a vast margin. Trying to remember what you’ve read was more effective than re-reading the content another three times.

Constantly test yourself on new knowledge. Re-reading won’t help as much as actively trying to answer questions on the topic.

So the key to learn faster and improve your long-term retention is to constantly test yourself on new knowledge. Re-reading won’t help your brain cells nearly as much as actively trying to answer questions on the topic. This self testing strategy is known as active recall (or active practice ), and it will be your new best friend when it comes to learning.

7. Spaced repetition will turn you into a memory master

If you’ve ever tried to recall some of the more advanced lessons of your school or university career that you hadn’t revisited in a long time, you’ve probably experienced the Ebbinhaus Forgetting Curve .

Put simply, you’ll inevitably forget things over time. On the bright side, with a bit of strategic repetition, you can greatly improve long-term retention.

The key is to space out individual study sessions instead of clumping all the time practicing together. Studying three times a week for an hour, four weeks in a row is more effective than studying the same amount of hours in a single day. This is called distributed practice , also known as spaced repetition .

If you want to implement spaced repetition in your learning sessions, you have a bunch of options, depending on the level of complexity and customizability you desire:

Anki is the most popular open-source tool for creating flashcards with built-in, spaced repetition. It’s a great tool for beginners.
RemNote is a more advanced hybrid between a note-taking and spaced-repetition tool. It has a higher learning curve, but offers huge potential.
Notion is an all-in-one workspace app that offers the biggest flexibility, though it can be daunting to build a system from scratch with this tool. Using a pre-built template can be a good option.

8. What Lego can teach you about learning

When buying Lego, you can get a building kit with specific instructions and big, special pieces, or you can simply get a big bucket of small, colored blocks. The latter option means you’ll spend a lot more time building something out of this mass of uniform blocks.

Your brain works in a similar way. It’s not too amazing at handling several things at once. If I asked you to remember the letters A A B D G N P S U until the end of this article, you’d probably have a hard time focusing on the text. It’s only a few letters, but it’s about to create an information overload in your head.

The same thing would look vastly different if I instead told you to remember the acronyms NBA, USA and GDP (which happen to have the exact same letters).

That’s because your brain can use something called chunking to combine unorganized bits into bigger units, thus helping you to retain the information much more easily. It’s why learning basic math operations in your first year of school felt daunting, but they happen more or less automatically once you move on to more complex topics. Your brain has created knowledge chunks around those operations and has more resources available to tackle advanced problems.

Don’t create arbitrary lists. Organize information by meaning, connections and context.

Leverage this to your own advantage by looking for ways to chunk new bits of information together. This is particularly important when you’re faced with a new concept, as you’re less likely to have existing knowledge structures in place.

So the next time you’re learning key points in a new area, or just getting started with some new material, don’t just create arbitrary lists. Instead, aim to organize information by meaning, connections and any sort of non-formal criteria.

To round things out, here’s a closer look at two very useful and effective learning strategies.

9. Explain it like I’m five: the Feynman Technique

Few things will improve your learning as much as getting into the habit of explaining your newly acquired knowledge to others.

Coined after the famous physicist Richard Feynman , the Feynman Technique is all about breaking an idea or concept down into its components and explaining it (in your own words) as simply as possible.

To get into the right mindset, it helps to imagine that you’re explaining the new concept to a child.

First, take an empty sheet of paper and write down everything you know about the concept. Lay out the main points in a way that makes sense to you. Don’t use any primary sources to do so. Rely only on your current level of understanding.

Break an idea down into its components and explain it (in your own words) as simply as possible.

Only when you get stuck somewhere, go back to the original source to fill in the blanks. That way, you make sure that you actually know what you don’t know — a step that’s often more difficult than looking for the right answer.

Once done, go through the explanation again and check for friction. Is there a coherent structure? Where are you relying on an assumption you don’t fully understand? Where do you hide behind complexity without really getting the gist of it?

Lastly, simplify your explanation as far as possible. Where are you using technical terms that would stop an outsider (or child) from understanding? Is there a metaphor or example that you could introduce to make things easier?

As you can see, this isn’t a strategy for any sort of new information. It’s a lengthy process that should be reserved for the key points of a new topic. But apply it to complex questions and see how new concepts quickly become a lot more intuitive.

10. How to learn complex topics faster with drills

The specific skills required to create a great website are plentiful. You need to understand layout and design; understand user needs and how they’ll navigate your site; and of course you’ll likely need to know how to write some code. You need to be able to combine a lot of different skills in order to deliver the desired result.

The problem with such complex topics is the lack of clear feedback when performing the task.

Feedback is crucial to any learning endeavor. It’s simple in theory: you compare your actual results with the desired results. But good feedback is hard to come by. Often, it’s your end results that are graded or evaluated. How does the website actually perform? Is it accomplishing your client’s goals?

But this means you always judge the sum of various factors and can’t really pinpoint easily where your biggest weaknesses are — and thus where your biggest potential for growth is. Higher-level feedback necessarily disregards some details. It’s noisy because it mixes together several skill subsets.

This issue can be tackled with drills .

A drill is about breaking a big task into smaller, separate components and practicing them in isolation. Create a lot of different website designs and judge them simply for their aesthetics. Hone in on the user journey and disregard all other factors. Try to write the sleekest and most elegant code possible for a random, given design.

Not only does this increase the relevance of the feedback, but it will also help you train your skills without the serious time commitment required for the complete task. You’ll also improve your skills faster, because you can identify your greatest weaknesses, thus increasing the marginal utility of your learning sessions.

To wrap up, let’s revisit the lessons we’ve shared in this article:

Manage your energy . Implement a healthy lifestyle (exercise regularly and pay attention to nutrition). And never, ever, trade in a good night’s sleep for a bit more cramming.
Focus, Focus, Focus . Reduce distractions with the Pomodoro Technique and get over procrastination with the five-minute rule. Also set yourself up for success by designing your environment to help you and not hinder you.
Your brain knows how to learn . Don’t fight it. Make active practice and direct practice the pillars of your study sessions. Use space repetition and chunking to make long-term retention easy, like playing with Lego pieces.
Leverage research-based study techniques . Take the perspective of a teacher to become a better student. And eliminate your weak areas by drilling deep during your practice.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out this collection of articles on effective learning . And if you’re ready to start your own learning journey to become a developer, don’t miss out on our Ultralearning System specifically designed with these principles in mind.

What are some effective strategies to learn quickly?

There are several strategies that can help you learn quickly. Firstly, breaking down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks can make it easier to understand and remember. Secondly, using mnemonic devices or memory aids can also be beneficial. For instance, you can use acronyms, visual imagery, or rhymes to remember information. Thirdly, active learning, which involves actively engaging with the material, such as by taking notes or teaching others, can also enhance learning. Lastly, regular review and practice can help consolidate your learning and improve long-term retention.

How can I improve my memory for better learning?

Improving your memory can significantly enhance your learning. Some effective strategies include regular physical exercise, which has been shown to boost memory and cognitive function; getting enough sleep, as sleep is crucial for memory consolidation; eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health; and managing stress, as chronic stress can impair memory. Additionally, brain-training exercises, such as puzzles and memory games, can also help improve your memory.

How can I stay motivated while learning?

Staying motivated while learning can be challenging, especially when the material is difficult or the progress is slow. However, setting clear, achievable goals; focusing on the progress you’ve made rather than how far you have left to go; rewarding yourself for your efforts; and maintaining a positive mindset can all help boost your motivation. Additionally, finding ways to make learning fun, such as by turning it into a game or incorporating it into a hobby, can also help keep you motivated.

How can I overcome learning obstacles?

Overcoming learning obstacles often requires a combination of persistence, flexibility, and creativity. If you’re struggling with a particular concept or skill, don’t be afraid to seek help, whether from a teacher, a tutor, or online resources. Experiment with different learning strategies to see what works best for you. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re an essential part of the learning process.

How can I apply what I’ve learned in real life?

Applying what you’ve learned in real life can help consolidate your learning and make it more meaningful. Look for opportunities to use your new knowledge or skills in your daily life. For instance, if you’ve learned a new language, try speaking it with native speakers. If you’ve learned a new programming skill, try building a small project with it. The more you use what you’ve learned, the better you’ll understand it and the more likely you are to remember it.

How can I learn more effectively in a group setting?

Learning in a group setting can be highly effective, as it allows for collaboration, discussion, and peer feedback. To make the most of group learning, actively participate in discussions, listen to others’ perspectives, ask questions, and share your own ideas. Additionally, working on group projects can provide valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving.

How can I manage my time effectively for learning?

Effective time management is crucial for learning. Some strategies include setting specific study times, breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks, taking regular breaks to avoid burnout, prioritizing your tasks, and eliminating distractions. Additionally, using tools like planners, calendars, and to-do lists can help you stay organized and on track.

How can I maintain my focus while learning?

Maintaining focus while learning can be challenging, especially with so many potential distractions. However, creating a quiet, comfortable study environment; turning off unnecessary electronic devices; taking regular breaks; and practicing mindfulness or meditation can all help improve your focus. Additionally, staying hydrated and eating healthy snacks can also help maintain your concentration.

How can I make learning a habit?

Making learning a habit can greatly enhance your learning efficiency. Start by setting aside a specific time each day for learning, and stick to it. Make learning a priority, and incorporate it into your daily routine. Additionally, setting clear, achievable goals and tracking your progress can help keep you motivated and make learning a habit.

How can I measure my learning progress?

Measuring your learning progress can help you stay motivated and identify areas for improvement. Some ways to measure progress include taking regular quizzes or tests, tracking your grades or scores, reflecting on what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved, and seeking feedback from teachers or peers. Remember, progress may be slow at times, but every step forward is a step towards your learning goals.

Soon-to-be Lawyer by day I Productivity Nerd by night I am the kind of friend who can‘t wait to talk to you about the super cool new book, website or gadget he just found. I blog about productivity, life-crafting & personal growth. Oh and I love Notion.

6 ways to build motivation to do your schoolwork now that you’re forced to learn online at home

Assistant Professor of University Studies, Middle Tennessee State University

Disclosure statement

Ryan Korstange does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Even in normal circumstances, it can be hard to get motivated to do your schoolwork . But these are not normal circumstances.

The switch to remote instruction caused by COVID-19 has been unsettling. Patterns have changed. Habits have been disrupted . Remote classes are simply different from classes that involve face-to-face instruction.

As a researcher who looks at what it takes to get through college , I have a few tips that could maximize your motivation and productivity when you’re at home going to school online.

1. Guard your time

You do not need large amounts of time to be productive. Instead, be intentional and focused in short blocks where you can work without interruption. Protect these open times by setting up your workspace to minimize distraction – including silencing notifications on your cellphone or laptop. Communicate your boundaries to friends and family and make sure to identify times when work and socialization can happen.

2. Determine how much work is needed

Write down the work you need to accomplish, because there is a limit to how much information you can recall and process at one time. Examine the remaining projects, including research and written assignments, and estimate the amount and type of effort that each requires. Identify any tests and quizzes that are scheduled and determine what preparation is necessary.

3. Break large projects into smaller ones

Breaking big projects into smaller and more manageable tasks allows you to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness .

Your assigned tasks should follow a logical sequence. Some tasks are basic, like locating articles in the online library for a research paper. Others, like proofreading, are best left to do later in the process. Work steadily, and record your progress as you do, because you get more done when you can actually see the progress you’re making.

4. Set goals

When you set specific and difficult goals for your work and make them public in some way , it can boost your performance and enhance your motivation .

Setting generic, vague or easy goals is less helpful. Set goals related to effort. For example, plan to spend three hours one day studying for a certain class. Also, set goals related to the completion of specific tasks or products. For instance, give yourself a deadline to read and take notes on a specific article for a certain paper you must write.

Further, make time in your plan to deal with any interruptions and challenges that may occur. For example, when my 7-year-old gets bored or needs some attention and interrupts me in my work, I plan to spend 20-30 minutes doing something with her. We take a walk or a bike ride, or create some art. Then I can return to work. I even set a timer to keep myself honest.

5. Identify the rewards

It pays to clarify the rewards at stake this semester – whether those rewards are internal, such as the feeling of accomplishment that comes from understanding a difficult concept well, or external, such as getting a good grade.

Many universities are adopting pass/fail grading systems in the short term, so the external reward course grades provide will likely be different. Learning is what matters now. Focus on the course learning outcomes and make sure that you’re meeting them, because these skills will be the ones required of you as you progress toward your degree.

6. Be flexible and go easy on yourself

This is an unprecedented crisis, and we are all scrambling to make it work. You didn’t expect to spend these months at home, learning online. Some days won’t go as planed - and that’s alright. Forgive yourself when you don’t do your best, then move forward and overcome the setbacks .

When the pandemic passes

Eventually, this pandemic will be over. Face-to-face classes will start again, and this semester will be but a memory. The good habits you build and the strategies follow now to manage to learn and work independently will bear dividends in the future.

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How to Finish College Faster: 6 Ways to Get on with 'Real Life' Sooner

By Callie Malvik on 06/13/2018

Earning your college degree bit by bit might feel like a financially responsible route, but it could actually end up costing more in the long run. The extra years you spend as a student are years spent in the workforce without a degree.

This can have a detrimental effect on your bottom line because, as a general rule of thumb, earnings increase with education level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 1 This is likely one of the reasons you want to finish your degree as swiftly as possible.

So how can you finish college faster and start maximizing your earning potential as soon as possible? Keep reading to learn about six opportunities you may have to speed up your higher education journey and begin life after college sooner.

6 Practical ways to finish college faster

If you’re motivated to finish college quickly and dive right into your chosen career, there are some things you can do to help achieve that goal. At Rasmussen College, 67 percent of program requirements may be completed by transfer credits, course waivers or other means—so there’s a lot of ways to potentially save on time in college. 2 Not all six of these options will be feasible for everyone, but the right combination may help you find the fastest way to finish college.

1. College coursework in high school

For some, the ship has already sailed for this option. But if you happen to be reading this while still in high school, do whatever you can to enroll in some advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) classes that offer college credit to students who pass the final exams.

Some schools also offer dual-enrollment courses. In these programs, you can earn college credit by taking the same courses as students at a nearby community college. These course credits often come basically free of charge and don’t take any additional time since you’d be taking them as part of your high school fulfillments.

Do your homework to ensure any dual-enrollment credits will transfer, and put in the time to succeed in AP or IB classes. This can include both college credits taken during or after a high school. A little extra dedication now can save you big dividends later and help you finish your degree sooner.

2. “Test out” of classes

Some institutions allow students to test out of general education courses if they prove they have mastered the subject matter. This option will save you the time and cost of taking the course, while still awarding you the necessary credits.

If you’re someone who is going back to school after gaining some practical, real-world experience, this is an ideal option to be rewarded for the transferable skills you’ve acquired in the workforce. That way, you can devote your time, energy and money toward the career-related courses that will prepare you for your life after college.

3. Take advantage of blended or online classes

Many traditional undergraduates don’t discover this option until it’s too late. If your school offers online courses or blended courses (part online, part classroom), then do some research into the per-credit cost. Online classes won’t always be cheaper, but if they are at your institution, then you could save both time and money by enrolling.

These courses often allow you to work at a more flexible pace and save you the time of commuting to and from class every day. An online option might not be available for certain hands-on or highly interactive courses, but it can be a godsend for others centered on reading and writing. For example, students in a Nursing program , might be able to take in lectures online and go on-campus for a lab once a week. Other programs with hands-on requirements that can be completed remotely, like a graphic design degree, can be completed 100 percent online.

4. Take a year-round schedule

Summer school once represented a student’s worst nightmare. But those negative connotations are quickly changing—particularly if you’re determined to quickly earn a degree. Taking advantage of the Summer school term will allow you to knock out another batch of credits, putting you one step closer to finishing your degree. Rasmussen College offers programs with up to 8 start dates per year that allows students to start and keep progressing year-round.

Listening to lectures and writing papers is probably not your ideal way of spending a gorgeous July day, but sacrificing a little sun now could help you finish college faster. It’ll also give you an extra edge in remembering important material, in addition to a host of other benefits . And hey, you can always soak up some rays while studying outside!

5. Capitalize on your experience outside of the classroom

Ask to see if your work or life experience could qualify for credit. Some institutions recognize that relevant work experience can be much more valuable than the typical introductory-level courses. These colleges might award credits or allow you to forego them if they’re aware of your expertise in the subject.

Additionally, some schools may offer credit to students with military experience or time spent working abroad. Could your years spent in Spain equate to some Spanish course credits? Could your freelance web design company cover some of your basic Business courses? It never hurts to ask.

Even if your college does not offer credit for past experience, there may be opportunities to capitalize on internship opportunities. The benefits here are threefold: You can earn credit for your work, you can gain practical field experience and you could be earning a paycheck on top of it all.

6. Enroll in a competency-based learning program

If you haven’t yet chosen a school to attend, explore those that offer competency-based learning options. This modern philosophy will allow you to learn at your own pace and finish your degree on your own schedule.

Competency-based programs will give you the freedom to navigate your courses independently, completing your tasks on your own time without deadlines. You’ll progress through your assignments by proving what you know, working as quickly or slowly as needed to master the required concepts.

Program specifics will vary depending on the school, but competency-based programs are known for saving students time and money. While this model is still fairly new to the higher-education scene, competency-based learning is generating increased interest and awareness nationwide.

Finish your degree on the fast track

With college, as with many things in life, it pays to be a go-getter. If you’re already asking yourselfhow to finish college faster, it’s clear you’ve got your goal in sight and the motivation to achieve it.

Utilize these tips to get the most bang for your tuition bucks and acquire the practical knowledge and training you need to advance your career. The sooner you have your degree in hand, the sooner you can start reaping the rewards of life after college.

If you’re ready to capitalize on your existing knowledge and experience, request more information to get into contact with an admissions advisor.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2017. Salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary. 2 Exceptions apply—review the course catalog for details. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2018.

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About the author

Callie Malvik

Callie is the Content Manager at Collegis Education, overseeing blog content on behalf of Rasmussen University. She is passionate about creating quality resources that empower others to improve their lives through education.

Posted in Student Success

college student tips
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How to Learn More Effectively

10 Learning Techniques to Try

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Knowing the most effective strategies for how to learn can help you maximize your efforts when you are trying to acquire new ideas, concepts, and skills. If you are like many people, your time is limited, so it is important to get the most educational value out of the time you have.

Speed of learning is not the only important factor, however. It is important to be able to accurately remember the information that you learn, recall it at a later time, and use it effectively in a wide variety of situations.

How can you teach yourself to learn? As you approach a new subject, incorporate some of the following tactics:

Find ways to boost your memory
Always keep learning new things
Use a variety of learning techniques
Try teaching it to someone else
Connect new information to things you already know
Look for opportunities to have hands-on experiences
Remember that mistakes are part of the process
Study a little bit every day
Test yourself
Focus on one thing at a time

Knowing how to learn well is not something that happens overnight, but putting a few of these learning techniques into daily practice can help you get more out of your study time.

Improve Your Memory

There are a number of different strategies that can boost memory . Basic tips such as improving your focus, avoiding cram sessions, and structuring your study time are good places to start, but there are even more lessons from psychology that can dramatically improve your learning efficiency.

Strategies that can help improve your memory include:

Getting r egular physical exercise , which is linked to improvements in memory and brain health
Spending time socializing with other people
Getting enough sleep
Eliminating distractions so you can focus on what you are learning
Organizing the information you are studying to make it easier to remember
Using elaborative rehearsal when studying; when you learn something new, spend a few moments describing it to yourself in your own words
Using visual aids like photographs, graphs, and charts
Reading the information you are studying out loud

For example, you might use general learning techniques like setting aside quiet time to study, rehearsing, and reading information aloud. You might combine this with strategies that can foster better memory, such as exercising and socializing.

If you're pressed for time, consider combining study strategies. Listen to a podcast while you're taking a walk or join a group where you can practice your new skills with others.

Keep Learning New Things

Prasit photo / Getty Images

One sure-fire way to become a more effective learner is to simply keep learning. Research has found that the brain is capable of producing new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis . However, many of these cells will eventually die unless a person engages in some type of effortful learning.

By learning new things, these cells are kept alive and incorporated into brain circuits.

So, if you are learning a new language, it is important to keep practicing the language in order to maintain the gains you have achieved. This "use-it-or-lose-it" phenomenon involves a brain process known as "pruning."

In pruning , certain pathways in the brain are maintained, while others are eliminated. If you want the new information you just learned to stay put, keep practicing and rehearsing it.

Learn in Multiple Ways

Another one of the best ways to learn is to focus on learning in more than one way. For example, instead of just listening to a podcast, which involves auditory learning , find a way to rehearse the information both verbally and visually.

This might involve describing what you learned to a friend, taking notes, or drawing a mind map. By learning in more than one way, you’re further cementing the knowledge in your mind.

For example, if you are learning a new language, try varying techniques such as listening to language examples, reading written language, practicing with a friend, and writing down your own notes.

One helpful tip is to try writing out your notes on paper rather than typing on a laptop, tablet, or computer. Research has found that longhand notes can help cement information in memory more effectively than digital note-taking.

Varying your learning techniques and giving yourself the opportunity to learn in different ways and in different contexts can help make you a more efficient learner.

Teach What You Are Learning

Educators have long noted that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it to someone else. Remember your seventh-grade presentation on Costa Rica? By teaching to the rest of the class, your teacher hoped you would gain even more from the assignment.

You can apply the same principle today by sharing newly learned skills and knowledge with others. Start by translating the information into your own words. This process alone helps solidify new knowledge in your brain. Next, find some way to share what you’ve learned.

Some ideas include writing a blog post, creating a podcast, or participating in a group discussion.

Build on Previous Learning

Tara Moore\ / Getty Images

Another great way to become a more effective learner is to use relational learning, which involves relating new information to things that you already know.

For example, if you are learning a new language, you might associate the new vocabulary and grammar you are learning with what you already know about your native language or other languages you may already speak.

Gain Practical Experience

LWA / Dann Tardif / Getty Images

For many students, learning typically involves reading textbooks, attending lectures, or doing research in the library or online. While seeing information and then writing it down is important, actually putting new knowledge and skills into practice can be one of the best ways to improve learning.

If it is a sport or athletic skill, perform the activity on a regular basis. If you are learning a new language, practice speaking with another person and surround yourself with language-immersion experiences. Watch foreign-language films and strike up conversations with native speakers to practice your budding skills.

If you are trying to acquire a new skill or ability, focus on gaining practical experience.

Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Research suggests that making mistakes when learning can improve learning outcomes. According to one study, trial-and-error learning where the mistakes were close to the actual answer was actually a helpful part of the learning process.

Another study found that mistakes followed by corrective feedback can be beneficial to learning. So if you make a mistake when learning something new, spend some time correcting the mistake and examining how you arrived at the incorrect answer.

This strategy can help foster critical thinking skills and make you more adaptable in learning situations that require being able to change your mind.

Research suggests that making mistakes when learning can actually help improve outcomes, especially if you correct your mistake and take the time to understand why it happened.

Use Distributed Practice

David Schaffer / Getty Images

Another strategy that can help is known as distributed practice. Instead of trying to cram all of your learning into a few long study sessions, try a brief, focused session, and then take a break.

So if you were learning a new language, you might devote a period of time to an intensive session of studying. After a break, you would then come back and rehearse your previous learning while also extending it to new learning.

This process of returning for brief sessions over a long period of time is one of the best ways to learn efficiently and effectively.

What is the best way to learn?

Research suggests that this type of distributed learning is one of the most effective learning techniques. Focus on spending a little time studying each topic every day.

While it may seem that spending more time studying is one of the best ways to maximize learning, research has demonstrated that taking tests actually helps you better remember what you've learned, even if it wasn't covered on the test.

This phenomenon, known as the testing effect, suggests that spending time retrieving information from memory improves the long-term memory of that information. This retrieval practice makes it more likely that you will be able to remember that information again in the future.

Stop Multitasking

For many years, it was thought that people who multitask (perform more than one activity at once) had an edge over those who did not. However, research now suggests that multitasking can actually make learning less effective.

Multitasking can involve trying to do more than one thing at the same time, but it can also involve quickly switching back and forth between tasks or trying to rapidly perform tasks one after the other.

According to research, doing this not only makes people less productive when they work but also impairs attention and reduces comprehension. Multitasking when you are studying makes it harder to focus on the information and reduces how much you understand it.

Research has also found that media multitasking, or dividing attention between different media sources, can also have a detrimental impact on learning and academic performance.

To avoid the dangers of multitasking, start by focusing your attention on the task at hand and continue working for a predetermined amount of time.

If you want to know how to learn, it is important to explore learning techniques that have been shown to be effective. Strategies such as boosting your memory and learning in multiple ways can be helpful. Regularly learning new things, using distributed practice, and testing yourself often can also be helpful ways to become a more efficient learner.

A Word From Verywell

Becoming a more effective learner can take time, and it always takes practice and determination to establish new habits. Start by focusing on just a few of these tips to see if you can get more out of your next study session.

Perhaps most importantly, work on developing the mindset that you are capable of improving your knowledge and skills. Research suggests that believing in your own capacity for growth is one of the best ways to take advantage of the learning opportunities you pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Create a study schedule, eliminate distractions, and try studying frequently for shorter periods of time. Use a variety of learning methods such as reading the information, writing it down, and teaching it to someone else.

Learning techniques that can help when you have ADHD include breaking up your study sessions into small blocks, giving yourself plenty of time to prepare, organizing your study materials, and concentrating on information at times when you know that your focus is at its best.

Practice testing and distributed practice have been found to be two of the most effective learning strategies. Test yourself in order to practice recalling information and spread your learning sessions out into shorter sessions over a longer period of time.

The easiest way to learn is to build on the things that you already know. As you gradually extend your knowledge a little bit at a time, you'll eventually build a solid body of knowledge around that topic.

Five ways to learn include visual, auditory, text-based, kinesthetic, and multimodal learning. The VARK model of learning styles suggests that people tend to have a certain preference for one or more of these ways to learn.

Chaire A, Becke A, Düzel E. Effects of physical exercise on working memory and attention-related neural oscillations . Front Neurosci . 2020;14:239. doi:10.3389/fnins.2020.00239

Mazza S, Gerbier E, Gustin M-P, et al. Relearn faster and retain longer: Along with practice, sleep makes perfect . Psychol Sci. 2016;27(10):1321-1330. doi:10.1177/0956797616659930

Manning JR, Kahana MJ. Interpreting semantic clustering effects in free recall . Memory . 2012;20(5):511-517. doi:10.1080/09658211.2012.683010

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Shors TJ, Anderson ML, Curlik DM 2nd, Nokia MS. Use it or lose it: how neurogenesis keeps the brain fit for learning . Behav Brain Res . 2012;227(2):450-458. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.023

Mueller PA, Oppenheimer DM. The pen Is mightier than the keyboard: Advantages of longhand over laptop note taking . Psychol Sci . 2014. 2014;25(6):1159-1168. doi:10.1177/0956797614524581

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Metcalfe J. Learning from errors . Annu Rev Psychol . 2017;68(1):465-489. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044022

Dunlosky J, Rawson KA, Marsh EJ, Nathan MJ, Willingham DT. Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology . Psychol Sci Public Interest . 2013;14(1):4-58. doi:10.1177/1529100612453266

Pastotter B, Bauml KHT. Retrieval practice enhances new learning: the forward effect of testing . Front Psychol . 2014;5. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00286

Jeong S-H, Hwang Y. Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis . Hum Commun Res . 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089

May K, Elder A. Efficient, helpful, or distracting? A literature review of media multitasking in relation to academic performance . Int J Educ Technol High Educ. 2018;15(1):13. doi:10.1186/s41239-018-0096-z

Sarrasin JB, Nenciovici L, Foisy LMB, Allaire-Duquette G, Riopel M, Masson S. Effects of teaching the concept of neuroplasticity to induce a growth mindset on motivation, achievement, and brain activity: A meta-analysis . Trends Neurosci Educ . 2018;12:22-31. doi:10.1016/j.tine.2018.07.003

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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How to Finish College Fast

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Felipe Corredor and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 38,796 times.

Whether you’re trying to save money or are just eager to move on to the next step in your professional or academic career, finishing college fast may be an attractive option for you. Minimize your time in college by signing up for a fast track degree, completing some coursework before college or between terms, or testing out of required courses. You can also get through college faster by limiting your time spent on other commitments.

Enrolling in a Fast Track Program

Step 1 Go to a school that offers accelerated degree options.

Most accelerated degrees are highly structured, meaning that you will not have a lot of choice in which courses you take.
Some fast-track programs offer extra guidance and support to make sure students can successfully complete the program in the allotted time.

Step 2 Find out if you qualify for an accelerated degree program.

Some accelerated degree programs may require that you achieve a particular GPA in high school, and that you maintain a minimum GPA while you are enrolled in the program. [2] X Research source
Some accelerated programs also have strict rules regarding how much you can work and how much money you can spend on living expenses. For example, you may be required to live with a parent or guardian while you are in the program, so that you don’t have to work in order to afford housing. [3] X Research source

Step 3 Look for an accelerated program that fits your needs.

To find these programs, search for schools that offer accelerated programs for “adult” or “continuing” learners.

Most associate’s degree programs in the US require you to complete 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of coursework (about 20 classes). [7] X Research source
Some universities will accept an associate’s degree as credit toward completing a bachelor’s degree. [8] X Research source
While many employers require bachelor’s degrees, there are plenty of viable career options that you can pursue with an associate’s degree. For example, you might be able to land a job as a medical technician, a web developer, an occupational therapist assistant, or an engineering technician. [9] X Research source Do some research to find out if you can get the kind of job you want with an associate’s degree.

Completing Required Coursework Quickly

Step 1 Attend college classes while you’re in high school

Some dual enrollment programs require you to travel to a college campus, while others allow you to take college courses online. In some cases, university faculty may offer college-level classes at your high school or a local career center.

If you’re going to a school that charges high tuition rates for summer classes, find out if they will accept credits from courses offered at your local community college. Talk to your academic adviser before signing up for classes at another institution. [12] X Research source
Summer classes tend to be condensed into a shorter period of time than regular term courses, so be prepared for a more fast-paced, intense learning experience.

Step 3 Take classes while you’re working.

Taking a few classes part-time can also help you feel better prepared for the pressure of going back to school full-time. [13] X Research source

Step 4 Talk to your adviser about taking a course overload.

Take care not to take on more coursework than you can handle. Taking too many courses at once can ultimately leave you feeling burnt out, and make it harder for you to complete your degree on time. [14] X Research source

Testing out of Required Courses

Step 1 Take Advanced Placement classes and exams in high school.

While there is a fee for taking an AP Exam, many high schools offer assistance for students who have trouble paying the fee. Talk to your school counselor or AP Coordinator about applying for a reduced fee.

The College Board offers free online courses to help you prepare for taking a CLEP exam. [17] X Research source
Currently, there are 33 different CLEP exams which cover a variety of topics, including business, literature, foreign languages, math and science, and history and the social sciences. [18] X Research source
There is a $85 fee for taking each CLEP exam. [19] X Research source

Step 3 Look for schools that offer prior learning credit, if you have work experience.

Depending on your school’s policies, you may need to take an exam or create a prior learning portfolio in order to get prior learning credit.

Step 4 Find out if your college offers placement exams.

For example, if you ace the algebra portion of your math placement test, you may be able to jump straight into pre-calculus.

Step 5 Talk to your adviser about challenging prerequisites.

Every school has different policies when it comes to challenging prerequisites and other course requirements. Policies may also vary from one department to another. Talk to your adviser to find out how it works in your program.

Minimizing your Other Commitments

Step 1 Avoid working during college, if you can.

Attend an in-state school or community college, so that you can pay lower tuition rates.
Get an online degree or go to a school close to home, so that you don’t have to worry about paying rent or campus housing fees.
Apply for scholarships , grants, or federal student loans to help cover the costs of tuition and fees.

Step 2 Limit your extra-curricular activities.

For example, if you’re a working parent trying to get through a college degree, ask a relative, a friend, or a fellow parent to help watch your child sometimes so that you can get homework done.
Some schools offer support groups for non-traditional students. Look for student clubs or campus groups for adult learners, working students, or students with families.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers, advisers, and school staff if you are struggling. Remember, it is their job to help you succeed.

Expert Q&A

Before you decide to fast-track your way through school, carefully consider what you want to get out of the college experience. Talk to your high school guidance counselor, an admissions officer at your college, or your academic adviser, and work with them to figure out whether graduating early is right for you. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://time.com/2885961/college-degree-fast-asap/
↑ https://www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/threeyeardegree
↑ https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/best-colleges-non-traditional-students/
↑ https://www.geteducated.com/career-center/detail/what-is-an-associate-degree
↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/high-paying-jobs-with-associates-degree-2013-12
↑ http://www.nacep.org/about-nacep/what-is-concurrent-enrollment/
↑ http://education.seattlepi.com/benefits-taking-summer-college-courses-1006.html
↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/articles/2014/07/17/consider-taking-community-college-classes-while-at-a-4-year-school
↑ https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/education/return-to-school.html
↑ http://sundial.csun.edu/2017/02/five-tips-to-get-through-college-faster/
↑ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/testing/learn-about-the-ap-program
↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges/articles/2014/09/24/4-questions-to-ask-before-pursuing-clep-credit
↑ https://clep.collegeboard.org/
↑ https://clep.collegeboard.org/register
↑ http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Adult-Learners-Guide-to-PLA.aspx
↑ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/academic-life/what-are-college-placement-tests
↑ https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/choosing-schools

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Celebrating 150 years of Harvard Summer School. Learn about our history.

Your Guide to Conquering College Coursework

Getting good grades in college can be a lot tougher than in high school. For many students, it requires building new skills and establishing new habits. Learning those skills now—before starting college—will help make your transition as easy and as successful as possible.

Mary Sharp Emerson

The transition from high school to college is a big one. Meeting new friends, living on your own, and creating your own schedule are just some of the new, exciting challenges that await you.

In the excitement of starting a new life on campus, college coursework can sometimes become a second priority.

However, adjusting to college coursework is often the biggest challenge of all. Even the best students may be surprised at how difficult college courses are. The subject matter is more complex. The workload is larger. And instructors’ standards are higher.

Mastering college-level courses requires a new level of independence, advocacy, engagement, and time management.

You can prepare yourself to succeed before you even get to campus. Identifying the skills you need, and building those skills into established habits, will help make your transition to college academics, and college life, easier, less stressful, and more successful.

Be engaged in your college coursework

College courses require your full attention and active participation.

And the more you engage with your teachers, teaching assistants, and classmates both in and out of the classroom, the easier it will be for you to succeed in that class.

The importance of active listening

Active listening is one of the most critical parts of engaging in a course, according to Gina Neugebauer, assistant director of Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program.

“Professors and teaching assistants can tell if you’re actively listening. They notice if you’re taking notes and making eye contact. They also notice if you’re distracted by your phone or computer,” notes Neugebauer.

Active listening means not checking your social media accounts or texting friends during class.

It also means really giving the instructor and your classmates your full attention.

It sounds easy in theory but it takes practice. It can be tough to not think about all the work you have or your next party. But the more you work on actively listening, the easier it will be to not get distracted and miss important information in class.

Different ways to actively participate

Beyond active listening, there are many ways to participate in a course. And you can tailor your level of engagement to your personality and comfort level.

“It’s all about gauging what you’re comfortable with,” says Neugebauer.

“You may not be the person who raises their hand all the time but you actively respond to online discussion posts, for example. You may not feel comfortable talking in front of hundreds of students in a large lecture hall but you take advantage of TA office hours and email the instructor with questions.”

But don’t be afraid to push yourself if you aren’t someone who usually speaks up in class.

It’s ok to start small. Work on raising your hand in small seminars or discussion sections. As you gain confidence, you’ll find it gets easier to answer questions and share your opinions.

Build independence and advocate for yourself

In college, you are responsible for your own success. You will need to advocate for yourself and know when—and how—to ask for help. That requires a level of independence that you may not have needed in high school.

The good news is that instructors and teaching assistants want to help you.

“Instructors, on the whole, enjoy hearing from you. And they’d rather hear from you right from the start, rather than have you struggle on your own for three weeks,” says Neugebauer.

If you have a question about an assignment, send your instructor an email. Are you upset about a grade you got on a recent test? Visit your instructor or TA during office hours to discuss what went wrong and how you can improve.

But remember, says Neugebauer, professors are busy and you are only one of many students.

“Your email should include your full name, what course you’re taking, and a brief description of your question or concern. And you cannot expect an answer at 2 a.m. because that’s when you’re studying. When you reach out to an instructor, give them 24-48 hours to respond.”

And remember, always be respectful and non-confrontational.

Challenge yourself in a college course. Get a sneak peak at college life.

Explore summer programs for high school students.

Don’t be afraid to seek help

If you have excelled in high school without extra help, you might be tempted to persevere on your own.

In college, Neugebauer points out, asking for help is the norm.

“Once you get into your undergraduate program, you’ll find that almost everyone has, at some point, asked a TA for extra tutoring, gone to a tutoring center, or a writing or math center for extra help. It’s part of the learning process of an undergraduate program,” Neugebauer says.

Colleges have a variety of support systems in place to help you succeed.

TA office hours are a great place to start if you find yourself struggling with a specific concept or assignment. Peer tutoring programs enable you to learn from students who have been through the course themselves. Academic coaches can help with more general study tips or exam-related stress.

The key is seeking out help proactively, before you get too far behind. As the courses become more difficult, catching up becomes increasingly difficult.

Build time management techniques

Balancing everything that comes with life on a college campus can be difficult for many incoming college students.

“The biggest challenge we see facing high school students who are trying to adapt to college life is overcommitment. Students want to engage in every activity, a full course load, and even sometimes a part-time job. They don’t schedule enough time for self-care, quiet time, doing laundry, and plenty of study time. All those things take time,” Neugebauer says.

Good study habits and time management are key to avoiding the stress that comes from getting overcommitted.

Neugebauer recommends getting into the habit of keeping an accurate and up-to-date calendar.

“The best thing I can recommend is a calendar, such as Google Calendar. Use it to schedule everything: your class, your lunch time, time at the gym. It may seem counterintuitive, but work on scheduling literally everything, even sleep.”

Be sure to include assignments, tests, and other deadlines, as well as office hours for your instructors, TAs, and academic coaches.

Use your calendar to block off dedicated study time. And once you schedule it, stick to it! Avoid the temptation to procrastinate or use that time to hang out, play video games, or scroll on your phone.

Your calendar should also include dedicated time for self-care.

Regular mealtimes, good exercise habits, and a full night’s sleep are not only critical for your physical and mental health. You’ll also be surprised at how much they contribute to your academic success.

Challenge yourself as you engage in college coursework

Getting outside your comfort zone is a critical part of preparing yourself for the exciting challenges that await you in college.

“Being uncomfortable allows for growth. It means saying to yourself, ‘this is new. I want to try it. I want to see how it feels.’ This is all about adapting to a new environment but also examining yourself as a person,” says Neugebauer.

Taking on a new challenge—regardless of the ultimate outcome—builds resilience, mental toughness, and confidence, all of which you will need to succeed in your college courses.

But, warns Neugebauer, it’s also important to know your limitations.

“That uncomfortable feeling should be manageable. It should be a challenge but not so challenging that you feel panicked and wake up in cold sweats every night. It should be something that gets you a little nervous but also excited about what you’re involved in every day.”

However you decide to challenge yourself, it’s never too early to start if college is in your future. The sooner you start identifying and mastering the skills you need in college, the better prepared you’ll be to succeed right from day one.

Spend your summer at Harvard!

About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

8 Reasons Why Harvard Summer School Isn’t a Summer Camp — It’s So Much More!

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Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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My major and career path is in Education field, so taking a Psychology course will enhance my professional knowledge.
The course is taught by a prestigious professor from a top-ranked university and it is FREE!
It is an online course which allows flexible learning pace.

The course name is Buddhism and Modern Psychology which is a six-week long learning period, and it turned out to be an extraordinary learning experience. By sharing my learning experience and reflection, it may help future Coursera learners be more successful.

Choose What You Love

A long time ago I registered another two Coursera courses, but I ended up only finishing the first-week course due to my own laziness. Unlike traditional courses, you will not receive any punishment by not showing up or not finishing assignments in Coursera. So this time I have to pick a course that I am either strongly interested or beneficial to my career so that I would be motivated to finish the course. Once you choose the course you deeply love, you just need to make a commitment to it.

Prepare for the Course

Just like other traditional courses, I went through the course syllabus and borrowed textbooks from library one week before the course officially begin. I also played around on the Coursera platform a little bit to get familiar with the Learning Management System. Besides, I navigated through “Grades” and “Discussion Forums” sections on the platform and learned how the assignment, discussion activity, and exam will be done . I strongly recommend you do the same to save yourself time later.

Get Feedback from Peers

In Coursera you will only get scores and feedback from peers instead of professors. At first, I doubted whether the peers’ feedback would be valuable. But later, I found that this new grading system provides me much more beyond the traditional classroom. I have received some considerate and long comments from peers, which encourage me to rethink some critical concepts. Besides, it is very inspiring and enjoyable when I am reading my peers’ essay where I learn so many new ideas and perspectives and improve my critical thinking, analysis skill, and logical thinking.

Interact with Online Classmates

Lots of people are questioning whether online learning is capable of high-quality interaction. In fact, Coursera does have high-quality interaction! The discussion forum is the main tool for learners to interact with each other and exchange ideas and opinions. In Coursera’s discussion forum, you will see some volunteer mentors replying to learner’s questions. These mentors just like TAs in traditional classes–they previously achieved good scores in the same course and now love to help new learners. Another interaction between learners and the instructor in some courses is the Office Hours where the instructor creates a new video every week to answer the most emergent and difficult questions from that week. With the help of social media, for example, Twitter, Facebook, and discussion forums, the instructor is able to collect many interesting questions and respond via a short video or announcement. Even though it may take some time to adapt these new tools and methods, it can be very effective if we adapt them enthusiastically. The only thing you need to do is to be open and present!

Manage Your Time Wisely

The workload for my course was about 6 hours a week. Basically, I watch some lecture videos and finish some readings every week. There are only two essay assignments throughout the course. The challenge for me is that I have to work in the day, so I have to study for this course at night or on the weekends. Once, I missed one week of content due while traveling and I had to catch-up by finishing two weeks of the course within one weekend, which was a painful experience. So my suggestion is to finish the weekly content as soon as possible and do not wait until the last minute.

Looking back, the overall Coursera experience was fantastic! Getting a 96.8 final score from three other peers is truly rewarding. I also read lots of books and gained new knowledge and understanding in psychology and religion. My tips might not apply to every Coursera course because every course is designed differently, but it will remind you to keep open-minded to new ways of learning and continuously learn, grow and share in the world classroom.

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How To Get The Most From Your Online Course

If you’ve just signed up for an online course, it’s likely you’re excited and motivated to get started. But once those first few weeks have passed, it can be easy to start procrastinating and putting off your work. It’s human nature! So how can you get the most from your online course? In this article, I’ve put together some tips and strategies for staying focused throughout your course so you can get what you need, learn the material, and put those new skills to use.

But first, let’s take a look at why it can be so easy to get derailed.

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Why do we get stuck?

Don’t you love the thought of learning something new? I sure do! In fact, my parents used to call me the “eternal student” and joke that I would’ve just kept getting degrees if it wasn’t so expensive.

Even though I did eventually end my student days, I still get super excited about learning. I’ve even taken an online cooking class for the truly hopeless in the kitchen — in other words, me! (Seriously, I once ruined a roast so badly that even my dog refused to eat it!)

When I signed up for the class, I was thrilled at the prospect of finally learning how to hold a knife properly, how to (not unintentionally) make sticky rice, and — of course — how to cook a delicious roast.

I tore through the first lesson full of excitement (and finally learned how to chop vegetables without chopping my fingertip off), excitedly went through the second, was interested in the third but couldn’t get to it right away, didn’t read the fourth because I hadn’t done the third yet, and… long story short? Within a week, I’d gone from wanna-be Julia Childs to absentee culinary student.

Why did I let learning much-needed cooking skills fall by the wayside? I was full of enthusiasm, and the lessons were just right — short, simple, and full of info I needed.

The problem wasn’t me. And it wasn’t the class either.

What happened is something that often occurs when you take an online class. You get a little behind schedule, life gets in the way, you freak out when the lessons keep popping in your inbox though you’re days behind.

But don’t lose hope! It’s NOT inevitable that you’ll get behind or overwhelmed in your online class. And, even if you do, you can fix it without superhuman efforts. To give your superpowers a bit of a boost, here are 15 tips and tricks to stay on track, organize and balance your workload, get help when you’re stuck, and maximize your learning experience.

So, if you find yourself in the same situation as I was (I mean behind in an online class — not making canine-repelling roasts!), read on for a quick rescue.

15 Tips to Get the Most from Your Online Course

1. get on schedule.

No matter how well a course is organized, it’s worth making your own plan for learning so it fits your own life. When I was a student here at Skillcrush, I would break the lessons down into “bite-sized chunks” (15-20 minutes at a time is a doable amount to start with), and put each chunk on my calendar so I’d be sure to make time for it.

And, if you want to be extra sure you stick to your schedule, set a reminder for each lesson. (I use a clip of SpongeBob SquarePants incessantly repeating, “Did you finish those errands yet?” as my reminder tone. So irritating that I HAVE TO obey!)

2. Set up your system

Doing a little thinking about your learning each day can help you learn more quickly and easily. So, before you start with your lessons, decide how you’ll approach them: will you quickly glance at everything to get a sense of what’s coming up and then go back and dive in? Or will you start each day by reviewing the lesson from the day before? It’s up to you, but making that decision in advance will let your mind better focus on the work ahead.

And don’t forget to also prep your physical setup for studying too. Install the software you need, find the perfect playlist, make a cup of your favorite tea, and start enjoying some serious learning!

3. Figure out how you learn best

Since online learning means you can do your course at any time, do some thinking about what time you’re at your best and/or can best concentrate on your coursework. If you’re a morning person, try studying first thing each day. Or, if you have a family to get out the door before 7:30 a.m., go for a lunchtime learning session.

Whenever you study, also pay attention to your personal learning style. Replay videos if you learn well by listening. Read articles a few times if you’re a visual learner. Or re-do exercises if you’re more of a hands-on kind of person.

4. Set a goal

To help a course mean more to you than just a list of lessons checked off, you should also lay out the outcomes you’re hoping to get from the course. In the broader view, that could mean diving into Python so you can get into data science. Or it could be mastering web design so you can make your company’s website even more gorgeous. More specifically, you can challenge yourself to complete five lessons a week or complete a class project before the end of the month.

5. Overachieve (but take a break when you need to)

After you set your targets, remember that you aren’t limited by them. You can get even more out of your online class by doing more than the bare minimum. So, instead of just completing your HTML and CSS lessons, find out about the latest and greatest front-end developer tools . Or, if you’re loving your UX course , do some research about related topics like UI to see if that might be the niche for you. But remember, its okay to give yourself a break when things come up in your life — no one is a machine!

And, while it might feel like it’s still a long way to turning your skills into a new gig, you can actually change your career in a surprisingly short time. If you know HTML and CSS, you can already take on side projects to spiff up sites or even build static sites from scratch. If you’re getting comfy with WordPress, you can probably help with the back-end at your current job or a small business. Or, if you’re looking to land a new job and have access to career counseling resources like our Skillcrush Break Into Tech program offers , why not get a jump start on your job search?

6. Engage with the community

Since online studies mean you aren’t physically in the same place as your instructors and fellow students, you might want to take some extra steps to keep yourself connected and motivated. Chat with other attendees during webinars. Attend live class events. And definitely join the online student community.

You’ll soon realize that you’re far from alone and that there are all kinds of amazing people who understand your situation and can also make learning faster and more fun. And, even if you don’t have any specific questions or problems, the community of like-minded people will help you find new resources, learning experiences, and opportunities for networking — all of which will enrich your learning experience.

7. Connect outside of class

While studying online is mainly a virtual experience, it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. If you’re craving some human contact, you can find other students in your area for in-person learning sessions. Or check out local meetups and groups for more chances for face-to-face connections. And if you’re stuck inside because of pandemic guidelines, join digital groups outside of class and engage via Zoom, Slack, email, etc.

Or share what you’re learning with people outside your course. Professional developers do this using a technique called the “rubber ducky method.” In other words, when you have a tough problem, find someone to explain it to. As the name hints, even a rubber ducky can serve as your listener. Or ask your best friend, mom, or kiddo to lend an ear. You’ll learn a lot when you have to clarify tech concepts to someone totally outside the realm. And bonus: your loved one will understand that part of you much better afterward!

8. Keep a record

Many online classes, like our Skillcrush courses , offer a built-in system for keeping track of the lessons you’ve completed. You should definitely take advantage of these features, but you can also go beyond that. Just jotting down a note (old school on paper or electronically on your phone,) about what you learn each day can help you solidify the concepts or at least appreciate your progress.

Be sure to also save the code snippets, design drafts, and various versions of apps you create. Looking back at them later will arm you against imposter syndrome by showing you how much you’ve progressed. Or you might decide to reuse an “old” idea someday! And, if you want to impress potential employers and strengthen your understanding further, you can blog or tweet about your courses and projects. It’ll be like the rubber ducky concept but for the whole World Wide Web!

9. Persevere

Learning anything takes time, and acquiring a whole new set of skills definitely requires some investment. So don’t be concerned if you don’t fully understand a new concept as soon as you read about it or when your code doesn’t work right the first time. Or the second time. Or the third time. Yep, just like your mom told you, “If you don’t succeed…” Well, you know the rest!

When you accept that, to become a designer or a developer, you have to do the work (your lessons, projects, etc), you can stop thinking about what’s ahead and focus on where you are now. Keep at it day by day, and your learning will pay off before you know it.

10. Look for your own answers

One of the most important skills you can develop in any profession — and in life in general — is knowing how to help yourself. Hopefully, wherever you work, you’ll have colleagues and supervisors to lend you a hand, but they’ll still have their own work to do. So, you won’t be able to run to them every time you hit a snag, which is why you have to figure out ways to sometimes get the answers you need on your own.

As a developer or designer, finding solutions yourself includes being able to critique your own work, debug your own code, and sort through Google search results and online forums like StackOverflow to find answers or ideas to try out. And don’t worry — honest pros in the field will admit that they also have to look up both advanced and basic info now and then. So, don’t doubt yourself when you need to look more deeply or refresh your memory. It’s a normal and important skill you need to have.

11. Ask (a lot of) questions

Can’t find the answer yourself? You don’t have to give up or suffer in silence. That, after all, is the point of having instructors and fellow students in your online course. Once you’ve tried solving a problem on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. BUT, when you do, here are some guidelines to follow to make sure you get the answer you need:

When you send an email to an instructor or post on a forum with a question, be sure to include:

The lesson, exercise, or project you’re working on
What you’re hoping to do
What you’ve tried so far
What happens when you try it

Be specific with the details and your question and include the relevant code, screenshots, or links to your project. And make sure the title of the message or post is descriptive (not just “Help!” or “Question”) and that you say thanks in advance. Then, sit back and be patient. Good questions usually get answered in good time.

12. Answer questions too

Now that you’re an expert at asking, you can also do some answering yourself. Although you’re still learning, you’re sure to know some answers that your fellow students don’t, or at least have constructive feedback or helpful resources to offer them. Just like knowing how to help yourself will be important in your career, so will knowing how to help others and give a useful critique.

Plus, beyond the karma- and career-building aspect, writing out some explanations or offering up some code solutions will help you double-check your own learning. Yep, that little yellow ducky is popping up again!

13. Focus on the present

The beauty AND the beast of tech is that there’s always something new to learn. New frameworks, new software, new trends. Exciting but possibly also overwhelming.

When you’re starting out, you can feel like you can’t learn it all fast enough. But you have to remember that every developer rockstar or designer unicorn was in the same place when they started.

How did these gurus get the skills you’re so dreaming of? One step at a time. And that’s how you’ll do it too. Follow along with your course lesson by lesson and try not to get concerned about the big picture. Build your foundation in one area and then consider whether you should go deeper into it or move on to another topic. No one will ever know it all, and you don’t have to either!

14. Have fun!

Just because you’re learning seriously important skills doesn’t mean you have to take yourself too seriously. There’s a whole part of the tech world that’s all about having a good time . So, you can enjoy yourself and still do lots of learning.

Check out some podcasts, go to a hackathon or tech conference, code up a game, or build a website for the latest meme. And spend some time doing something other than tech too. You won’t forget everything you’re learning. In fact, you actually need some R&R to process your thoughts and recharge yourself for your next challenge. And living a more well-rounded life will make you a happier, healthier, and more employable tech wiz.

15. Keep going

If, despite all these tips, you find yourself burnt out or behind, it’s OK. Catching up or restarting is always an option. The point is to continue moving forward, quickly or slowly. No matter how long it takes, it’s never too late . And everything you do toward learning new skills is another step toward your amazing new career!

Kelli Smith

Category: Blog , For Beginners , Learn to Code

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How to do a large amount of work in a small amount of time: advice from a veteran of rushing, botching, and bashing it out

1. Get in the zone

I don’t know about you, but I have a dozen little rituals I have to perform before I sit down to do a big slog of work. In general, I make it a rule to work in the library or university, because I find working at home, with all its possibilities of making and drinking tea, drifting off to watch TV, or being drawn into long conversations with my housemates, too distracting.

You should also read…

How to Stop Procrastinating: Advice from a Champion Procrastinator
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But when I’m really up against the clock, or even about to start what I know will be an all-nighter, I prefer to be in my room, with easy access to vital things like coffee, food and the shower. (N.B. There is nothing like a shower for waking yourself up in the middle of a miserable work-session. Just don’t do what I did one particularly inauspicious Wednesday at 4am: fall asleep sitting down in it with a foot covering the plug, and wake half an hour later under a jet of now-freezing water to find that you have transformed your bathroom into a giant soapy sea).

But back to the rituals. Before I do any serious, or seriously rushed, work, I’ve got to do a number of things to ‘get in the zone’. This might sound like elaborate procrastination — which, in reality, it most definitely is — but if I don’t do these little things, I find my concentration is poor, and my mind constantly wanders. First, my room has to be absolutely, books-in-alphabetical-order, spotless — mess is incredibly distracting, and when I’m working I want to use all the space on my desk. Plus, while you’re tidying you get to watch videos of cats falling over on YouTube. Next, I have to have a strong coffee (which I never drink more than a few sips of before remembering that I hate coffee and it gives me a headache — but it smells nice and is somehow a very reassuring thing to sit next to). Third, classical music doesn’t work for me; while I’m working, and especially at night, I find it keeps the mind sharp to blare out tragic noughties techno music. In particular, the songs of the ultimately unsuccessful Australian band Pendulum played at approximately a million decibels are so unpleasant they keep one constantly skittish with adrenaline, hammering out a thousand questionable words an hour while simultaneously imagining you’re in a warehouse rave. Finally, and most embarrassingly, I have a pair of leggings called my essay leggings that I like to wear while I’m working. They’re very comfy (and holey) and haven’t been replaced since my first year of university, because they’re somehow magically conducive to getting lots done in very little time. Now, the line between preparing oneself for work and procrastination is always thin, and one I continually find myself on the wrong side of. Your rituals might look very different to mine, and perhaps take a little less time. But if you need to do certain things to change your mindset from play to work, I’d advise you do them.

2. Work out exactly what you’ve got to do

Now that you’re sitting comfortably at your desk in your spotless room, work out exactly what you’ve got to do — and how long you’ve got to do it. Make a list of your tasks in order of priority, what they involve, the date they’re due in and how long you realistically think they’ll take. Your list might look something like this:

Write out labels for Art coursework (2 hours, due tomorrow)
Write self-analysis for Art coursework (3 hours, due tomorrow)
Finish researching, plan and write History coursework essay (12 hours? 2 days? Due Friday)
Finish Physics lab report (2 hours, due Thursday)
Maths problems (3 hours, due tomorrow)

Now, for some of these tasks it will be absolutely essential that you hand the work in on or before the deadline . For any task that counts towards your coursework , or an exam, you’ll usually lose marks if they’re late — in my university, we would lose 5 marks out of 100 if an essay was handed in one minute after 12pm on the day of the deadline, and a further 10 if it was more than a day late. For these tasks, you absolutely can’t mess about — they should sit right at the top of your list of things to do, and be the first thing you get out of the way — and the ones you put most effort into getting right. But, even though it won’t make you very popular with your teachers, sometimes you’ve got to accept that you can’t do everything you’re expected to in a small amount of time. When I’ve got a big deadline coming up, I jettison everything else: I tell people I can’t make other commitments, even if that annoys them, and if I haven’t got time, I simply don’t do less important pieces of work. On the list above, for example, I might decide that only the pieces of coursework were really important, and that I wasn’t going to bother handing in the lab report or the Maths problems. Of course, all this is advice for an emergency situation: if you’ve got the time to do everything you need to, then deciding that you won’t is probably not the best strategic move and will mean you have to endure hours of unnecessary telling-off.

Make a timetable detailing exactly when you’re going to do each of the things on your list. Make sure you plan enough time for each task rather than being overly optimistic — you’re going to stick to this timetable no matter what . Think about the times of day when you work best, and how tired you’re going to be at various stages of the day/night/week you’re mapping out — the morning of your deadline, for example, when your eyes are itchy with tiredness and your brain about as much use as its equivalent weight in mincemeat, is probably not the best time to be proof-reading or tackling difficult Algebra problems. I study English and consequently write lots of essays, and I find that I can read and take notes at pretty much any time of day, but planning and writing are tasks I can only really do well first thing in the morning. Once you’ve made your plan, sit back and take a deep breath — it might be a rush, and you might not see sunlight for the next week, but it is possible to do everything you need to in the time you’ve got. All you need to do (and this is the important bit) is make sure you stick religiously to your timetable. Here’s how:

4. Let things be less-than-perfect

Not every work of art can be perfect; sometimes you really must wrap it up and move on.

If you’re still not happy with something near the end of the time you’ve allotted for it — tough. Finish up and leave it in its imperfect state — if you’re lucky, you might have time at the end to come back to it, but it’s much more important to stick to a schedule which will allow you to get everything done than it is to perfect one part of the task. This means not reading that extra useful-looking article, not toying with the wording in an introduction any longer, and leaving a problem you just can’t solve. Remember — when you’re working on any task, it’s completely normal that that task will feel like the most important one — but it’s important to take a step back and gain some perspective over your whole project. I’m constantly messing up because I find it really hard to leave things alone – – for example, I wasn’t happy with my dissertation last year the day before I handed it in, and decided to stay up all night before the deadline restructuring and rewriting the last 3,000 words before I’d even begun my referencing or conclusion. This meant (as I’m sure you can guess) that the section I rewrote was garbled and full of spelling mistakes, my footnotes and bibliography were a total mess and my conclusion was 5 lines long- not exactly what I’d planned when I decided to begin my noble rewriting mission, and not exactly the formula for a winning dissertation. Polished and finished, if slightly flawed, work will always make a much better impression than something messy and incomplete, even if it’s more carefully thought out — it actively irritates examiners to find silly mistakes or signs of haste in things they’re marking. Take it from me, look at the bigger picture and simply move on .

5. Be selfish

I’ve got a friend who actively refuses to make any plans other than a quick coffee for about four weeks before any deadline. Sometimes she doesn’t leave her house for days, and while she’s working she lets other people cook for her and tidy up her mess. Last year she didn’t go to her boyfriend’s birthday party because it was the week before a talk she was preparing. Now, this might all sound a bit mad, but my friend always does really, really well at everything she puts her mind to. Basically, in quite an extreme way she’s got her priorities straight — most of the time she’ll do anything for anyone, but when she’s got important work on her plate, she’ll say honestly that she needs to concentrate, and just can’t make other commitments. I, meanwhile, work in the absolute opposite way. I let friends come to visit me the week before a deadline because I don’t want to annoy them by cancelling, and am anxious about work and cranky for the whole time they’re there. I’ll go to the library with someone else but get annoyed when we distract each other. I end up getting so stressed out over all the commitments I’ve made that I can’t concentrate even when I’ve actually got time to work. I’ve come to conclude that my friend’s got it sorted. When you’ve got stuff to do, be selfish. This is one of very few chances you’ll have in your life (apart from, if you’re a girl, maybe your wedding) to be totally unreasonable, self-centred, and rude to everyone around you. Like a mad cross between Professor Snape and Kim Jong Un. Get your mum to make you dinner but refuse to sit and eat it at the table. Cancel plans, leave a mess. Refuse to read someone else’s work or do anyone a favour. Your friends might not like the new crazy you, but you’ll probably annoy them just as much by being irritable and stressed than you will by being selfish — and if you pick the latter course, you might actually get stuff done.

6. Do not entertain the thought that you might not finish

With the energy I’ve spent over the years asking for extensions, making up excuses or writing cringing apology emails to tutors and employers explaining that I just haven’t done things, I could have written novels. Stuff it, I could have written the Iliad . Extensions and the like might feel brilliant in the short term, but they’re not the solution to anything — you’ll still have to do the work one way or another, and you’ll annoy people and complicate your own life in the process of putting it off.

7. Just do the work

This is fairly self-explanatory. Though this article has tried to show that you can make things seem easier and more surmountable by organising, rationalising, and preparing, there are no magic solutions that can make you work miraculously quickly. There’s no substitute for sitting down, closing the door, turning off the internet and just doing your work . It might not be exactly fun, but it’ll feel worth it when you’re done, and then you can sleep and relax properly without feeling guilty or stressed. Got any top tips for getting things done quickly? Let us know in the ‘Comments’ section below!

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How to Learn a New Language Faster

Learning a new language doesn’t need to be a slow or tedious process.

I’ve studied five languages while living in four different countries. Although nothing can replace the hard work and effort it requires, it’s definitely possible to speed up the process!

Follow these 23 tips on how to learn a new language fast, and you’ll be on your way to mastering that new language quicker than you ever imagined.

1. Set language-learning goals

2. learn the “right” words, 3. use flashcards, 4. study smart, 5. think in your target language , 6. start using the language all day, every day, 7. pick a word from the day, 8. get plenty of comprehensible input, 9. watch movies and use subtitles, 10. listen to music and learn the lyrics, 11. multitask for more exposure, 12. read local literature, 13. seek out real-life practice , 14. make friends with native speakers, 15. learn about the culture, 16. consider investing in tutoring , 17. test yourself, 18. plan a virtual trip, 19. travel and immerse yourself, 20. learn from every mistake, 21. practice with your pet, 22. play games using your target language, 23. make a connection with food, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

The first step to learning a new language fast is to set goals for what you want to achieve.

When faced with the idea of learning a new language, most of us feel overwhelmed. There are so many words to learn and so many different ways to study.

Research shows that people who set the right kind of goals are more likely to achieve success. Setting goals narrows your focus so you can stop worrying about the details and get down to business.

Use these guidelines to get the most from your goals:

Set short-term goals. It’s good to have an ultimate goal—the thing you eventually hope to achieve. But long-term goals are too overwhelming to motivate you on an everyday basis. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller bits, and set smaller goals for each week or month.
Challenge yourself (but not too much). Goals work best when they make you push yourself. If they’re too daunting, they can actually discourage you.
Focus on specific, tangible outcomes. Set detailed goals, and focus on what you plan to learn rather than how much time you plan to study. An example of a good goal might be, “This week I’m going to learn 30 Spanish vocabulary words related to shopping.”
Write down your goals. Writing down goals helps you commit to them. Post your goals in a prominent place, like your bathroom mirror or the home screen of your smartphone.

Strategize and prioritize your learning by focusing on what matters.

The exact amount may differ, but for many languages you need between 1000 to 3000 words to be conversational . So why waste time trying to learn more words, especially at the very beginning?

Identify what words, phrases and expressions will get you the most bang for your buck, and work from there. You can start with practical, colloquial topics then work your way up from there.

Also check out these lists of the top 1,000 words in these languages:

By focusing on learning these words first, you can eliminate wasted time and increase the amount of information you understand very quickly.

When learning your words, you’ll learn faster by using the very best study techniques, such as using s paced repetition software (SRS) .

For example, one of the best ways to do this is to use flashcards. Flashcards help you focus on individual words and allow you to test yourself, which helps you memorize new information.

When you learn with flashcards, follow these tips to learn fast:

Try out electronic flashcards. Paper flashcards work just as well as they ever did, but with digital flashcards , you can easily carry large stacks on your smartphone or tablet. You can also take advantage of flashcards that other people have created and made public.
Make sure to guess the meaning of a word before turning over the card. Flashcards work best when you use them to test your memory, so don’t be too quick to flip the cards over. Even if you don’t know a word, make a guess.
Learn the translations first, then learn to produce the new words. Start by looking at the side of the flashcard with a foreign word on it, and memorize what the English translation is. Later, turn the cards over and use them to practice producing the foreign words when you see their English equivalents.

Practice makes perfect, but effective practice makes perfect even faster!

Some more great strategies for integrating new words alongside and beyond flashcards include:

Visualize and vocalize. Visualize the word you’re learning, imagine the image of what it represents and say the new word aloud. This helps you connect the concepts and can improve memorization.
Gesture. The brain learns better when you use physical actions while learning . Take advantage of this by gesturing. If you want to learn the German word Schuh (shoe), say the word while you pretend to put on a shoe.
Talk when you read and write. It will help you remember faster if you vocalize your target language. Read anything that you read or write out loud and try to mimic the accent of a true native while doing this. Remember that the goal is to eventually speak, so this step is important!
Use mnemonic devices. Make up a sentence with the new word you’re learning, the meaning of the word and a word in your native language that sounds similar. For example, if you want to learn the Spanish word mesa (table), you could make up a sentence like, “My kitchen table is always a mess!”

People say you’re not fluent in a foreign language until you catch yourself thinking in it. That makes sense.

Thinking directly in your target language as much as possible will help you avoid errors and speed up the learning and speaking process. It could also help you avoid confusion in the middle of a conversation.

If you do need to translate, be strategic about it. Referring to the languages that you already know and using translation can be used to your advantage, but there are ways to do it efficiently and correctly.

What you could do is think about all the short and simple sentences you use in your daily communication. What sentences do you need at the grocery store? At the post office? At work? At home?

Use a trusted resource for your sentences so that they’re guaranteed to be correct. Learn how to say them, and then always think them to yourself as you go about your daily business.

girl studying language flashcards on train

As a beginner, it can seem overwhelming to try to use the language all day, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. There are many easy and even fun ways to make the language a part of your regular life.

You can use your normal everyday activities as part of your language learning process.

Make use of every moment you have to learn new words . Take flashcards with you, and study them during your train or bus commute (but not while driving, please!) or when you’re waiting to meet a friend.
Switch your cell phone to the language you are studying. You can also do this with your other devices or social media accounts.
Immerse yourself in the language at home by designing your home environment so you’ll be surrounded by the language. For example, you can place pictures of vocabulary words you want to remember at the walls of your home or even write grammatical rules.

You might also want to consider checking out Olly Richard’s language courses , which helps solve the commitment problem by walking you through the immediate concerns of learning a language to fluency.

Let’s say you want to learn German:Track down a handful of new German words you’d like to learn. Write one word per piece of paper, including its translation, pronunciation, part of speech and sample use in a sentence—basically, a dictionary entry.

Pick common nouns, verbs, adjectives and prepositions that you need to know. Your pool might contain: stehen (stand), laut (loud), bekloppt (crazy) and auf (on). Keep these little papers in a bowl near your bed.

Every morning when you wake up, pick from the set. That lucky word will be the one you’ll practice all day long. Use it in conversations with dogs, Facebook chats and comments, in your journal, etc. Use it 15 times at least!

This repetition will store the word in your long term memory. For more effective results, incorporate past words-of-the-day in your activities so you can keep everything fresh in your mind.

When you start to feel tired, switch from active learning to passive learning by doing what you would normally do in your native language in your target language. In other words, take in comprehensible input.

Comprehensible input means material in your target language that you can understand–but it’s still slightly above your level because there are some words or grammar concepts that you don’t know.

According to one of the most influential theories in linguistics , getting comprehensible input is how people acquire and become fluent in a language. To get good at a language fast, you’d want to get a lot of comprehensible input (listening and reading), especially at the start.

This is pretty fun to apply because input can mean TV shows, comics, online videos, podcasts or even actual conversations that you overhear in your target language. Keep reading for tips on how to use these resources in the best way!

The catch is that they have to be comprehensible, though. If you watch a movie without understanding the lines at all, take it down a few notches and choose easier material!

This video explains how comprehensible input speeds up the language learning process:

This is the time for movies and video content to make an appearance in your language program. They’re a great example of comprehensive input. Plus to make studying fun, bring in some resources that you actually enjoy!

It might seem like a time-waster but I assure you, it’s not. Netflix is a pretty good source for movies across different languages.

Think of all of the idioms, conversational phrases and essential vocabulary that show up in them. Aside from being interesting, they also immerse you in the culture.

There are a few phases in watching a foreign movies if you want to maximize their potential for language learning:

First, watch the movie or one scene while reading the subtitles . If there’s a word you don’t understand, write it in your personal dictionary and define it.
Pronounce those words and try to get the accent right. If you can, fit them into sentences of your own, so you’ll understand how they can be used in different situations.
Now, watch the movie or scene again without the subtitles . It’s important to understand as much of the speech as you can. That way you can take your listening comprehension and fluency to the next level.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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If you love listening to music and do it anyway, why not listen to it in your target language! Words tend to flow more naturally when you sing, and singing makes it easier to get the pronunciation right.

Music is also fun because it’s a direct line to the culture you’re learning about. Of course, you’ll need to choose music with lyrics if you’re trying to work on your fluency. Find the lyrics online and try to sing along.

Thanks to amazing websites like Genius , lyrics of any song in any language are usually available—along with lyric meanings, translations and romanized versions (if necessary).

It doesn’t matter whether you have a talent for music or are completely tone deaf. The only important thing is to follow the flow of the words. There’s nothing more fluent than the way words connect through song.

You’re gonna be doing other things at home, right? You could be doing aerobics exercises or cleaning your car. Why don’t you incorporate language into these affairs?

Exercise body and brain. You could be doing you usual aerobics in Italian, for example. Get some Italian aerobics tapes or find videos on YouTube. Instead of counting “one, two, three,” you’ll be puffing “uno, due, tre . “ Instead of moving left and right, you’d go sinistra and destra . The added advantage of this is that, because you’re using new words in a specific context, you’ll find the words easier to remember.
Keep your target language in the background. While cleaning your car or cooking, listen to language lessons or podcasts. This way, you’re hitting two birds with one stone. If you could listen to lessons that talks about what you’re doing at the present (like cooking), then so much the better.

Multitasking and incorporating your target language frees you from the excuse of being “too busy” for a second language.

Reading to further your language skills is another great strategy. It helps you with vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction, and is also a great way to further your cultural knowledge.

Miguel de Cervantes wrote in Spanish, Italy has Dante, Hugo presented the sophistication of French expressions, and the great Tolstoy and Dostoevsky revealed new dimensions of the Russian language.

If advanced novels and books are too daunting for you now, try learning with bilingual books, children’s books or books designed for language learners .

Get talking right away, from the very early stages of your language learning journey! Some of the best learning happens in real-life situations, particularly when you have no choice but to use a foreign language.

This is the favorite approach of organizations like the Peace Corps , which regularly places people with little or no knowledge of a language into full immersion situations.

Although such situations can be uncomfortable, they provide enormous motivation to learn quickly.

Even without traveling abroad, you can immerse yourself in real-life situations that give you loads of language practice. Try these options:

Find a language learning buddy. You can talk in the foreign language and correct each other when needed. You can also make plans and set goals together, increasing your level of accountability and keeping you on track toward fluency.
Meet with a language partner weekly or biweekly. Practice with a language exchange partner by exchanging half an hour in the language you want to learn for half an hour of speaking English (or other languages you’re fluent in).
Join a conversation club. Many cities and schools have conversation clubs where language students meet regularly to practice having informal discussions in their target language.
Use a language partner site. Sites such as Speaky , HelloTalk or Tandem can introduce you to people who speak the language you want to practice. Even if you don’t see them in person, you can gain real-life language practice by chatting online.
Volunteer with immigrants in your city. Find volunteer opportunities on a site like VolunteerMatch or Idealist , or directly contact organizations that serve immigrants who speak the language you want to learn.
Visit businesses where people primarily speak your target language. Perhaps there’s a Mexican restaurant nearby where you can practice your Spanish with the owners, or a grocery store that sells food to the local Chinese community where you can practice Mandarin.

language learners hanging out with native speakers.jpg

Open your house to friends and acquaintances who speak your target language. If you don’t have any, go to language clubs and cultural organizations to make new friends who fit the bill. Invite them for dinner or a coffee. You’ll learn much more from a native speaker than anywhere else.

Native speakers can give you insights into the language and culture you’re interested in. They have firsthand experience. They know the do’s and don’t’s. They know what it’s like to be on the other side of the fence, too.

Don’t be surprised if you’re getting more than a language lesson over dinner. You’ll get to hear great stories from their home country, little-known facts about their culture and tips on linguistic nuances that only come from knowing the language in the real world.

Understanding a language is about more than understanding words on a page. It’s important to learn about the culture and history associated with these words.

Knowing something about a country or culture’s history, current events, religious beliefs and common customs can help you understand a lot about what people say and do.

Researchers have found that children learn to read in a second language better when they understand the culture and context behind the pieces they read.

As you begin to study a new language, take some time to learn about the culture of the people who speak that language.

Don’t feel this is a waste of time, even if it involves reading and watching videos in your native language. It will help you enormously and can even prevent you from making embarrassing and potentially offensive mistakes.

language learner taking online tutoring class

While it’s great that there are so many free language-learning options available, if you’re trying to learn the most in a time crunch, you may need to make an investment.

Hire a tutor. This is a good option for getting on the fast track to language success. Look for qualified tutors at universities and colleges, on Craigslist or even on the message boards in local businesses.
Do tutoring online . Don’t want to leave your home? No problem: There are plenty of online tutoring services you can turn to.
You could also pay for a course, subscribe to a learning service or take classes on the side. Whatever fits your goals, budget and time availability!

Also, remember to interview any potential tutors to be sure you’re finding the right person for the job. Discuss price, scheduling and language qualifications.

We wouldn’t expect professional services for free. We shouldn’t necessarily think language learning should be gratis, either.

By investing in a professional and high-quality learning resource, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance at learning effectively and quickly.

Knowing that you plan to take a test is a great way to motivate yourself to learn faster. Try to regularly test yourself in little ways or even prepare for some bigger exams.

Take practice tests or complete the exercises at the end of each chapter if you’re learning from a textbook. Don’t skip these!
You can also play online games or take online tests. Online practice tests can be found in almost any language, including French , Spanish , Japanese and German .
Planning to take a standardized test can also keep you motivated, and having the results can help you “prove” your language level to potential employers, schools or even just yourself.

The ACTFL OPI test is popular in many language-learning circles and widely respected. It tests oral proficiency and provides a score that ranks your level anywhere from “Novice Low” to “Superior.”

Some languages also have a standardized test specific to that language, such as the JLPT for Japanese or the HSK for Chinese. Ask teachers or professionals who know the language what tests they recommend.

Who wouldn’t love to fly off to a country to learn a language? But if you can’t go traveling in real life, there’s no reason you can’t plan a trip.

Virtual travel won’t get you a slice in a Roman pizzeria or a seat in a Munich beer garden but it’ll certainly engage you so well that you’ll want to learn as much about a culture—and language—as possible. And quickly, too!

The key to this strategy is to investigate traveling options as if you were actually going to grab your passport and head to your dream location.

You need to act as if time is of the essence, which makes it imperative that you gather as much information—particularly language skills—as possible.

Choose the target language and add some authenticity to your planning. And, don’t forget to learn some travel phrases. They’re often part of the country’s webpage.
Prepare as if you had a one-way plane ticket . Read up on local attractions in the target language. Nearly every country has a webpage and most allow visitors to choose a language for the material they showcase.
Find a virtual host in the destination country online. Start a friendly chat in the language. Ask questions about the area and its attractions and culture.

Who knows, maybe you’ll be so inspired that you’ll try to make the trip a reality!

Young guy traveling around and looking at a map

If you’re able to, traveling to a country that speaks your target language remains one of the best options out there to practice and improve your language skills.

Do an immersion program. Doing an immersion program is a great way to both quickly expand your language knowledge and also get corrected by a teacher in a safe learning environment.
Go out there and explore the country during your time off. Put the language you’re learning to immediate use when you’re not in the classroom. You’ll meet many native speakers who will be happy to help you learn the language better.
Try Workaway . If you don’t have the money for an expensive immersion course, doing a Workaway trip is the ideal way to stay with a host family, practice the language and learn about the country in exchange for some weekly work hours.

Traveling is not a simple decision to make, mainly because of the time and money investment involved. However, there’s no goal you can’t achieve with proper planning and budgeting. It will definitely be worth it!

If you made it to an environment that allows you to practice your new language, congrats! Now get ready to make a lot of mistakes.

Leave any desires for perfection and any fears of judgment at the door. It’s best to leave your ego out of the situation when doing something as difficult as learning a new language.
Keep in mind that many natives will be grateful and appreciative of your attempt to learn such an important part of their culture. Congratulate yourself for even the smallest mistakes because it means you are trying.
Resist the urge to judge each conversation as a success or failure as you go about your day-to-day life and practice using your new language.
Approach each interaction as a new opportunity for you to learn something. Even though it’s tempting to be our own worst critic and beat ourselves up for not remembering a particular word or knowing how to clearly express a thought!

Reflect on each conversation and give yourself constructive feedback. Some things you might want to think about are:

What words/phrases would have served me in that conversation?
What new words did I hear/see?
How could I more effectively have a similar conversation in the future?

When you start embracing the ups and downs of the learning process, you’ll better enjoy and appreciate the journey, which sets you up for more learning opportunities.

You may have taught your best friend a few dog tricks already, but when it comes to learning a new language he has one more trick to show you.

Do you remember how many times you had to repeat command words when you first taught Sparky to do things like fetch or roll over? It took many repetitions before he even noticed that you wanted him to do something.

At first he just looked at you cluelessly. Then at the 10th or the 15th time you mentioned the word “fetch,” he noticed that you had the habit of throwing the ball. Then on the 20th or 30th time, he observed that you wanted the ball back. Then around the 35th time, he started playing the game and began fetching the ball. Guess how many times you had to say “fetch.”

A lot! If you connect this with Psychology studies that point to repetition as one of the main accelerators of learning, you’ll start to appreciate shouting “fetch” to Sparky in a foreign language.

So for example, you can repeatedly tell him “habla” (“speak” in Spanish). Dogs learn commands in other languages very quickly, and he’ll be speaking Spanish too before you know it. Cool, huh?

If having fun makes for efficient learning, then playing games is a very important language learning tool.

Truth is, there’s an infinite number of games one can play, limited only by your imagination. Let’s look at one game in particular— charades, with a twist.

Let’s say you want to learn French. How are you going to incorporate that in this game?

Simple. Do French charades! (Keep in mind, you’re going to need a few friends for this one.)

Here’s how it works:

Make a list of 20 common French verbs. Be sure to include key words like danser (dance), nager (swim) and sauter (jump). Write each of them on a small sheet of paper.
Put the paper into a bowl or hat. If you’ve got enough participants, you can play this with two teams.
One team member draws from the bowl and acts out the word. The other member has 30 seconds to guess the verb.
When time expires and the team member fails to give the correct answer, the other team can steal and give one guess. Only one guess is allowed. If the other team guesses correctly, they get the point.
Then the other team proceeds to take their turn drawing from the bowl and acting.

This game is particularly effective if you’re a kinesthetic and visual learner who remember words better with movement and pictures—that is, you can recall sauter better when you see your partner jumping or feel your own legs springing for a jump.

Who knew making your own meals could have healthy linguistic consequences?

Getting busy in the kitchen can teach you vocabulary. A big part of cultural identity is food and its preparation. If you open your mind to this, you’ll get to taste language in its most flavorful form. But where will the language lessons come from?

Cookbooks. Read recipes online or get a cookbook in print. There, you’ll meet food-related Italian words like pesce (fish), manzo (beef), pollo (chicken), al dente (the correct degree to which pasta should be cooked) and antipasto (appetizer).
Food labels. On labels you might learn the French words arôme (flavoring), eau (water), sel (salt) and oeuf (egg).
Menus. These provide Japanese words like yaki (grilled), tori (chicken) and yakitori (grilled chicken)

Going to the kitchen and taking a break from your language lessons can be a language lesson in and of itself!

So there you have it! Once you incorporate these into your routine, you’ll be amazed at the progress you make in your language learning. Remember that consistency is key and you’ll be fluent faster than you imagined!

If you dig the idea of learning on your own time from the comfort of your smart device with real-life authentic language content, you'll love using FluentU .

With FluentU, you'll learn real languages—as they're spoken by native speakers. FluentU has a wide variety of videos as you can see here:

FluentU App Browse Screen.

FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.

Didn't catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.

Interactive, dual-language subtitles.

You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU's "learn mode." Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU Has Quizzes for Every Video

And FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You get a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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More From Forbes

3 high-income skills to learn without a degree in 2024.

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You don't need to run into debt to have a high-income career; that's counterintuitive

Did you know that you can learn high-income skills (with the potential to make money way into six figures), without needing to run into debt to pursue a four-year degree?

High-income skills—the skills that have high growth and salary potential—can be applied to multiple sectors and industries, and they enable a degree of flexibility and stability for your career.

For example, with a high-income skill such as project management, you can easily apply this skill to multiple industries and in a wide variety of contexts. This helps you to future-proof your career, as you will always have the ability to be able to bounce regardless of the job market, and you could even turn your skill into a full-time entrepreneurial or freelance venture.

If you're wondering what skills you should commit to developing in 2024 so you can have a lucrative career without needing to go to college, here are three that might surprise you. These are certainly worth bearing in mind throughout your decision-making—and what's more, they're not in tech.

(Salary information is taken from Salary.com.)

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You don't need a degree of any kind to succeed in sales. There are many sales professionals who took a job in sales right out of school or halfway through college, and have been able to work their way up the ladder, earn $100,000 and above each year through bonuses and commissions, and experience exciting careers. Sales is a skill that can be applied to any industry, because every company and industry needs sales revenue to thrive and remain in business.

It's worth noting, however, that there are some industries which pay sales professionals exceptionally well, and these include healthcare and enterprise technology.

You can study sales techniques and gain sales skills development through online courses, or through attending in-person training and local community colleges.

According to Salary.com, average salaries can start at $29,482 but go as far as $361,896.

2. Real Estate

Real estate is a type of sales that involves selling and advertizing properties for let or for purchasing. These properties can include commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use spaces. In the Unites States, you will need to take a course and pass an exam, so that you can receive a state licence to practice. You might then consider joining the National Association of Realtors as a member to become a realtor.

Professionals who have real estate within their career toolkit can see their annual earnings jump to as much as $98,000 (not including unlimited commission).

3. Project Management

Project management is another fantastic high-income skill to consider learning without getting a degree this year. However, depending on the nature of the role, you may find yourself more involved in the technical aspect than you initially expected, so depending on your career goals, getting certifications in software development, for example, can be a helpful addition to your project management certification.

In your role as a project manager, you can expect to make between $65,661 to $83,483 on average. As you work up the ladder in management, you could eventually realize earnings of up to $143,000.

High-income skills such as project management and sales are flexible and easily transferable, being ... [+] relevant to every industry, which ensures career stability

With skills and expertise in sales, real estate, and project management (while continuously improving these skills over time) you can be one step closer to securing your dream career and boosting your personal finances.

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image of open antique book on wooden table with glitter overlay.

Greetings earthlings and sunbeams.

If you find yourself asking, “Why do I feel so weird today?” it just may be that the moon is void-of-course.

A refresher: While the sun stays in each zodiac sign for roughly a month, the moon changes signs every two to 2.5 days.

Void of course, often written as v/c, describes the period of time from the moment the moon makes its final contact with any planet in its current sign to the point that it transitions into the next sign.

What does it mean for us when the moon is void-of-course?

Void-of-course moon means that nothing is interacting with the moon and thus our tin cup mirror in the sky is out there living loose and free. Representing the divine feminine, past lives and the archetype of the mother, the moon is our emotional ballast and when there is nothing for her to work for, with or against the feeling is a general unmooring.

Astrologer Estelle Daniels describes this period of time as the moon being “off the clock.”

She imparts, “This is the cosmic relaxation time, when it is best to kick back, relax, hang out, have a party, read a book, do those household chores and generally just wait until the Moon changes signs.”

The moon needs the support of other planets to do its bidding, create, maintain etc. When la luna goes off the rails, she lacks the momentum and aid required to make s–t happen.

Daniels explains, “It is not the time to do anything which would have tangible results. Especially don’t sign a contract, make a commitment (unless you don’t intend to keep it), buy anything major or long-lasting (groceries are OK but expect to forget something).”

How long does it last?

Beautiful autumn fantasy - maple tree in fall season and full moon with star. Retro style with vintage color tone. Halloween and Thanksgiving in night skies background concept.

Depending on the speed of the moon, void-of-course happens every two to three days. The void of course period can last from a few minutes to, on rare occasions, two days, but typically carries on for a couple of hours and feels a bit like the “Night on Bald Mountain” sequence from Fantasia.

The longer the void-of-course lasts, the more it begins to feel like a mini Mercury retrograde .

To find out when the moon will be void-of-course, reference this calendar. The black, right-facing arrow indicates when the moon enters the void-of-course period.

Now look for the next astrological symbol, followed by a time stamp: This indicates when the moon will enter the next sign, the period between the arrow and the sign is void-of-course.

Ideally, the moon is void-of-course while we sleep, but when it happens during waking hours ,there are ways to make it work for us. Because the mighty moon, orb of intuition, is free balling during the void-of-course period, meditation, divination and inner work can be more accessible.

What to do with the moody moon

To be clear, void-of-course periods are not inherently negative — if anything they are frustratingly neutral. Nothing is going to happen during a void-of-course moon and sometimes, nothing is just what we need. If you are looking for minimal repercussions, are about to drop a difficult piece of information or are trying to fly under the radar, this is the moon for you, folks.

Fun fact, according to Estelle Daniels , astrology-obsessed President Ronald Reagan would strategically plan presidential news conferences that addressed controversial topics during void-moons to avoid unwanted attention.

What does it mean to be born during a void-of-course moon?

Those born when the moon is void-of-course are served an extra helping of spiderwebs and wet sand to trudge through. Elise Wells, astrologer at Planet Poetica was born while the moon was void-of-course.

“People born when the moon is void of course don’t react to life in predictable ways,” told The Post. “We can think of it as a valve that’s stuck between their brain and energy flow. It’s really hard for them to get on the bus, conform or feign anything remotely normal.”

For more information on being born under these strange skies or to book a reading, visit Wells’s website here .

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

The 12 zodiac signs
What are the astrology houses
Here’s what each planet represents
Sun, moon and rising signs: Get to know your Big 3

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. She is also an accomplished writer who has profiled artists and performers and extensively chronicled her travel experiences.

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After 23 years in corporate America, I took a career-change course to figure out what's next. Here are 9 tips that actually helped.

After 23 years in corporate America, I decided I needed a career change and signed up for a course.
Throughout the program, I learned how important it was to build a network and test out new things.
After eight months, I was finally able to confidently start doing more fulfilling work.

Career change, shift, pivot. Whatever you call it, after 23 years in corporate America , I wanted out.

I didn't know what I wanted to do next, but I was sure it wasn't what I was doing now.

Luckily, the US job market is more stable now than it's been since before 2020. But changing careers is more than finding a new boss or moving to a different company.

During one marathon search session, I stumbled upon Careershifters and paid $1,175 for its eight-week Career Change Launch Pad course.

Now that I've successfully pivoted, here are the best tips I took away from the course.

Step back and assess where you're at

We started the course by taking a quiz that was supposed to help us determine what stage of the pivoting process we were in (questioner, browser, explorer, pathfinder, and shifter).

These kinds of assessments can sometimes feel gimmicky, but it was helpful to zoom out a bit and reflect on where I was at.

The categories stretched from questioner (wondering whether you need to make a change) to shifter (successfully finding more fulfilling work), and the assessment told me I was an explorer (ready to change but not sure what to do).

Look for people, not jobs

Building my network was exponentially more helpful than skimming through endless job descriptions.

I recommend talking to everyone about your shift — family, friends, former colleagues, yoga teachers, LinkedIn connections . You never know what or who they know.

I met a McDonald's Happy Meal toy designer through a former boss, and my chiropractor connected me with a lifestyle magazine.

Don't try to do everything alone

Surrounding myself with a community of other people going through a career change made all the difference in my process.

My program included coaches who had changed careers and about 65 fellow participants from around the world — including a programmer in the UK, a writer in Greece, and an accountant in Brooklyn.

They all understood what it was like to feel stuck and overwhelmed, and we shared ideas, work experiences, and networks.

Career shifts don't happen overnight

We're asked what we want to be when we grow up all the time as kids, but I hadn't had the opportunity to explore that question as an adult.

Deciding to pivot allowed me to take the time to discover more about myself, explore my options, and experiment with different possibilities.

Changing careers is a process — don't rush it. I was eight months into my career shift before I felt confident about what I wanted.

Don't start with updating your résumé

A résumé is all about where you've been. But a career shift is about what you want in the future.

Instead of rushing to update résumés or spruce up my portfolio, I tried to trust the process and focus on figuring out what I wanted.

My career experience up to that point had been something like, "You're perfect. You're hired. Now change."

But after a career-shift coach told me she gets paid to be herself, that became my new mission.

Physically try new things that get you out of your head

It's going to be really hard to find fulfilling work if you're just sitting behind your desk all day looking for opportunities online.

Instead of endlessly searching job boards , I did an informational interview with an author, ran promotions for a high-school musical, and went behind the scenes at a local bakery.

Even if I wasn't necessarily interested in those fields, physically getting myself out there and trying new things helped me along in my process.

Expand your reality bubble

Everyone has what I like to call a "reality bubble," and they're full of different ideas, perspectives, people, and experiences.

Simply expanding that bubble a little bit opened my mind to new possibilities for my career shift.

When I pushed myself to have new and different conversations, I met a gift concierge who helped me identify small businesses that needed marketing help and a Disney travel planner who ended up being my first client when I started working as a career-change consultant.

Take your ideas for a low-risk test drive

Attending workshops and testing things out with friends are great, low-risk ways to experiment with different career possibilities.

I did pro-bono marketing for a doggie day care , took an hourlong course on book publishing, and designed a line of 1980s-themed scented markers — along with 25 other short-lived experiments.

Through all these different experiences, I figured out what gives me energy, what I could get good at, and what I might actually be able to get paid for.

Holding one salaried job isn't the only way to work

When I started this process, I knew I didn't want to do one thing in one place with one company anymore.

Just because having a single source of income is the norm doesn't mean that's where you have to wind up. Eventually, I was able to create a hodgepodged career that met my goal of feeling like I was getting paid to be myself.

Now I work with a variety of people and companies as a freelance writer, career-change consultant, and small-business marketing strategist.

Watch: Marketing leaders from Amazon, LinkedIn, Lego Group and more tell Insider what pandemic-fueled business changes are likely to stick around

Main content

Nintendo brings home white knuckle speedrun competition with Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition!

How quickly could you collect a roomful of coins in Super Mario Bros. ? Or snag the sword at the start of The Legend of Zelda ? Or clear the entire first course in Super Mario Bros. 3 ? Could you do it faster than your friends? OK — can you do it faster than the rest of the world ? Well, it’s time to find out!

On July 18, the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition game kicks off its worldwide — or just living room-bound — competition on the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems!

And for those whose NES roots run deep, prepare for the nostalgia-plosion that is the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition – Deluxe Set . This special-edition bundle includes a physical version of the game, a set of 5 collectible pins, 13 art cards commemorating each of the featured NES classics, and a replica of the fabled gold-colored NES Game Pak (for display only, stand included) to commemorate the original 1990 Nintendo World Championships event. Perfect for collectors, and for raising above your head in victory!

To get a taste of what the game has in store – and to rev up those nostalgic feelings – take a quick crash course in all things Nintendo World Championships.

Paying tribute to the unforgettable in-person Nintendo World Championships held in 1990, 2015 and 2017, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition challenges players to battle through bite-sized bits of classic blockbusters. Both old-school and new-school players can enjoy the rush of over 150 speedrun challenges taken from 13 classic NES games. Warm up by setting and beating your own best times in the single-player Speedrun Mode – unlocking new challenges and unique in-game pins along the way – then up to 8 players* can compete locally in Party Mode. Nintendo Switch Online members** can also enter World Championships Mode to submit their best times in five challenges that rotate each week and compete for a spot on the global leaderboard.

Test your mettle against speedrun challenges taken from these NES titles:

Balloon Fight

Donkey Kong

Ice Climber

Kirby’s Adventure

Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels

The Legend of Zelda

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

It’s time to etch your own name into gaming history. Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition – Deluxe Set ($59.99 MSRP) and the digital version of the game ($29.99 MSRP) are available for pre-order at Best Buy, GameStop, Target and other select retailers. Also, those seeking the most authentic NES feel can snag a pair of optional Nintendo Entertainment System controllers *** ($59.99 MSRP), available to paid Nintendo Switch Online members.

Are you ready to speedrun your way to glory?

For more information about Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition please visit:

https://nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-switch

*Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately.

**Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/

***Any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership required to purchase controller(s). Limit four purchases per controller per Nintendo Account. Offer not available for free trial holders. Controller(s) ships to the U.S. and Canada only. Controller(s) is optional and not required to play the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition game or the Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online collection of games.

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