How To Get Better at Learning: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever had that moment where you’re watching an online tutorial or reading a book, and halfway through you realise you have no idea what you just learned? Maybe you’ve even paused to ask yourself, “Why can’t I seem to grasp this as quickly as everyone else?”—and ended up falling into the rabbit hole of internet searches like “how to learn faster” or “why am I so bad at this?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a situation many of us have been in—feeling stuck, frustrated, and unsure of how to improve.

Fortunately, Ulrich Boser, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, has explored some of the most common questions about learning and shared research-backed strategies to help you master new skills more effectively. Here are some insights that will show you how learning is a learned behaviour and how you can improve at it:

A common misconception is that learning ability is tied to intelligence—it’s either something you’re born with, or you’re out of luck. But research shows that learning is not about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about developing specific strategies that can accelerate your ability to grasp new concepts. According to studies like those by Marcel Veenman, learners who actively think about their thinking (a concept called metacognition) outperform those with high IQs when it comes to mastering new skills. This means that with the right approach, anyone can become a better learner.

One of the most effective ways to improve learning is by organising your goals, much like you would with a project. Simply saying “I want to be better at this” isn’t enough. You need to break it down into smaller, manageable targets. Stanford psychologist Albert Bandura highlights that setting clear, actionable goals helps overcome negative emotions like doubt and fear of failure, which often hold us back. For example, instead of just aiming to “learn French,” break it down into daily goals like “practice vocabulary for 15 minutes” or “listen to a French podcast.” The clearer your goals, the more focused and motivated you’ll be.

Metacognition is a fancy word for “thinking about thinking,” and it’s crucial to effective learning. When you’re learning something new, don’t just focus on memorising facts or following steps blindly. Instead, ask yourself questions like: Do I truly understand this? Could I explain it to someone else? What’s missing from my knowledge? This reflection helps reinforce your understanding and identify areas that need more work. Experts do this all the time—they constantly evaluate whether their thinking makes sense and adjust their approach if necessary. You don’t need to be an expert to use metacognition, though. Anyone can start reflecting on their learning to gain better mastery of a subject.

One surprising aspect of learning is that we often understand something better after we’ve stepped away from it. Ever notice how your best ideas come while you’re in the shower or doing the dishes? That’s because reflection allows your brain to process information more deeply. Studies even show that sleep can enhance learning by consolidating what you’ve practiced, meaning a good night’s rest can make you more effective at learning the next day.

This cognitive quiet, or mental space, is essential for grasping new skills. When you're stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, it’s harder for your brain to focus on absorbing new information. That’s why taking breaks and finding moments of calm are key strategies for effective learning.