Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in The Mustang Connection, TMU’s alumni magazine.

By Dr. Jordan Morton, Dean of the Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education

In the early days of the pandemic, when quarantine started abruptly, I kept hearing from people looking for new things to do during their expanded at-home time. Some discovered and took up new craft hobbies, like baking or candle-making; some tried blogging or podcasting; some sunk into the latest video game. Someone I know started learning to speak another language. Learning something new became, apparently, a thing. How many people will continue with their newly acquired skills or remember their freshly acquired knowledge remains to be seen. Still, it is safe to say that those who keep baking sourdough bread or speaking Mandarin will have succeeded as learners. What makes that happen? Is it luck, willpower, or some other ethereal factor? No. You can take specific steps to help you succeed when you want to learn something new.

What is Learning?

When you approach learning something new, it’s helpful to start understanding what learning is — an internal cognitive process that results in change. Romans 12:2 underscores this, exhorting us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” In other words, if we truly learn, whatever we do will change us. Yesterday, you may not have known what sourdough starter was, but today you do, so you can use it correctly when baking. That simple new nugget of knowledge opened a door for you. While it may be a stretch to say, “Learning about sourdough starter changed my life,” it is a fact that your knowledge base increased, and that makes a difference (a change) in what you can bake. God’s design of our minds is wonderful, indeed.

Tips to Ensure Learning

When you want to learn something new, how can you maximize your potential for success?

Tip 1: Prepare for It

In our education degree programs in the Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education, we often use taking a trip as an analogy for learning. What if you were going to take a trip to New York City? It’s highly unlikely that you would rush down to the airport and jump on a plane on a whim. You would prepare ahead of time – looking for a good deal on plane tickets, researching the weather, and picking out a hotel that meets your needs. It’s best to approach learning with the same proactive and curious mindset. What exactly will you be learning, and what does that entail? Approach these questions with a willing and open mind and anticipate change. Feeling apprehensive? Feeling a little unsure when learning something new is normal, but focus on the outcome you expect. Think of what the new knowledge or skill will add to your life. Then, set aside dedicated time so you can focus on the learning. You’ll want to choose a time when you are not distracted or tired. Make sure you can access all the necessary materials in advance as well. These may seem like simple steps, but taking them will get you off to a good start in your learning journey.

Tip 2: Watch It and Talk It Out

Knowing where to get the best pizza in New York is hard if you’ve never been there. But you can be guided well by someone who has. When you are learning something new, it’s a good idea to find someone to be your model with the knowledge or skill you want to gain. You could reach out to a person in your circle of family or friends, find a professional to hire, or follow a renowned expert by subscribing to their YouTube channel. Observe what they do carefully and go ahead and take notes. You’ll want to break complex tasks or knowledge into smaller pieces. Talking about what you are learning is also crucial to success – research shows it makes a huge difference in retaining knowledge – so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find a mentor who will be responsive to your questions. If you can’t find an accessible mentor, talking with someone learning along with you is also valuable. Reach out to others who are also learning what you are learning and set up times to talk as you go. Joining a related club or organization can provide you with contacts.

Tip 3: Apply It

Research also shows that we retain knowledge better when we apply it, and we need to practice any new skills. How will you use the new understanding of skills you learn? Take steps to put them to use right away. Why not use your learning to help others? Find a ministry opportunity that will allow you to share what you have learned in the service of God’s kingdom. In other words, don’t keep your newfound learning to yourself. You can share what you know even if you are not an expert. If you can find a way to do that, your brain will make connections, and that will cement your newly acquired knowledge or skills so you can bless others.

Go Forth and Learn!

You can succeed by understanding what learning really is, preparing for it, finding a model of it, talking about it, and then finding ways to apply it. That should encourage all of us to keep learning.

To learn more about TMU’s School of Education, including its teacher credential program, click here.