10 tips for effective learning

1 - Set aside a learning period at the same time each day - begin to train your mind to expect to learn at this time. Habit can be a very powerful thing, let’s get it on side.

2 - Don’t try to learn for too long. Around 45 minutes is a good chunk of time. And be sure to take at least a 15 minute break every hour. Walk around the block, take a stretch, listen to some music, have some water. You’re only human after all, so don’t burn yourself out. And trying to cram in too much learning over too long a learning period can be counterproductive. You have been warned!

3 - Relax. Take a shower, do some relaxation exercises before you begin each session. Meditation, Yoga, or a piece of relaxing music. Whatever works best for you. Think of yourself as a mental gymnast who needs to prepare themselves well.

4 - Expect to learn. Tell yourself that you will learn, easily and effectively before you begin each session. Expect to remember. Make a commitment, promise yourself.

5 - Don’t knock yourself out. Even if you feel you’re getting nowhere with your studies, take it easy on yourself. Remember that maybe some things need to filter through your mind for them to become available - ever heard of sleeping on a problem?

6 - Play some classical music in the background. Mozart is particularly effective. Many believe that this will optimise your brainwaves for accelerated learning. I’ve heard that Mozart was hyperactive, and that he instinctively composed his music to bring his own state of mind down. Whole language courses have been written which use this technique - I've even written one myself!

7 - Drink plenty of water. You know that already, right? The brain is mostly water, and it relies on a ready supply to learn effectively.

8 - Break down large topics. How do you eat an elephant? A piece at a time! Create a workable breakdown of what you need to learn and by when. Then work backwards and see how much time you need to spend each day. Plan ahead, be organized, and you can save time later.

9 - Teach someone else what you’ve learnt, or what you’re learning. Telling others is a great way to help you remember things yourself. Simply explaining what you’ve learnt to others will make you draw what you’re learning out of yourself and force you to clarify and refine it. Plus, of course, the other person gets to learn what you’re learning too. Who knows, you might even go up in their estimation!

10 - Have fun, enjoy learning and think of how you’ll feel when you’ve mastered all that you need to know. And always look back and be pleased of what you have learnt, rather than getting mad at what you can’t remember.

officially retro

"one of the most fondly remembered and controversial business simulators of all time" is how the fabulous 'retro gamer' magazine describes 'A Rock Star Ate my Hamster' in a generous four-page spread this month. Which does make me officially retro.

new Welsh course

Cwm Gwrachod is a new course for younger people (10-16) to learn and improve their Welsh.

Music, stories and online activities will ease and speed the learning process. Book one is available now complete with audio downloads for a remarkable introductory £14.95.

www.cwmgwrachod.com

Allister Brimble's response to the new CD

'I really enjoyed it... some very nice moments on there.'

Video games legend and musician Allister Brimble. Thanks Allister.

come and sit upon the grass

uploading downloads

Uploading downloads of Lucy's Unusual Sunday for Friday release. Must make a note of the recording dates later.

CD for release by Zero Valley. www.zerovalley.com

5 things that won't see 2020

(Apart from quite possibly me, of course)

The iPad may indeed just be a big iPod touch, but almost everyone I've met who's heard of it (and most have) are positive. So here's my comprehensive list of things to say goodbye to.

1 The computer mouse. Of course. We'll clean the jam off the touch screen later, but everyone prefers touching to pointing.

2 Desktop computers in the home. Obviously. If the iPad covers wordprocessing, presentations and spreadsheets as well as Steve Jobs claims we won't even see desktop computers in many offices.

3 Amazon as a bookstore. Oh they'll still sell books alright. Premium versions, art books, signed celebrity editions, but their main focus will (has?) shift away from books. Their ebooks will probably continue, but say goodbye to...

4 Kindle reader. Why would anyone buy one now? They'll use their iPad as a digital photo frame when they're not stuck in a novel.

5 Microsoft in the home/small office. See item 3 for clarification. Unlike Apple Microsoft have never been able to develop anything other than their core product (Windows and Office).