Sometimes you don't really know how to start learning.
There are many different learning strategies that you can use.
Here we show a learning strategy...
... which is easy to learn,
... can be used in many different situations
... and is also fun:
The ABC list (a method by Vera F. Birkenbihl).
Go to our Download file:example ABC for a "motivation booster" for a term paper.
What you need:
- a piece of paper (on which you write A,B,C....Z vertically on the left side) or download our Download file:ABC list
- a timer of about 60 seconds
Decide on one of the following application areas and a topic for which you would like to fill in your ABC list.
Vera F. Birkenbihl
Vera F. Birkenbihl heads an Institute for brain-friendly learning, has been an author and trainer in numerous seminars and workshops (more about her on her website External link opens in a new window:https://vera-birkenbihl.de/).
Start an ABC
Start the list on a specific topic:
- Write down the topic and date on the ABC list.
- The date helps you to repeat the ABC list regularly to consolidate what you have learned.
- The ABC list works virtually with all topics, for example, "qualitative research methods", "cardiovascular system", and many more.
- Look for terms that fit the topic and begin with A, B, C, etc...
- You can fill out the ABC list in any order you like. You do not have to go through the list from A-Z. Whenever you think of something, write down a term.
- You can also add to the list at any time.
- A time limit of e.g. 60 sec. is helpful to be able to proceed in a more structured and focused way.
- For successful learning, the terms should be repeated and narratively related to the content.
- Start each learning unit with an empty list, even repeatedly on the same topic.
ABC list as a warm up! Activating knowledge
The ABC list is suitable as a so-called "knowledge activation"
(e.g. before a lecture, before reading a script etc.).
Previous knowledge is an important guarantee for successful learning.
We already know a lot about many topics and can "activate" existing knowledge both automatically and actively. Using an ABC list we can warm up our brain before active learning and thus activate and strengthen the existing connections of our knowledge network. In this way new knowledge can be attached much more easily to the nerve cells (Krause & strong, 2006). To get a better idea of what is meant, think of a fishing net. The more tightly knotted this is, the less can escape through the holes. Thus, during prior knowledge activation, the net is tightened and the knots are retightened. During the subsequent learning process, the meshes are pulled tighter. However, the meshes only remain tight if they are consolidated by regular recall and repetition of what has been learned.
ABC list as an associative learning strategy & effective note taking technique
The ABC list is suitable as an associative learning strategy & effective note-taking technique.
(e.g. while reading a script, during a lecture, during an explanatory video).
Actively use the ABC list to document input. In doing so, you learn to note only what is important and not to write down everything word for word. For example, watch a video, read through a text / script and fill in an ABC list with key terms for the topic shown / read. Practice this right away with the next Youtube video you are going to watch. Go through the key points again afterwards and tell yourself in your own words what the topic was and what it was about. In doing so, you will activate and consolidate what you have learned.
ABC list as a motivation booster
The ABC list is suitable as a "motivation booster". "Why am I actually doing this?"
Almost everyone sits frustrated in front of a task at some point and just can't get started. Analyse with the help of an ABC list what your actual motivation was at the beginning, e.g., for this course of studies, the job, course or hobby to decide. What motivated you at that time to make this decision and follow this path? What did you want to achieve with it? How did you find out about it? What all did you put into it? etc. Go through these questions for yourself and write down the key points that pop into your head in an ABC list.