Tips for A Slow Learner

By HelloLife

While it is common for our children to face learning difficulties, it can be much harder when it is adults who have trouble learning. Learning difficulties can potentially interfere with work, education and one's personal life and can trigger feelings of low self worth and doubt.

Coping with Delayed Learning

You may have noticed throughout your adult life that certain tasks simply take you much longer to complete. All adults experience a delay in some sort of task; many have problems with mathematical or logical thinking, while others experience difficulty creating word based products. Usually we realize what are our strengths and weaknesses and choose a job that best suits us. This way, we can maximize our strongest areas and limit exposure to those at which we are not so efficient. Many people have automatically adapted certain behaviors to adjust to their weaknesses. A forgetful person may have made it a habit to keep a notepad with them to jot down items they need to remember. Professors often take snapshots of students to help learn student's names. Most likely you have certain behaviors you already do to help yourself out.

Slow Learner or Learning Disability

If you have searched this article out, chances are you are concerned about your learning speed. You may have noticed certain difficulties in picking up new ideas, or adapting to new changes. Often this difficulty begins at work, where we're constantly required to acclimate to new tasks, interact with new people and multi-task. If you have a serious concern about your learning abilities, seek the advice of a medical professional, either your general practice doctor or a psychologist. It is possible you have a learning disability such as ADHD or dyslexia that is interfering with your daily life. These disabilities occur in adults as well as children, especially since we are more aware today than we were 20 years ago of the signs and symptoms of these conditions. Hearing problems often interfere with learning in adults, as does depression or other mental illnesses. A qualified professional can check for these conditions and any others.

Lifestyle Habits

Your lifestyle habits may be contributing to memory problems. Being overweight has been linked to memory dysfunction as has lack of exercise and a poor diet. And, since all three factors, diet, weight and exercise, are linked, it's easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Caffeine, cigarette smoke and alcohol use can all contribute as well.

Tips for Slow Learners

If you have difficulty learning or remembering things, there are tips to help you maintain optimal functioning.

Get Organized - Carry a notebook, date book or digital device in which you can record and track important information. This can hold grocery lists, daily to-do lists, birthdays, meeting information, phone numbers, etc. Keeping all this information in one place allows for easy accessibility. However, try to keep a back up copy (PDA's can be uploaded to the computer) in case of accidental loss.
Leave Notes - A well placed sticky note can be beneficial. Keep note-pads in various places that you or family members can use to communicate reminders.
Don't Multitask - While multitasking feels efficient, it can actually decrease focus and memory. Stick to one task at a time.
Remove Distractions - Maintaining focus will help you learn and remember. Minimize workplace distractions with soothing music or white noise. Use headphones if necessary.
Keep Your Mind Sharp - Minimize activities like television watching that allow your brain to zone out. Try to keep your mind sharp by engaging in challenging activities. Think chess, reading, crossword puzzles or brain games.
Understand How You Learn - Know what environment suits your learning style best. Try different learning methods to see what is most effective. You may want to record presentations, take note in longhand or learn by repeating the task yourself.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/tips-for-better-memory http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/20070201/multitasking-hurts-learning

[sniple Procognin]