What is the fastest way to learn a new skill?
An intriguing aspect of learning is the power of repetition over duration. Although it may not be obvious, short and regular practice is usually more effective than long and infrequent sessions. For example, a 5-minute breathing practice done daily is more effective than a one-hour breathing session per week.
Understanding the learning process
It would be great if learning a new skill could happen at the first rehearsal. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Most skills take time to become habitual, and repetition is the key element in introducing a new skill. This is how our brains work - recent findings on neuroplasticity increasingly confirm that our brain's ability to form new connecting structures becomes more robust through repetition, resulting in improved performance or the development of a new skill.
It is also important to remember that relaxation plays an equally important role in learning a new skill. Short and regular breaks are known to significantly improve the learning of a new skill.
Advantages of short daily practice sessions compared to longer weekly sessions
Everyday practice can be thought of as the daily care of something important. The benefits of daily practice are clear. Short and frequent sessions build:
- Higher consistency - learning “little by little”, “step by step” is easier to fit into everyday life, even on busy days. Systematicity builds habits, and habits turn new skills into second nature.
- Better preservation and strengthening from memory - regular repetition ensures more effective learning and builds understanding of the new skill.
- Faster error recognition and correction - shorter, more intensive work allows mistakes to be identified and corrected quickly, helping to develop precise, well-honed skills.
- Higher adaptability - short workouts are easy to schedule at different times of the day. In turn, knowing that practice will soon be over reduces tension and discomfort during practice, making it emotionally easier to do, even if the process is tiring.
Application and meaning
You don't have to be a psychologist to use this strategy - shorter, more frequent moments of practice give better results.
The most important thing is to find the right balance between repetition frequency and session duration. This is individual - depending on the complexity of the task, personal learning preferences, cognitive load and external circumstances (e.g. workload, presence of children, etc.).
Conclusioni
- Prioritise frequency over duration - short daily practices promote consistency, flexibility and effective learning.
- Include rest - it is not a waste of time, but an essential element of reinforcing what has been learned.
- Tailor your traineeship to you - take into account the complexity of the task, your personal abilities and your daily rhythm.
- Prioritise quality over quantity - think “smart, not just a lot”! Remember that the real goal is to maintain the intensity of the learning with your mind and planning, not simply to pass the practice session for as long as possible.
To learn how to change, join the IDARTO Centre for “Skills for Change” or psychological techniques for the video library “Psychologist in your pocket”.
Source: Smart, A. (2023, Aug 17). The power of repetition over duration: Shorter daily practice vs. Shorter weekly practice. TheraHive. https://www.therahive.com/blog/the-power-of-repetition-over-duration-shorter-daily-practice-vs-longer-weekly-practice