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How do children learn? -

The first five years of a child's life is the foundation for the development of their communication, behavior, and social skills. In effect, the basics to functioning in the real world.

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Schools -

School is a safe space where kids can learn without stress interfering with their education. They're also in an environment where they can socialize with children their own age.

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Learning pace -

Also, when it comes to learning, children go at a pace appropriate for their age. All of this is different from how an adult learns.

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How do adults learn? -

One thing that make adults different is that their intentions to pick up a skill differs from that of a child.

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A different motivation -

Generally, adults make an active choice to learn something that will help them grow as a person.

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An example -

For example, an adult who enjoys writing and wishes to publish a book may take a creative writing class. They come to the class with experience and the drive to use what they learn to meet their goal.

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Learner-centered -

Basically, one of the main characteristics of adult learning is that it's learner-centered, meaning focused on subjects that they can apply to their professional life.

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Why kids learn faster -

It's not a myth that kids learn faster than adults, and there's plenty of scientific evidence to back this up.

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The development of the prefrontal cortex -

One reason kids learn faster than adults is that the part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex is still developing. This is the front part of the brain.

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The brain's development -

The brain doesn't fully develop until a person is around 25 years old, and brain development occurs from the back to the front. So, the prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to develop.

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What the prefrontal cortex does -

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for functions like planning and decision-making. Unsurprisingly, kids don't have these skills yet.

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On the other hand -

Not being able to make and follow concrete plans means that kids’ minds are more flexible. And this cognitive flexibility helps them learn more quickly.

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Learning is relatively slower for adults -

The developed prefrontal cortices of adults mean that they experience functional fixedness, making learning relatively slower.

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Brain plasticity -

Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the ability of the brain to change in response to environmental demands.

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Why it's important -

Neuroplasticity is essential in learning, because learning occurs when connections are made between neurons in the brain.

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It's faster during childhood -

Neuroplasticity is more rapid and constant during childhood. Therefore, kids’ brains are naturally better at rewiring themselves to learn new things.

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Degenerative changes occur with age -

Unfortunately, just as our muscles and joints can stiffen as our body ages, so does our brain. This is one of many age-related degenerative changes that seriously affect normal brain function.

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Changes of an aging brain -

As we grow older, the brain undergoes chemical, neuronal, and structural changes, affecting cognitive abilities.

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Things you can learn -

A variety of factors play a role when it comes to children being fast learners. And you as an adult can apply these for yourself.

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Kids have more time on their hands -

Kids don't have many responsibilities, which means they have plenty of time for the learning process.

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Why children are fast learners and how you can incorporate their tricks -

While you as an adult have a much busier life, to learn anything faster you'll have to give it more time. Increasing your productivity can help you with that.

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Adults develop fear-based behavior that harnesses their learning -

Kids learn faster because they do things without thinking that they'll look or sound foolish.

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Let go of any embarrassment -

In the process of learning, children do many things that adults consider embarrassing. So to learn as fast as they do, don't worry about looking foolish!

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Kids absorb information in focused, short learning bursts -

Kids learn faster by forgetting everything else and putting all their energy into absorbing a small piece before proceeding.

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Focus on one thing before you move on -

So ditch the master plan, and put all your attention on small pieces that are new or problematic before you move on. This could apply to a new foreign word or a guitar note, for example.

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Kids don't overthink -

Kids are also fast learners because they don't worry about the fine details. As their prefrontal cortex isn't fully developed, kids don't go over scenarios or possibilities, which leads to overthinking.

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Don't overthink -

The key takeaway here is to not overthink, which is easier said than done. Talking to a therapist might help you here.

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Playful learning -

As you already know, play is a big part of children’s lives. And when learning is made fun, they're more eager to participate, which helps them absorb new information and skills.

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Try to have fun -

Make life and learning fun by having a playful nature instead of being overly serious.

See also: Essential skills to learn before turning 50

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