With a fast expanding knowledge base, we are all going to be life-long learners, whether for professional needs or for personal enrichment or both. It is important that we all develop effective learning skills. Besides having the necessary mental attitudes such as desire and motivation, one must practice active learning and cooperative learning. Active learning involves critical thinking and creativity and this applies to reading, listening, experimentation, etc. For example, when we read a new section or chapter, we don't just read the written words or diagrams, we also develop a mental picture of the concept, analyze, evaluate, extrapolate, and integrate it into the knowledge base we already have.
Isolated facts are easy to forget but an organized knowledge stays for a much longer period.
Active learning produces a living knowledge that grows. It also tends to motivate and energize learners. Cooperative learning means learning with others. A good learning environment must encompass stimulating peer interactions. The amount of group activity needed may vary from person to person, but everyone should participate in some small group sessions.