Learning successfully with the LearningToolKit
Whether out of pure interest, to prepare for an exam, to put together a presentation or as a requirement for an important conversation: learning is an important and integral part of studying. Here you will find key tips on demonstrably effective learning and reading strategies that can help you learn more successfully and increase your learning success.
In a nutshell: The 10 most effective learning tips
10 learning tips

Download of the 10 most effective learning tips
In the flyer, the ten most effective learning tips are summarized briefly and concisely. You can download it as a memory aid.
Videos on learning strategies and learning tips
In the videos you will be introduced to further learning strategies and learning tips which have been empirically proven to be effective. You will also receive central background information on the subject of learning.
AHA-video episode 1: Self management
A high IQ and diligence are crucial for successful studies. However, studies show that intelligence is not the central guarantor of success for studying. Networks, the regulation of emotions and time management (NEZ skills) seem to be more important. In this video you learn how to optimize your self-management.
Further reading:
Boger, E., Ellis, J., Latter, S., Foster, C., Kennedy, A., Jones, F., Fenerty, V., Kellar, I. & Demain, S. (2015). Self-Management and Self-Management Support Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Mixed Research Synthesis of Stakeholder Views. PLoS ONE, 10(7). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130990
AHA-video episode 1: Self management
A high IQ and diligence are crucial for successful studies. However, studies show that intelligence is not the central guarantor of success for studying. Networks, the regulation of emotions and time management (NEZ skills) seem to be more important. In this video you learn how to optimize your self-management.
Further reading:
Boger, E., Ellis, J., Latter, S., Foster, C., Kennedy, A., Jones, F., Fenerty, V., Kellar, I. & Demain, S. (2015). Self-Management and Self-Management Support Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Mixed Research Synthesis of Stakeholder Views. PLoS ONE, 10(7). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130990
AHA-video episode 2: Stress
Stress as the experience of heavy strain constricts the blood vessels, makes you ill and leads to burnouts. But is stress really that bad? With this video you will learn what you have to look out for in order to get your stress under control.
Further reading:
Jamieson, J. P., Nock, M. K., & Mendes, W. B. (2012). Mind Over Matter: Reappraising Arousal Improves Cardiovascular and Cognitive Responses to Stress. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 141(3), 417-422. DOI: 10.1037/a0025719
AHA-video episode 3: Agility
Our skills, our performance, our outcomes are important. But: Skills that are important today could already be irrelevant tomorrow. Flexible thinking and agility are becoming increasingly important. Learn how to expand your agility in this video.
Further reading:
De Meuse, K. P., Dai, G. & Hallenbeck, G. S. (2010). Learning Agility: A Construct Whose Time Has Come. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 62(2), 119-130. DOI: 10.1037/a0019988
AHA-video episode 4: Goals
Success is everything! But how do you deal with failure? Does it signify to you an embarrassing mishap that slows you down and holds you back? Or can you use it as a stepping stone to help you make improvements? Learn in this video how you can use your next failure to your advantage.
Further reading:
Dweck, C. S. & Leggett, E. L. (1988).A Social-Cognitive Approach to Motivation and Personality. Psychological Review, 95(2), 256-273.
Grant, H. & Dweck, C. S. (2003). Clarifying Achievement Goals and Their Impact. Journal of personality and Social Psychology, 85(3), 541-553. DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.85.3.541
AHA-video episode 5: Learning strategies
Those who study a lot are successful in their studies. But studies paint a different picture: the most successful students don't study a lot, but cleverly. Learn in this video what clever learning is.
Further reading:
Dunlosky, J. Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J. & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. DOI: 10.1177/1529100612453266
With supplies and equipment to the (learning) target
In the videos you will learn about further learning strategies and learning tips, the effectiveness of which have been empirically proven. You will also receive central background information on the topic of learning.
Applying learning strategies situationally
In the videos you will learn about further learning strategies and learning tips, the effectiveness of which have been empirically proven. You will also receive central background information on the topic of learning.
Additional resources
The University of Bern also offers other ways to improve your learning. In addition to self-tests, there is also the possibility of external counselling and monitoring.
Self-tests
With our quizzes on ILIAS you can test how many of the principles and learning tips presented in the videos you know.
Ideally, you should perform these self-tests multiple times, for example once before and once after watching the corresponding video. According to learning research a preceding self-test increases the effect of a learning sequence.
Counselling and mentoring
Counselling Centre of the Universities of Berne
Take advantage of the wide range of free services offered by the Counselling Centre of the Universities of Berne. Benefit, for example, from professional learning coaching and get more out of your precious learning blocks.
You can find more information and other services and offers on the website of the Counselling Centre.
Synapso - Centre for Learning and Memory at the University of Bern
If you would like to find out more about your intellectual profile or learn about training possibilities for specific memory skills, you will find a corresponding offer (clarification, counselling, interventions) at the Centre for Learning and Memory.