Ever wonder, ‘Why can’t I use what I learn?’ You consume all these great podcasts, articles, tutorials — but when it’s time to apply that knowledge, it slips away. You know the stuff is in your head somewhere, but somehow you can’t make it work. Then someone else mentions the same idea and explains it perfectly, and you think:
“I knew that, but they said it so much better.”
Why does that happen? It’s not just that they’re better with words. It’s because they’ve spoken it aloud, engaged with it and made the connections you didn’t. What you read stayed abstract, disconnected from your other knowledge. They, however, turned thoughts into actionable understanding — and that makes all the difference.
This is the heart of constructivism — the idea that we don’t just absorb knowledge; we build it by actively engaging with what we learn.
Why Passive Learning Isn’t Enough
Reading a book, watching a lecture, or listening to a podcast feels productive, but it’s passive consumption. Your brain registers the information, but it doesn’t connect it to what you already know. Without those connections, the information stays isolated — like knowing one jigsaw piece without seeing the whole puzzle.
There’s also another downside: When you only consume information passively, your ability to critique it weakens. It’s easy to nod along, but when you speak or write it down, your brain naturally starts questioning: “Wait, do I really agree with that?” or “Does this align with my beliefs?” Engaging with the material forces you to think more deeply and decide whether the information fits into your existing worldview.
Cognitive load theory tells us that engagement is key to deeper learning. When you speak, write, or act on what you’ve learned, you’re tying new information to your existing knowledge, making it easier to recall and use.
The Power of Active Learning: When Things Click
That moment when everything suddenly clicks? It’s not random. It happens when your brain makes a meaningful connection — often after engaging with the material actively.
Think of it like riding a bike:
You can’t master it by reading about balance and pedalling. You have to wobble, fall and keep trying until your brain figures out how everything fits. Similarly, when you speak or act on what you learn, you move from theory to practice — and that’s when knowledge sticks. It’s also when you realise what really resonates with you — and what doesn’t.
5 Actionable Tips for Active Learning
1. Teach It to Someone Else
Teaching forces you to simplify complex ideas and uncover gaps in your understanding. This process turns abstract information into something useful— and builds confidence.
Try This: Use the Feynman Technique — explain a concept as if you’re teaching it to a 5-year-old. If you can’t, revisit the material to fill in the gaps. Even telling a friend what you’ve learned works wonders.
2. Summarise and Write It Down
Writing engages your brain in active recall and helps you clarify your thoughts. When you summarise, you reprocess the information and make personal connections.
Try This: Keep a learning journal (something like this is perfect) where you jot down key takeaways in your own words. Bullet points are fine — it’s not about perfection; it’s about engagement.
3. Apply What You Learn Within 24 Hours
Knowing isn’t the same as doing. Using knowledge right away bridges the gap between theory and practice—turning abstract ideas into things you can actually apply. This makes it easier to recall the next time you need it.
Try This: Whenever you learn something new, find a way to use it that day. If it’s a technique, try implementing it immediately. If it’s a new idea, talk about it in conversation to make it part of your mental toolkit.
4. Quiz Yourself Regularly
Self-testing forces your brain to actively recall information, strengthening memory and improving retention.
Try This: Use flashcards or apps like Anki or Quizlet to test yourself. Don’t wait until you’ve “finished” learning — quiz as you go.
5. Turn Ideas into Conversations
The act of saying ideas aloud helps solidify them in your memory. Conversations add new layers to your understanding, making ideas part of your mental toolkit.
Try This: Next time you learn something cool, bring it up casually in conversation. Say, “I read something interesting today…” or “Isn’t it funny how…?” Talking about ideas helps them stick.
Why You Struggle to Use What You Learn — and How Active Learning Solves It
Constructivist learning theory suggests that knowledge isn’t passively absorbed — it’s actively built through interaction and experience. When you speak, explain, or use what you’ve learned, you’re constructing knowledge and connecting ideas.
This process strengthens memory and confidence. You’re not just collecting facts — you’re building tools you can use whenever you need them. That’s why people who teach or talk through concepts seem to know them better. It’s not magic — it’s engagement.
How to Build Active Learning into Your Daily Life
Active learning doesn’t require hours of effort — it’s about small, consistent actions. Here are some ways to integrate it into your routine:
- Teach-Back Habit: Share one new concept with a friend or colleague every week.
- Writing to Learn: This book by William K. Zinsser is amazing at explaining how you can use writing to help you learn about anything.
- Learning Journal: Spend 5 minutes a day summarising key points in your own words (this does the job).
- Quick Practice Sessions: Set a 15-minute timer to actively engage — solve a problem, teach someone, or review notes.
Final Thoughts: Learning is a Skill You Can Build
Learning isn’t about cramming more knowledge — it’s about engaging with what matters and letting it stick. If you want to stop forgetting what you consume, focus on doing as well as consuming. That’s when the magic happens — when abstract ideas become usable tools and knowledge clicks into place.
What’s the last thing that clicked for you? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories!