Different Ways to Learn New Things.

• Position: MINDSET

Sometimes it feels like the older you are, the harder it can be to change habits, add a new skill to your repertoire, or start a hobby. Is it really true that an old dog cannot learn a new trick?

One thing scientists do know is that fluid reasoning--the ability to think logically and solve problems quickly in new situations--does tend to decline as adults age. However, crystallized intelligence-knowledge that comes from experience and prior learning like reading comprehension or vocabulary--increases over time, explains Chris Dede, Harvard Graduate School of Education professor.

Dede draws from research around adult development and learning science to provide five tips for learning new things that adults can keep in mind as they progress through the new year:

Start with what you already know. This is because learning science suggests that people learn by building off existing knowledge or "the edges" of what they already know. So, for example, if you are an accomplished photographer but you always have wanted to take up painting, you may be able to learn faster because you can build off what you already know about composition and light. "Because adults have more knowledge from past experiences, they have more edges to learn from and build off of."

Identify your motivation. Learning something new at a later stage in life tends to be more about positive self-concept and intrinsic interest. While motivation is key in the K-12 space, too, adult learners generally do not have to pass a test at the end of a unit. As a result, there often is less pressure or lower stakes...