4 learning trends to make this your smartest year yet
Lifelong learning is trending for 2026 thanks to a slate of social media creators who have gone viral by sharing their personal learning curriculum, including books, courses, and sometimes even homework.
This trend is a helpful and timely reminder that anyone can be a student. All you need is a little curiosity and a library card.
If you want to learn something new, increase your attention span and connect more deeply with the world around you, here are a few tips to try in the new year.
Design your own curriculum
Choose a topic of interest, and then compile a list of books, podcasts or videos you can explore to learn more. If you find a subject that excites you, then take your learning further by enrolling in a continuing education course or attending a UW Extension workshop. Get hands-on with your learning by volunteering in your community or joining a local interest group. Who knows, your “coursework” could even spark a professional pivot or retirement career.
Divide your life into semesters
Some creators online recommend dividing your life into semesters similar to an academic calendar because it provides a clear structure and milestones. Having a consistent schedule can help keep you accountable when you don’t have tests or grades to motivate you. You can even assign yourself readings each week if that’s helpful. And don’t forget to pencil in a field trip, like visiting a museum or going on a nature walk.
Study in micro-moments
Another growing trend is micro-learning—short, focused bursts of learning you can do in those in-between moments. One example is the Nibble app, which offers 10-minute micro-modules on topics like art, biology and personal finance. If you’re trying to get outside more this year, the Seek app is like Pokémon Go for real life. It helps you identify and learn about plants and animals right in your backyard. And if you prefer analog tools, try doing Sudoku, building a puzzle or testing your knowledge with flash cards.
Make learning a social event
While planning your curriculum, consider friends or family who might want to join you. Invite someone you know to sign up for a class on cooking, arts & crafts, or another topic of interest. Check if there are any upcoming Badger Talks in your area. These free events bring experts from UW–Madison to cities across Wisconsin, covering topics like healthy aging, First Nations history, and space exploration, among others. For the real learning lovers, you could gather a group of friends for a PowerPoint party, where guests give a short presentation on a topic they have a particular interest in.
As you set your intentions for the upcoming year, take some time to reflect on your educational goals, whether it’s learning a new language or joining a pickleball league. The world is your school, and class is always in session.
The Lifelong Learner is a monthly feature written by UW–Madison’s Continuing Studies staff. Beth Jaggers, an academic advising manager, can be reached at beth.jaggers@wisc.edu. Subscribe to the Lifelong Learning newsletter and get learning opportunities delivered to your inbox bimonthly.
Published on Jan 12 2026
Last Updated on Mar 10 2026
Categories: Continuing education, Division of Continuing Studies
Tags: Lifelong Learner column, personal curriculum, personal growth
