Created by Kamila Klavíková
Are stuck cramming for exam 😩? Or just want to learn something just because 🙃? You might find some helpful tips here 😉.
When I learn something, I usually use two or more resources. It doesn't mean I read everything from beginning to end. I search whenever I get stuck.
Be aware of their strengths and weaknesses.
There are many ways you can find useful resources:
You learn faster if you know what needs to be learn and you have good resources. It pays to spend some time with preparation. Also, it is easier to start if you exactly know what to do and have everything prepared.
How much time you spend depends on complexity of your “learning project”.
It can be difficult. It seems time consuming. But this way you quickly find out what do you don't understand.
Active recall is actively trying to recall something from memory.
But passive recall is only simply reading / hearing information. It gives you false feeling you learnt something.
Procedures. It is something that needs to be practiced.
Facts. It is enough if you can remember them at all.
Concepts. It is something that needs to be understood.
Determine what you need to know (facts, concepts, procedures). It creates some sort of plan. Also, you can use it to find bottlenecks (challenging parts) and focus more on them.
You can use as a checklist of what you've already learnt. Align it with your goals.
This Is How To Study - blog post on Shovel - good tips, you can ignore ads for Shovel app
Learn faster and smarter with these two ideas
In other words, learn actively not passively.
It feels great when you see how far you've come.
also called distributed practice
You study information more than once. Between sessions you gradually increase the gaps.
It can be overwhelming to prepare for your next test. If you break it into topics, you can go through it will be more manageable.
We need to feed our body with quality food and sleep well.
Also, drink enough water. Otherwise, you will feel sleepy and will have problems with focusing on learning.
Today's world is changing all the time. We have to adapt to these changes. That is possible only when we have diverse skill sets.
Why take notes?
You take notes for yourself.
What to include in notes?
Check the OrgPage “Notes about taking notes” for more information.
Find examples and create your own.
Good example is the simplest example possible that explain concept in its entirety.
It may seem difficult at first. But I found it gets better with practice.
These help you visualize the concept.
It takes time to build up a skill. Doing something from time to time won't do that much.
Remove distractions. Focus only on learning.
What have you mastered? What are things you need to focus on? Do you waste your time using techniques that don't help you?
Study notes are an extension of ourselves. What really matters is that we understand what we learn, not the form that helps us learn. - u/HappyBanana101 on Reddit
There are many different reasons:
It influences strategies you use and the level you need to reach.
For example, if you learn programming, you should focus more on practice. Learning algorithm XYZ won't help you much.
If you revise for a test, focus more on parts that you know are key (they often appear in the test).
Do not think of studying as a waste of time, think of it as a method of developing your knowledge.
Think positively about the benefits of studying. Think about the knowledge could help you in your life.
Do not compare your studying effectiveness with others. Study at your own pace and develop the best study habits for you. We are all unique. Also, your friend might learn faster because he learnt something similar before.
Get rid of limiting beliefs like “I can’t learn this,” “I'm no good at this topic,” or “I have a bad memory”. I know it is difficult. I felt that way all the time at uni. I instead developed this motto: “I'm not stupid. I didn't learn it because I didn't find the right way yet.”
Don't try to understand anything! It is a waste of time!
Write down anything that comes to your mind and isn't directly related to your learning. It might be a task, an idea... That way you don't have to think about it anymore. You can focus on your work.
You can go back to your notes when you take a break.
Something between 5 and 15 minutes.
During that time focus only on learning and nothing else.
After the timer rings, decide whether you will continue. You might find out you enjoy it.