CRACK ‘d’ BOOK
“I crammed the whole textbook and I even memorized his course outline. how can this man give me a ‘E’ in his course? I collected extra sheet from Mrs Okoh and i filled that up as well, why is this man being intentionally cruel to me” Rose cried to her friend in frustration after seeing her result. In her mind she expected to be on Distinction or worse still Upper credit. Never in her life has she envisioned herself being on the brink of failure such as this but that’s not the worst part,her sponsors must not see such ‘E’vil alphabet in her result… how will she go about this? Should she call for her exam script? Lodge a complain in the school anonymous board? Show her sponsors the result like that or what? The deed is done already she can only find a way forward.
Suddenly an idea popped up in her mind and she faced her friend Claridan “Clari, we studied together all through and we even sat together all through our papers yet you’re maintaining your distinctions. What are you not telling me? What are you hiding from me? I thought we were besties!?” Sensing a transfer of aggression Claridan tried calming her down and in a friendly tone.”Rose, I’m honestly as surprised as you are and if we’re being honest you are even the brainy one – answering every questions during lectures and finishing the slides before the semester reaches half. Or maybe your result was mistakenly swapped”
As a third party what do you think is wrong in this scenario. Is Claridan hiding something as rose accused or is rose doing something wrong? Let’s do our investigations!
Studying is reading and understanding till the point where you can explain to someone else in the simplest term possible and they still get the point.
Studying is not cramming, studying is not forcing your brain to remember a definition or points word for word. Studying is not just reading like a novel just for reading sake without gaining anything.
Studying like most things in life has some guides or hacks that can make it easier and enjoyable; based on this we will be looking at the major studying methods/ techniques that are tested, Approve and trusted (in Burna’s voice) – techniques that Claridan is aware of and Rose unfortunately missed out on!
- The Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves breaking your study time into intervals, typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, take a longer break of around 15-30 minutes. It helps maintain focus and prevent burnout.
- Active Recall: This technique involves actively retrieving information from memory instead of simply rereading or highlighting. Use flashcards, practice quizzes, or teach the material to someone else to reinforce learning.
- Spaced Repetition: This technique involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. Instead of cramming, review material regularly to reinforce long-term retention.
- The Feynman Technique: Named after the physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves simplifying and explaining complex concepts in your own words. By teaching the material as if you were explaining it to someone else, you can identify gaps in your understanding.
- Mind Mapping: Mind mapping involves visually organizing information using diagrams or flowcharts. It helps to create connections between concepts and aids in memory retention.
- Cornell Method: This note-taking technique involves dividing your notes into three sections: a main section for lecture notes, a cue column for key points or questions, and a summary section for reviewing the material later.
- SQ3R Method: This method stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It involves surveying the material, generating questions, actively reading, reciting key points, and reviewing the material to reinforce learning.
However, Do note that different techniques work better for different people, so it’s best to try out all to find what suits you best.
To get the best of the study techniques mentioned above the following points are necessary:
- Find your ideal study environment: Whether it’s a quiet library, a deserted part of the school to home, or a tidy desk at home, discover the environment that helps you concentrate best and is noise free.
- Break it down: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a massive study session, break your study time into manageable chunks. The Pomodoro Technique I mentioned earlier can be a game-changer for maintaining focus.
- Eliminate distractions: Put your phone on silent or DND (do not disturb), un-subscribe your Netflix, disable every unnecessary apps data, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and create a distraction-free zone. You can even use website blockers or apps that limit your access to social media during study sessions.
- Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve during each study session and be realistic while at it. Having specific goals can keep you motivated and on track.
- Take regular breaks: Give your brain some rest by taking short breaks between study sessions. Use this time to stretch, stroll, hydrate, or do something enjoyable to recharge.
- Stay organized: Keep your study materials, notes, and resources organized. A clutter-free space can help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary stress.
- Use active learning techniques: Engage with the material actively by summarizing key points, teaching the concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards. This helps reinforce your understanding and keeps your mind engaged.
- Stay motivated: Find ways to stay motivated, whether it’s rewarding yourself after completing a study session or visualizing your goals and the benefits of your hard work.
Remember, it’s normal to have moments of distraction, but these tips can help get back on track. You’ve got this, just stay focused and keep pushing forward.
