Transforming Study Habits for Success

Struggling with exam performance is a common experience for many students, whether in high school or college. Despite best efforts, the outcome often falls short of expectations, leading to disappointment and self-doubt. However, the key to overcoming these hurdles lies not in the quantity of study time but in the quality and effectiveness of study methods employed.

The Pitfall of Last-Minute Studying

Cramming the day before an exam is a widespread practice, yet it's one of the least effective ways to retain information. This approach can lead to burnout and information overload, making it difficult to recall what you've learned when it matters most.

The Focus Dilemma

A common obstacle to effective studying is the challenge of maintaining focus. Distractions, whether from within the classroom or from our own habits, can significantly detract from our ability to absorb and understand material. Recognizing this is the first step toward finding a solution.

Rethinking Note-Taking

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Excessive note-taking, especially when it involves transcribing information verbatim without processing its significance, can be counterproductive. It's essential to engage actively with the material, which sometimes means putting the pen down and listening intently.
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The issue

Sometimes, I struggle to study not because I don't want to, but because I lack focus in class. I would often go to the bathroom hoping that I would gain some clarity when I returned. Additionally, I realized that I took excessive notes, thinking it would make me smarter.

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Studying Methods

After a couple of times and doing some research too about studying methods, I learned about time blocking, pomodoro, and spaced repetition.

Pomodoro

The first study session is more focused than the second one, even with a break in between.

Spaced Repetition

Then I tried spaced repetition, which is pretty great.
The problem with this method is that you need to be consistent and focused while studying. It doesn’t require a lot of time; it actually depends on how long you review your material. Sometimes, after class, I take some notes and try to memorize what I have learned.
Then I found it pretty effective even though I don’t know really know why it’s effective.
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Divide the definition

Sometimes I write down some words that I don’t really understand so I can search for them later.

For example, if I write down “macroeconomics”, I then divide it into two words: macro and economy. This is a little tip to understand easily, in my opinion. So, you learn first about macro and then about the economy.

If you already understand both, you can then combine them.
Then you use your own understanding to really connect with the real definition of macroeconomics.
I use that method all the time.
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Taking notes

I watched a Jordan B. Peterson video about not taking notes in class because it could ruin your focus.
Then I realized that it was good advice. Then I tried that, and I found myself becoming much more relaxed in class because I don’t have to write down all the materials that have been given. Sometimes the lesson will be given online, and I can access it later, so I don’t have to write it down.
Taking notes can reduce your focus if you keep on doing it while the lecturer or teacher is explaining it to you.
Our brains are not built to multitask. If you keep on writing while listening to your lecturer, that is not pretty effective.
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Then how will I take some notes?

• Take notes when you have finished the class, when the lecturer is giving a break, or when you are beginning a new chapter.
• You can write down the definition or the lesson with your own understanding, not how exactly your lecturer explains it to you.
• You need to use your own understanding because you are the one who knows how you understand yourself.
• You can use words, images, or arrows, which could help you easily understand.

Then how do people take notes if the lesson requires a lot of complex words that can’t be memorized easily?

1. You can take notes, like writing down the words, for example, macroeconomics.
2. Just write down the word, and then you can search for it later in ChatGPT or Google. I found it pretty helpful to search for it by myself sometimes.
3. Then, if you still don’t understand it, you can ask it directly to your lecturer or via online chat, which teaches you to be proactive in class.

This method is not only available for classes or school.
You can try it when you are learning courses on Udemy or another platform, or you can use it to learn something on YouTube. Even so, if you still don’t have any commitment to study consistently, then all these methods and notes won’t be effective, of course.
Taking notes in class could be effective, but it could be a disaster for your focus.
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Mastering effective note-taking techniques can significantly enhance your learning experience, elevating your academic performance and deepening your understanding of the material. This practice does more than just aid in memorization; it fosters a deeper comprehension by encouraging you to engage with the content on a more meaningful level. As you distill and articulate what you've learned in your own words, you not only reinforce your memory but also refine your ability to grasp and internalize complex concepts.
This process of active engagement doesn't just benefit you in the immediate context of a particular subject; it cultivates a broader, more valuable skill: the art of learning itself. By honing your note-taking and study skills, you're essentially teaching yourself how to learn more efficiently and effectively. This skill is invaluable, as it applies not only to your current academic endeavors but to any future learning opportunities you may encounter, in both professional and personal contexts.
In essence, the right note-taking strategy is a powerful tool in your academic toolkit, enhancing your capacity to remember, understand, and apply the knowledge you acquire. It's a skill that pays dividends well beyond the classroom, enriching your ability to learn and adapt throughout your life.

“Everything is learnable, and what others have learned, you can learn as well.”
—Brian Tracy