After spending over a decade deep in the trenches of study, from school to university and beyond, I've tried almost every technique under the sun to make learning stick. There’s a lot of advice out there about what you should and shouldn't do when studying. Today, I want to share the key lessons I've learned through years of trial and error.
1. Textbooks: A Necessary Evil?
Textbooks are often the go-to when we start studying because we’re told they contain everything we need to know. But here’s the hard truth: reading textbooks is largely a passive activity. Sure, they provide a solid overview of a topic, but relying solely on them to understand, remember, and apply concepts is a naive approach. You’re not actively engaging with the material, which means you’re less likely to retain it. My advice? Use textbooks as a starting point, but don't stop there.
2. Handwriting Notes: The Double-Edged Sword
I spent years filling up notebooks with handwritten notes. The act of writing does help with retention—I'd remember a good 80-85% of what I wrote down. But here’s the catch: my handwriting is terrible, and going back to revise from my own notes was often a frustrating exercise in deciphering hieroglyphs. Plus, it's time-consuming and not very practical for long-term storage. If you’re like me and have handwriting that even a doctor would struggle to read, you might want to rethink this method.
3. Digital Notes: Convenient But Not a Cure-All
Typing notes on a computer solves the problem of legibility and makes them easier to organise and transport. However, it's less effective for retention compared to handwriting. Digital notes can also give you a false sense of security. It feels productive in the moment, but when it comes time to revise, you’re still faced with the challenge of passively reading through them.
4. Speed-Watching Lectures: The Fast Track to Forgetting
We've all been there—trying to cram seven hours of lectures into three by watching at double speed. While it might feel efficient, it's not effective. You end up skimming the surface without truly understanding the material, leading to inevitable re-watching and wasted time. Trust me, take it slow and steady. Your future self will thank you.
5. Flashcards: A Great Tool but time-consuming
Flashcards are fantastic for active recall, and tools like Quizlet can make the process easier. Early in my university days, I went all-in on flashcards, and my grades soared. The problem? It’s incredibly time-consuming to create and maintain them, especially when you’re juggling multiple subjects. If you can keep up, flashcards are worth it, but be realistic about the time commitment.
6. The Pitfalls of Study Days
Designating entire days to study sounds productive, but in reality, it often leads to burnout. You cram in as much as possible, only to need several days to recover. Instead, aim for regular, shorter study sessions to keep your knowledge fresh. Spaced repetition is your friend here—regularly "topping up" your knowledge helps combat the forgetting curve.
7. The Myth of Multitasking
Trying to multitask while studying is a surefire way to reduce your effectiveness. Your brain isn’t wired to focus on multiple things at once, and you’ll end up doing both tasks poorly. When it’s time to study, eliminate distractions and give it your full attention.
The Bottom Line
The ultimate goal of studying is to remember, understand, and apply what you learn. If a method doesn’t help you achieve these three things, it’s time to find a new approach. Study techniques aren’t one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Throughout my journey, I've learned to be flexible and open to trying new methods. It’s important to reflect on what’s working and what’s not, and to continuously refine your approach. Learning is a lifelong process, and so is improving how you study. Keep experimenting, keep adapting, and most importantly, keep going.
I hope these insights from my own experiences help you navigate your study journey more effectively. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and being willing to adjust along the way.
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