If you’ve been studying for hours and still have trouble grasping concepts or retaining information, learn how to learn smarter in less time. Online learning is a smart way to learn freely.
When learning new material, it can be overwhelming to think how long it takes to understand everything. This study technique will help you stay focused and absorb more information in a short study session.
1. Set study time
Try to fit your studies into your regular schedule. It will help you get into the habit of studying. Regular reviews also help us retain information better.
2. Establish a dedicated study area
Your environment dramatically influences your behaviour. Create a study space to place all your textbooks and materials to facilitate learning. Avoid areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas as they are not designed for study and can be a distraction.
Some students enjoy a calm environment, while others prefer to listen to music as they study. However, a Stanford University study indicated that interruptions could impair a student’s capacity to remember knowledge. According to research, music does not aid in learning.
3. Divide your study time into sessions
Have you ever tried to study for hours without a break and still didn’t improve? Lobdell suggests breaking your study time into 20-30-minute sessions each. After each session, take a 5-minute break and do whatever you like. You can sing your favourite songs, eat sweets, and talk with your friends. Reward yourself with something good after all the study sessions. Lobdell said: “We tend not to be penalised or ignored.”
4. Learn actively
Even though you may believe you already comprehend everything you read and studied the previous evening, this view may not reflect what you remember. This is only sometimes obtained during testing. Actively learn with tests and quizzes. Usually, not if you’re checking your notes or reading a textbook, but this works because you need to get the information from memory.
Tests can take the form of flashcards, online review tests, or answers to questions at the end of the chapter. Research has shown that tests are most effective at freely capturing what has been learned compared to cognitive tasks such as multiple-choice and true/false questions. Research shows that testing is beneficial for students from preschool through college. For aspiring financial analysts, the CFI course Building Financial Models in Excel has plenty of hands-on labs to test yourself.
5. Take notes in class
Don’t just write keywords to make them easier to remember. Expand your notes as soon as possible to improve your initial learning. If you need help understanding something, ask your classmates or teacher as soon as the class is over.
6. Summarise or teach what you have learned
Summarising helps you know if you understood the topic. You can speak loudly, or you can talk to others. To be able to convey an issue to someone, you must have a thorough understanding of it.
7. Use the different methods
One way to use textbooks effectively is to use the different methods
Poll: Scan the text and pay attention to things that catch your eye, such as headlines, graphics, and bold text.
Listen: Ask questions about what you asked and write them down. What do you know, and what do you want to know?
Read:Read the text and keep the question in mind.
Declamation: In your own words, repeat what you just read to make sure you remember the text.
Review: Try answering the questions you wrote down earlier without using your notes. Reread the section you need help understanding.
8. Use mnemonics
Acronyms, image associations, and coined words also help you remember and retain information. A famous example of a mnemonic is the name ROY G. BIV. It represents the initials of the colours of the rainbow.
Finally, divide the learning content into two categories.
Facts and concepts. Points can slip out of your head, and you may need a storage device to study them. Concepts are the glue that holds the big picture together and is an essential part of learning. Concepts are the reason you learn something; once you know it, it stays with you. Stop studying at one-third your pace and learn smarter.