Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
While it is essential to study hard, it is just as important to study smartly. Explore a few learning methods that can help you remember information more effectively.
Break information into simple parts
A good way to learn complex topics is to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
1. Write down all the basic concepts of the topic you wish to learn to give yourself a clear goal and idea.
2. Make the concepts as simple and easy to understand as possible.
3. Write your explanation in simple words. If you do not understand something, read the original text and try to understand it again.
4. Organise your notes. You could use mind maps, timelines or charts.
Repetition using flashcards
The Leitner system is a study method based on spaced repetition. The idea is that our brains will remember material more effectively if we revisit it repeatedly over time rather than trying to learn everything all at once.
1. Make flashcards for the topics you need to study. Write the concept on one side and the explanation on the other.
2. Find three boxes or storage bins and label them. The flashcards in the first box will be the ones you are most familiar with, while the ones in the third box will be the most confusing.
3. Decide how often you want to study each box. For example, the first box can be marked “twice a week” since you are more familiar with these topics. The third box, which has terms you are more confused about, can be labelled “daily”. All the cards start in box 3.
4. Begin reviewing each card. If you answer it correctly, move it to box 2. If you miss it, put it back in box 3.
5. Continue this method whenever you review your flashcards. If you get a card correct, move it to the next box. If you get it wrong, put it back in the previous one, where you will review it more frequently.
The blurting method
The blurting method is a practical example of active recall. It requires less organisation. It also asks you to actively retrieve information from your memory very quickly.
1. Read the text until you understand the basics.
2. Write everything you remember from your revision.
3. Read through your notes and check the original text to see what information you missed.
4. Add the information you missed in a different colour so it’s easy to see what you need to remember next time. Repeat this process as many times as you need until you feel confident and ready for your exams.
