Studying Tips No BS
1. Studying ≠ Learning:
Studying is the process (e.g., taking notes, reading, highlighting), but learning is the outcome (retention, understanding, and application).
Many students spend hours studying but fail to retain or apply knowledge effectively. For example, rewriting notes for hours may feel productive, but if you can’t recall or apply the information later, it’s not true learning.
Learning happens when the brain connects information, turns it into knowledge, and allows you to apply it in new contexts.
2. Stop Looking for Study Hacks:
The speaker criticizes the trend of study hacks on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where people promise quick fixes (e.g., "Use this technique to ace your exam!").
These hacks are often misleading because they oversimplify the learning process. Real improvement comes from addressing long-term habits and learning systems, not shortcuts.
The speaker shares a story about a student who tried countless study hacks, failed to see results, and concluded she was "dumb." This highlights the danger of relying on quick fixes instead of building a solid foundation.
3. Stop Copying Successful Students:
Learning is personalized. What works for one person may not work for another due to differences in deep processing—the brain’s ability to connect and extract meaningful information.
Successful students often have naturally strong deep processing, allowing them to succeed even with mediocre techniques. For example, a student with a "powerful engine" (strong deep processing) can perform well even with poor study habits, while others need to work harder to achieve the same results.
Instead of copying others, focus on building your own deep processing ability through practice and training.
4. Think Systems, Not Techniques:
There is no single "perfect" study technique. Instead, use a toolbox of methods, each suited for specific purposes and with its own limitations.
For example, flashcards are great for memorization but ineffective for understanding complex concepts. Over-reliance on one technique (e.g., using flashcards for everything) can be counterproductive.
The speaker compares learning techniques to tools in a toolbox: you need different tools for different tasks, and no single tool can build an entire house.
5. Avoid the Illusion of Learning:
Many students engage in activities that feel productive but don’t lead to real learning. Examples include:
Rewriting notes word-for-word.
Highlighting text without engaging with the material.
Rereading without testing comprehension.
These activities create an illusion of learning—they make you feel like you’re making progress, but they don’t improve retention or understanding.
To break free from this illusion, replace passive activities with active learning techniques that require mental effort.
6. Test Yourself Early and Often:
Regular self-testing helps identify knowledge gaps early, allowing time to address them before exams.
Many students wait until the last minute to test themselves, leaving no time to fill gaps. Instead, test yourself weekly or monthly to stay on top of the material.
The speaker shares a personal example: by testing himself at the end of each week and month, he was able to identify and address gaps early, leading to better exam performance.
7. Test at Different Levels of Knowledge:
Knowledge exists at different levels, from basic memorization to complex application. Ensure your testing covers all levels, especially higher-order thinking.
For example, in subjects like math or science, you need to test both declarative knowledge (understanding concepts) and procedural knowledge (applying formulas or solving problems).
Many students focus only on low-level testing (e.g., memorizing facts) and struggle with higher-level questions that require critical thinking.
8. Test Yourself in Different Ways:
Different subjects require different types of testing. For example:
In math, you need to test both your understanding of concepts and your ability to solve problems.
In coding, you need to test both your knowledge of syntax and your ability to write bug-free code.
Balance declarative knowledge (what you know) with procedural knowledge (how to apply it).
9. Assume You’ll Make Every Mistake Again:
Many students dismiss mistakes as "silly" (e.g., "I knew the answer, I just forgot to write it down"). However, each mistake indicates a gap in understanding that needs to be addressed.
The speaker shares a personal story: he used to dismiss mistakes as "silly" until he realized that consistently missing small points in practice tests led to lower exam scores. By treating every mistake as a legitimate gap, he was able to improve his performance.
10. Use Spaced Repetition and Active Recall Properly:
Spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals, while active recall involves retrieving information from memory.
These techniques are powerful, but their effectiveness depends on how you use them. Focus on free recall (e.g., writing essays) rather than cued recall (e.g., flashcards with prompts).
The speaker warns against recognition-based recall (e.g., looking at a flashcard and thinking, "Oh, I know this"). This creates an illusion of learning without true retention.
11. Rote Memorization as a Last Resort:
Rote memorization is time-consuming and creates shallow knowledge. Use it only when necessary (e.g., for facts or formulas) and supplement it with deeper learning techniques.
The speaker shares an example of a student who reduced his rote memorization by 20% and cut his study time in half, from 60 hours to 30 hours per week.
12. Use Flashcards, Memory Palaces, and Link Methods for Rote Memorization:
These techniques are effective for memorization but should be used sparingly and for their intended purpose.
For example, memory palaces (associating information with locations) and link methods (connecting information through stories) can make memorization more efficient.
13. Study with Friends:
Studying with friends can be effective for accountability and identifying knowledge gaps. Create structured study sessions and quiz each other to deepen understanding.
The speaker recommends creating practice tests for each other, which forces you to think critically and identify gaps in your knowledge.
14. Study Ahead to Get Ahead:
If you’re falling behind, focus on stopping the backlog from growing by studying ahead. Use scoping to get a big-picture overview of the subject before diving into details.
Scoping helps your brain prime the information, making it easier to learn and retain.
15. Use Cognitive Load to Delete Passive Learning:
Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required for learning. Effective learning requires high cognitive load, while passive activities (e.g., rewriting notes) require little effort and are often ineffective.
Focus on active learning techniques that require mental effort, such as creating analogies or teaching the material to someone else.
16. Create and Critique Analogies:
Creating analogies forces your brain to compare concepts, enhancing understanding. Critiquing and refining analogies further deepens learning.
For example, comparing life to a journey and then refining the analogy (e.g., "Life is like a spontaneous journey through a foggy forest") forces you to think critically about the topic.
17. Keep a Learning Log:
Track your learning experiments, techniques, and progress in a learning log. This helps you reflect on what works and accelerates your improvement over time.
The speaker regrets not keeping a learning log earlier in his career, as it would have saved him years of trial and error.
Final Thoughts:
The video emphasizes that effective learning is not about quick fixes or copying others but about building a personalized, systematic approach. By focusing on active learning, regular self-testing, and understanding the deeper processes of how we learn, students can achieve better results with less wasted effort. The speaker encourages viewers to experiment, reflect, and continuously refine their learning strategies.
How To Apply It
1. Shift from Passive to Active Learning
Replace Passive Activities:
Instead of rewriting notes: Create mind maps, summaries in your own words, or teach the material to an imaginary student.
Instead of rereading: Use active recall by closing your book and writing down everything you remember.
Instead of highlighting: Annotate text with questions, connections to prior knowledge, or real-world examples.
Test Yourself:
Weekly quizzes: Use practice questions or past exams to simulate test conditions.
Free recall: Write essays or explain concepts without prompts (e.g., "Explain how photosynthesis works").
Mix declarative and procedural testing: For math, balance solving problems (procedural) with explaining formulas (declarative).
2. Build a Personalized Learning System
Experiment with Techniques:
Try flashcards for memorization, Feynman Technique for understanding, and spaced repetition apps (e.g., Anki) for retention.
For deep processing: Use analogies (e.g., "Mitochondria are like power plants") and critique them to refine understanding.
Match Tools to Tasks:
Flashcards: Use for terms, dates, or formulas.
Mind maps: Use for connecting concepts (e.g., historical events, biology systems).
Practice problems: Use for procedural subjects (math, coding).
3. Test Early, Test Often
Schedule Regular Testing:
Daily: 5-minute free recall of key topics.
Weekly: Full practice test on the week’s material.
Monthly: Cumulative review of all topics.
Analyze Mistakes:
Keep an error log to track recurring mistakes.
For each error, identify the root cause (e.g., "Didn’t understand enzyme kinetics") and revisit the topic.
4. Optimize Spaced Repetition and Active Recall
Upgrade Flashcards:
Avoid recognition-based cards (e.g., "What’s the capital of France?"). Instead, ask open-ended questions (e.g., "Explain France’s political structure").
Rotate or rephrase questions to prevent memorizing cues.
Prioritize Free Recall:
Spend 10 minutes daily writing summaries without notes.
Use blurting method: Read a chapter, close the book, and write down everything you remember.
5. Study Smarter, Not Harder
Scope Subjects First:
Before diving into details, spend 15–30 minutes skimming headings, summaries, or introductory videos to create a mental framework.
Example: Before studying World War II, read a timeline of key events to understand the "big picture."
Study Ahead:
If falling behind, prioritize priming (quickly preview upcoming topics) to reduce future cognitive load.
6. Collaborate Effectively
Structured Group Study:
Set clear goals (e.g., "Solve 5 physics problems together").
Assign roles (e.g., timekeeper, quizmaster).
Create practice tests for each other and compare answers to identify gaps.
7. Track Progress with a Learning Log
What to Track:
Techniques tried (e.g., "Used flashcards for biology terms").
Results (e.g., "Scored 80% on a self-test after using mind maps").
Mistakes and insights (e.g., "Struggled with organic chemistry mechanisms—need more practice").
Review Weekly:
Reflect on what worked and adjust your system (e.g., "Switching to free recall improved retention").
8. Limit Rote Memorization
Use Mnemonics Sparingly:
Reserve memory palaces or link methods for unavoidable memorization (e.g., medical terminology).
For concepts, prioritize understanding (e.g., "Why does this formula work?" over memorizing it).
9. Embrace High Cognitive Load
Active Learning Challenges:
Create analogies: Compare cellular respiration to a factory assembly line.
Critique analogies: "Does this analogy explain energy conversion accurately? What’s missing?"
Teach others: Explain a topic to a friend or record a short video lesson.
10. Start Small and Iterate
Week 1: Implement active recall and weekly testing.
Week 2: Add error logging and free recall.
Week 3: Experiment with scoping and group study.
Adjust based on your learning log insights.
Example Weekly Plan
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Scope new topic (15 mins). Take notes using mind maps. |
| Tuesday | Active recall session on Monday’s material. Solve 5 practice problems. |
| Wednesday | Group study: Quiz peers on key concepts. Create a practice test together. |
| Thursday | Spaced repetition (Anki). Review error log. |
| Friday | Free recall essay on the week’s topics. Critique an analogy. |
| Saturday | Full practice test. Update learning log. |
| Sunday | Reflect on progress. Plan adjustments for next week. |
By focusing on active engagement, personalized experimentation, and systematic reflection, you’ll transform your study habits into a powerful learning system. Start with one or two strategies, track your progress, and gradually build a routine that works for you!
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