Study Tricks of the Trade
Integral Learning
Study Tricks of the Trade
Article by Niloma Emmanuel
I ’ ve studied for several exams as a student and throughout my career . I also have experience as a teacher in a college teaching maths and spent a lot of time trying to understand the most efficient methods of study .
This is the first article in a series on Integral Learning , beginning with general tips as well as wider well-being and lifestyle tips . Yes , they all impact your process of learning . Once we ’ ve covered the basics , the next article will continue with the theme of learning , going deeper into techniques that experts in the field of education claim to be the most efficient .
Study tips
Firstly as you learn new information , certain practical tools can enhance your productivity . The list below is not exhaustive , but are my personal favourites .
Use flashcards – you want to exercise your ‘ recall ’ memory as much as possible . Write a word or phrase on one side and the answer on the other . This has a two-fold benefit . The kinesthetic motion of writing will help you memorize and the use of the flashcards will give you an opportunity to recall your knowledge .
Note taking – it ’ s easy to think that taking copious notes when a speaker is presenting will aid understanding . A court stenographer can note down every word spoken , but will know very little about the case if questioned . Take notes of the salient points on a blank piece of paper , with diagrams and key words , rather than attempting to record verbatim . easy , you are probably not learning . I ’ ve often read books or watched documentaries on complicated scientific theories , presented by talented writers or speakers . It leaves me with the sense of understanding this complicated theory with no academic background in the subject . For example reading Brian Cox ’ s book E = MC 2 , was enjoyable and I was delighted with myself that I was absorbing the work of Einstein . However , if you asked me to explain General Relativity , it would soon be obvious how little I have learnt from that book .
Breaks – plan your study session with small breaks . Diving the hour into 50 minute study slots with 10 minute breaks works well for me , though I don ’ t restrict myself if I ’ m in the flow and achieving a lot . Short ten minute breaks for exercise , food or relaxation can improve your concentration levels for the rest of the day , avoiding burnout .
Discuss – selfishness can creep in when studying if you are the more knowledgeable person in your peer group . However , peer learning has shown to be beneficial to both parties . Discussing a topic with a peer will aid your memory of that topic . The person asking the questions is engaged in the topic as they pose the questions in the discussion . The other person is forced to truly examine their understanding of the topic as they form the explanation , highlighting areas that need study further . A clear indication of whether you have understood a topic thoroughly is the ability to explain it in multiple ways , ranging from a simplistic explanation without the use of any industry specific jargon suitable for a lay audience , to detailed explanations using expert terminology .
Highlighting and rereading – evidence shows that highlighting and re-reading adds little value to learning . It can actually be dangerous as it leads to a sense of ‘ fluency ’. The ease with which you study is often mistaken for learning . As a general rule , if it feels too
Physical well-being tips
Stay hydrated – to enable you to think more clearly . Preferably only water or herbal tea . Caffeine , which is found in tea and many fizzy drinks is known to be
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