Learning methodology techniques part 2
In our previous article, we wrote about how much easier it is to go to a lecture that interests you. Our attention is much more active, we connect emotions to the material because of the interest, and so our brains remember the content much better. We have also learned that our attention can be controlled, taught and it really depends on our own openness to what interests us. So, we can easily help ourselves.
Let's look at the next steps we can take to make our studying even more efficient.
First, let's set up a place we call the "sanctuary of learning". This could be a desk at home, a corner in the library, a quiet place in a dormitory. It doesn't matter, the main thing is that it should be quiet, neat and quiet.
The use of the word "sanctuary" is not accidental. Even in a church shrine, the same things are always there, they are always taken out in the right order, and when you look at it, the very sight of it gives you a feeling: this is a holy place, here we pray, we relax, we turn to our souls.
This is what your desk (or the place where you study) should be like! When you look at it, and especially when you sit there, make yourself aware that now is the time for studying. Don't let your mind wander, practice focused work. Find out what are the things that come to mind when you think about studying that are actually important to your learning success. Your book is definitely one of them, your notebook, your notes, appropriate writing utensils, water, some carbohydrates. Arrange these supplies on your desk so that everything fits, create a clear and pleasant environment around you!
You should also keep your goal with you, posted in a visible place so you can always check it! If you feel empowered, bring a lucky charm with you! Important: your phone will not be needed! Any information that you need your phone for, write it out on a sheet of paper and turn your phone off and put it far away.
The next important condition is to develop your learning routine. Since university life is much freer and, in some ways, more chaotic than high school (where classes were predictable from 08:00 to 15:00, a head teacher took care of the organisation, and there was predictable assessment), you will need to be more conscious of your time. Make yourself aware that your daily rhythm has changed and although there are many advantages - autonomy, classes which suit your interests, new friends, etc. - you need to be sensible to meet the new challenges.
Think about when you can spend at least 2-3 hours a day - uninterrupted at your study place - on your studies. If you attend classes regularly, take notes carefully (by hand) and draw mind maps, this should be enough for revision and deeper memorisation. Of course, you will need to do a more extensive revision/summary before the exams, but believe me, it will be a great relief not to have to learn everything at once.
Choose a study partner with whom you can learn well together. This means, in addition to your study time, a partner who is preferably your peer and can learn together playfully in the following ways:
- From the definitions, formulas, " cram" learning materials, make flashcards with the concept written on one side and the definition on the other. It's a great way to learn in a playful way - and it also produces the happiness hormone in your brain, which makes it more playful and not like a cramming session.
- Motivate each other to learn, find inspiring activities, go to events that keep you interested in your learning topic (exhibitions, films, articles, interviews on the topic, whatever). The more directions you approach a subject from, the more you maintain your motivation!
Find someone to whom you can pass the material you are learning. If you can explain it to at least one person, you have a pretty good understanding of the material. Ask them to ask you questions so that you can make the connections. This will give you a level of learning that is very effective. If you don't have anyone around to explain it to, tell it to your dog, cat or hamster, who, although I don't think will ask questions, will listen patiently and intelligently - it's a tried and tested method and it works. 😊
Learn, revise, do a little bit of learning every day, so that it becomes a routine and your brain learns that it's an important thing to store in your memory! Notice, you will also be more active in class, you will understand the material better and your self-esteem will increase as a result.
Any activity done regularly will become ingrained after a while. Make sure that you get a sense of enjoyment and achievement from your learning, as this will make you want to do it more willingly.
If you have any questions or feel that a little assistance would help you get started on this journey, you can always book an individual or group counselling session:
Thank you for joining us for this part! In the following, we'll talk about how to stay focused, the factors that distract you from learning, and bring you more specific learning techniques to increase your effectiveness and get the credits.