Some people are always seen with a book in hand studying continuously. However, they may not achieve high marks or significant success. Meanwhile, some others might appear to study less but achieve high marks and great success. How is this possible? How can we understand this?
In truth, when it comes to learning, proper learning methods can lead to outstanding success. The two skills necessary for achieving success in studies are proper learning techniques and hard work! We need to know how to learn or study a subject effectively. That is the art of learning. And that should be our first lesson concerning the subject we need to learn.
To learn a new lesson, we must follow six steps:
1. Collect primary data.
2. Clarify any doubts.
3. Understand the material.
4. Memorize using appropriate recall methods.
5. Review systematically.
6. Regularly apply what has been learned.
When learning a new lesson for the first time, we should take an overview of the subject. We need to understand what the new lesson is about. Who is the
author? What is its purpose? What is its significance? These are the basic pieces of information we should gather.
Next, we need to clarify any new words, unfamiliar concepts, and doubts found in the section we are
learning. For this, we can seek help from teachers, elders, and friends.
After gathering sufficient data and clarifying all doubts, we must understand the lesson thoroughly. This means grasping the meaning, significance, and application of the lesson.
Once we understand the lesson, we should choose an appropriate recall method and use our imagination to memorize the lesson effectively.
After understanding and memorizing the lesson, to ensure we don’t forget it, we need to review the lesson periodically. According to the schedule we have noted in our study planner, we should systematically review the lessons to reinforce our memory.
Finally, we must apply what we have learned. The extent and manner in which we use the knowledge we have acquired determine how deeply we have learned a subject. Using it only during exams is the first step. Beyond exams and classrooms, the real success of learning lies in how we apply what we have learned in real life.
We must frequently use the lessons we have learned. If not, the information will fade from our memory. Our intellectual abilities grow with use. If we don’t use the knowledge we have gained, it will be forgotten and disappear from our minds.
A common question many of us have is: When is the best time to study for better retention? In truth, early mornings, when there are fewer distractions and it is
peaceful, are ideal for studying.
In the early morning, we can retain what we study very easily and quickly. This is because, upon waking, our brain is calm and well-prepared for learning. Additionally,
the environment in the early morning is usually quiet, with fewer distractions. This peaceful atmosphere creates an ideal setting for studying, allowing us to concentrate fully on our studies without mental distractions.
Is it good to study the same subject continuously for two or three hours, or is it better to study for one hour at a time with small breaks in between, covering three different subjects? Experts suggest that taking breaks in between is better because it allows our intellectual abilities to be fully utilized.
The human brain can fully concentrate on a subject for only 40 to 45 minutes. Therefore, studying any subject continuously for more than 45 minutes is not beneficial. If we continue studying the same subject for over 45 minutes, we waste our time and energy. Hence, we should not study any subject continuously for more than 45 minutes. After every 45 minutes, we should take a break of 10 to 15 minutes to relax and refresh ourselves with water or tea.
After taking a short break and consuming something like water or tea, resuming your studies will be highly beneficial.
This is a noble and rare habit that greatly aids both intelligence and strength. Every day, we should write down what we need to study, what we have studied, and what feelings we experienced while studying. Were we happy? Did we find it difficult? When should we review the lesson we studied that day? These details should be noted in a study diary each day.
Additionally, our review schedule should be included in our daily study diary. We should write down which lessons need to be reviewed today, and which lessons need to be reviewed tomorrow, and follow these details diligently. This is a rare method that will greatly aid our learning journey.
This practice is widely followed in developed countries and is increasingly adopted in private schools at the primary level in our country. It significantly supports our life’s growth, writing skills, and planning abilities. Writing a study diary daily is a form of nourishment that contributes to our overall development.
Our intellect and cognitive abilities are multi-faceted and diverse. They are incredibly impressive and priceless, encompassing individual characteristics. Each child should integrate their talents at their own pace, style, and time to bring them to full fruition.
One of the most important duties of parents and teachers is to identify the talents of their children and students. It is their primary responsibility to recognize in which areas a child can bring out their full potential. Once identified, they should focus all their attention on these talents and help the child excel in them.
We study many subjects in school, but not all of them can be considered our favorite. Some subjects are very appealing to us, while others may not be as interesting. Our brain tends to show more enthusiasm for certain subjects, leading us to spend more time studying them. We should choose such subjects and strive to pursue higher education in them. This way, since we enjoy the subject, we can focus better and achieve success in those areas.
When selecting subjects, we should not base our decision on potential earnings, job opportunities, or merely because a friend has chosen that subject. Making such decisions might lead us to regret and dissatisfaction. For example, if someone has a strong interest in languages but chooses engineering with the hope of better job prospects and higher pay, they might end up feeling unhappy. Despite putting in a lot of effort, they may not find joy in their studies.
The most important consideration when choosing a new field of study is to identify which subjects bring you the most joy. Our academic choices often shape our life journey, so aligning our career with our interests can lead to a fulfilling and happy life. If our career is based on subjects we love, it will be immensely satisfying.
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