Vincent's Systemic Study System

By: Vincent Raye P. Pahalla

STUDY SKILLS

JULY 2022
 Experimental Study System

NFRAR

Notes (From class)

Flashcards (From class notes and learning materials)

Read (The main learning material)

Answer (Flashcards)

Rewrite (Notes from class)

THE MAJOR SUBJECT SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED. Minor subjects can wait

Discussion

Notes

1. You can’t write down every word

A lecture is not a dictation exercise where you have to write down everything the

professor says. You need to watch out for key points, arguments and themes in the

lectures. It's a good thing that lectures are recorded at LSE, so you can always go

back and check if you missed a point.

2. Pay Attention

It's very easy to start daydreaming during lectures and miss an important point.

Try to rest adequately before lectures so you don't doze off in class. Some take

coffee before lectures to keep them alert, others chew gum. Listen attentively to
 examples given by the professor to explain a point. Sometimes the example helps

us remember the point in the future.

3. Underline, Highlight and Capitalise

Lecturers often stress or draw attention to certain words or phrases. It is important

to underline/highlight these words on your notepad to show how important they

are. It might also be useful to start using these terms in your group discussions in

order to get familiar with them.

4. Use Shorthand (Abbreviations)

In order to catch up, some words need to be written in short but in understandable

forms. So, take some time to work out whatever shorthand code you're

comfortable with. For example words like using ‘2' instead of ‘to', ‘too' and ‘two',

or ‘da' for ‘the'; ‘w/' for ‘with', btw for ‘between’, etc.

5. Put distractions away

It might be a good idea to turn off your Wifi during lectures to avoid receiving

distracting messages on WhatsApp or Facebook. Don't forget to put your mobile

phone on silent mode, and don't use headphones or earpieces!

6. Be Comfortable

Ensure that you are punctual to your lectures and choose a convenient spot to sit.

Students are often put off when their favourite corner of the lecture hall has
 already been taken. Choose a spot that makes you comfortable and feel part of the

lecture. For me, I prefer the second or third row. I often find it difficult to

concentrate in the backseats. They remind me of those noisy backbenchers in high

school who chuckled and contrived pranks to be used on teachers and fellow

students!

7. Ask questions when confused

Don't just write down things you do not understand. Ask for clarification when

you are confused. If you're not satisfied, you can always meet the lecturer for

further clarification during breaks, after the lecture or during Office Hours.

8. Share and compare notes with classmates

Two heads according to the popular adage are better than one. It is good to find

time to compare notes with your classmates and use theirs to update yours and

vice versa. They might have picked up some important points that you didn’t.

9. Notepad versus Laptop

There has been a heated debate on which of these two is most effective for

note-taking during lectures. Some argue that notepads are old-fashioned and

others contend that laptops are distracting. For me, it depends on the individual. I

started with notepads and “migrated” to my laptop. It depends on which you find

more effective. However, I still use my notepad in some lectures. The point here

is to use what works for you.

 10. Air your opinion

Lectures are not always one-sided. There are times lecturers throw questions to

students or ask for reactions. Don’t be left out. Discuss how the subject matter

relates to what you have heard or seen before and your personal opinion about it.

The seminars and classes also give more room for personal reflection on the

subject matter. They facilitate critical analysis and thrash matters arising from the

lecture. Here you can even critique the lecture and offer you own argument. “A

lecture”, as George Wald rightly points out, “is much more of a dialogue than

many of you probably realise”.

Flashcards

After taking notes during class. Make flashcards in Anki for future practice quizzes. Utilize

mnemonics and chunking when making flashcards

Read

Read the source material and notes taken during class. Use the S3QR for comprehensive reading

Answer

Answer flashcards, and revise if you would like to omit or add more.
Rewrite

Rewrite your notes using the Cornell method for better organization and association. Because

when writing you associate yourself with the subject rather than just reading. It also helps

remembering the important ones.

 NOTE-TAKING

Notes play an integral part in remembering information that cannot be stored on the current

capacity of the working memory. Furthermore, notes can help for future studying, practice

exams, or even simple reviews. Currently, there are two options on where to store notes: those

are computers or paper. Typing your notes on the computer can have a speed advantage over

taking notes on paper. However, in a study done in 2014 at Princeton University, students who

typed their notes on a laptop remembered less compared to those that took notes using paper. So

to maximize the comprehension gained from each lesson. Paper will be the primary storage of

the notes.

One of the important things to remember before entering class and taking notes is to have the

right tools. These tools consist of a lot of paper, a pen you are comfortable with, knowing what to

take notes, and lastly note-taking methods.

Things such as

● Big ideas

● Examples

● Bullet lists

● Terms and definitions

● Overviews
 ● Conclusion

Should be prioritized
Note: it also important to put sub notes on your notes

Note Taking Methods

Outline Method

- An outline method works best to know what is important when it comes to a fact

- It is often used like a bullet list and looks very organized

An outline method works like this ↓↓↓

Outline method

● Idea

- Supporting idea

- Supporting idea 2

- Supporting idea 3

Example:
The Cornell Method
 The Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes. This

system of taking notes is designed for use by a high school or college level student. There are
several ways of taking notes, but one of the most common is the "two-column" notes style. The

student divides the paper into two columns: the note-taking column (usually on the right) is twice

the size of the questions/keyword column, which is on the left. The student leaves open five to

seven lines, or about two inches (5 cm), at the bottom of the page.

Notes from a lecture or text are written in the note-taking column; notes usually consist of the

main ideas of the text or lecture, and longer ideas are paraphrased. Long sentences are avoided;

symbols or abbreviations are used instead. To assist with future reviews, relevant questions or

keywords (which should be recorded as soon as possible, so that the lecture and questions will be

fresh in the student's mind) are written in the left-hand keyword column. These notes can be

taken from any source of information, such as fiction books, DVDs, lectures, textbooks, etc.

When reviewing the material, the student can cover the note-taking (right) column while

answering the questions/keywords in the keyword or cue (left) column. The student is

encouraged to reflect on the material and review the notes regularly.

Mind mapping method

A mind map involves writing down a central theme and thinking of new and related ideas which

radiate out from the center. By focusing on key ideas written down in your own words and

looking for connections between them, you can map knowledge in a way that will help you to

better understand and retain information.

READINGS
There are two groups of assigned readings

● Class Favored Source(main textbook)

● Supplemental Readings

The class-favored source should be prioritized. And you can be a bit selective when it comes to
the supplemental readings

READING HIERARCHY

1. Argument

2. Description

3. Context (press clippings, speeches)

Practice reading

● Read often

● Read difficult material

● Do not daydream

Pseudo skimming techniques

- Skim the text and get an eye out for main ideas, vocabulary terms, and anything else

important

- If you notice one. Slow down and read the entire paragraph that surrounds it.

Tips

1. Pay special attention to the first and last sentence of the paragraph

2. Pay attention to any other formatting such as Bolding, Italics, or Other formatting
The Morse code method

If you encounter a new big or interesting idea in the textbook, put a dot on the margin of the

book. If you come across an example or something that supports the idea put a dash next to it on

the margin

Example:

● I love apples

- Apples are delicious that's why I love them

- Apples are also healthy

SQ3R Active reading method

The SQ3R method is a proven method for getting more out of reading your textbook. Reading a

textbook requires a different approach than reading for fun.

SQ3R stands for:

● Survey

● Question

● Read

● Recite

● Review

SQ3R Survey

Surveying provides a framework you can use to fill in information while you are reading a

chapter Take about 5 minutes to locate core ideas from the chapter you are reading Read the

instruction at the beginning of the chapter Flip to the end of the chapter and read the summary
Flip back to the beginning, and go through the chapter. Look at the titles, words in bold or italics,

and pictures and illustrations.

SQ3R Question

Everyone sometimes gets to the end of a page and then you can’t remember anything they read.

Asking questions while you read will help end that cycle and help you remember what you just

read. Ask yourself questions about what you are reading Stop at each new heading and ask

yourself ‘what did I just read?’ and ‘what am I about to read about?’

SQ3R Read

Read with a highlighter and pen handy. Highlight information of importance and jot in the

margin why that information you highlighted is important. Read to answer the questions you

have developed in the last step Make notes in the margin

SQ3R Recite

Reciting what you learn is one of the most important things you can do to transfer information

from your short-term to your long-term memory Say the answers to your questions out loud

Pretend like you are teaching someone else what you just read

SQ3R Review

Reviewing what you learn is essential in retaining information. If you review what you learn

within 24 hours of learning it, you will remember 80% of what you have learned If you don’t

review, you will only remember 20%. Then you just have to spend more time later re-learning
the information. Also, think of the ‘big picture’ when you review. How does what you learned

related to other things in the course/module?

MEMORIZING

Sensory Memory

- Processes everything you detect or experience

- Has a very short attention span. Most of what it takes is lost almost immediately

- Whatever sticks go to the short-term or working memory

Short Term/Working Memory

- Memories don't stick around permanently

- Unless you don't repeat or rehearse the information you will likely forget it about 15-30

seconds

- You also lose the information if you cram too much information at once

- The working memory can only handle 4-7 bits of information at a time.

Tip: you can group bits into chunks to remember them such as

Chunks

This: FBIKGBCIA

To this: FBI KGB CIA

● The brain latches to information that is tangible, visual, and uncommon. Rather than the

abstract or the mundane

Mnemonics

- Mental devices that help you associate pieces of information in ways that are easier to

remember

● You can create sayings such as Ernie Ate Dynamite, and Goodbye Ernie to remember the

strings of the guitar. Or EDGE

● You can also create weird stories to associate with the information to help you remember

it more.

● The most important thing to always remember when using mnemonics is to make sure

that you associate the sentences, shorthand abbreviation, and stories with the topic and

yourself

● The more connections that lead to memory the stronger it will be especially when

learning it in different contexts.

Memories fade away unless you repeatedly recall them

Memories has to different strengths

1. Storage Strength

2. Retrieval Strength

Storage Strength

- Never weakens

- Once the information gets encoded the neural pattern can only get stronger
Retrieval Strength

- Fades with time. Unless you recall the memory again and again.

- If not you will lose track of it.

Spacing Effect

The Principle Of Desirable Difficulty

- Harder, you try to recall a memory the better the learning is.

Spaced repetition techniques

Increase the study time of a study session

Session # Days Between

1 1

2 3

3 7

4 14

5 30

● Use Anki flashcards on Android

● Install and use a proper account

 Leitner System

The Leitner System employs the concept of spaced repetition, which is an approach to

memorization that uses time intervals. Rather than cramming information into your brain all in

one sitting, spaced repetition encourages learners to space out learning over periods. Under the

Leitner System, learners dedicate different periods to studying certain flashcards and concepts,

based on the learner’s own needs or preferences. To get started with the Leitner System, you

need to do three things:

Create electronic or physical flashcards (one card per concept) USE ANKI FLASHCARDS

Label three to five electronic or physical boxes with study periods (e.g., Box 1 for cards to be

reviewed every day; Box 2 for cards to be reviewed every other day, etc.)

Add your study times to your calendar for organizational purposes for this example, we will use

three study boxes labeled as follows:

 ● Box 1: every day

● Box 2: every other day

● Box 3: once a week

● Box 4: once bi-weekly

● Box 5: review before the test

Every flashcard will start in Box 1. As you answer a flashcard correctly, move the card into Box

2. If you incorrectly answer a flashcard, place the card back in Box 1. Follow this method for

each flashcard in Box 1. At the end of this round, you will notice that some concepts remain in

Box 1—which means that these concepts are more difficult for you and require frequent

studying. The cards that have graduated to Box 2, on the other hand, are concepts with which

you are more familiar, so you do not have to study them as frequently.

Each time you get a card correct, you move it to the next box. Each time you get a card wrong,

you move it back to the previous box. Once you have finished studying for the day, you will see

which concepts are ones that you need to study more frequently, and which concepts may only

require you to study them once a week.

Follow the same method on each study day until all of your cards have been moved to the last

box. If it turns out that you have forgotten some concepts in Box 3 by the time that study day

rolls around, move the cards to the previous box. Depending on how you have labeled your

boxes and created your study calendar, you may only study one box of flashcards on certain days

and multiple boxes on others.

VALUE RECALL OVER RECOGNITION

 PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

Organizational system

- Framework for storing all the information, resources, and ideas that will and are needed

Idea

- Any tangible information that you need to save and have easy access to later on

- This can include things such as:

a. Tasks

b. Events

c. Ideas

You also need a reliable place to store

- Notes

- Handouts

- Outputs you create

An organizational system will need the following:

● Task manager

● Calendar

● Note taking system

● Physical or digital storage for notes, handouts, outputs, etc.

Task manager
 - A place to record weekly and daily things to do. In short, a to-do list to keep track of

tasks

Apps that you will use as task managers are the following

1. ColorNotes

2. todo

Calendar

- Will be used to remember future events, deadlines, and plans

The app that you will be using as a calendar will be Google Calendar

Note taking system

- Cornell method

- It will be placed on paper if you want to rewrite and encode your notes you can use

google docs.

Physical storage

- It can either be a binder, folders, notebooks, etc.

- You can also utilize boxes for long-term storage of notes

Scheme

- A system to follow that will help for the smooth consistency of the system

Folder Structure

- The folder structure assists in organizing all of the materials for school in a clean,

smooth, and thorough system

 - It is important for making it easier to locate and organize files and versions. A proper

folder structure is especially needed when collaborating with others. The decision on how

to organize your data files depends on the plan and organization of the study.

"As for me, this is what my Folder Structure looks like"

My Folder Structure

Weekly and Daily planning (Input in TaskManagers: Color note, ToDoIst)

Weekly
- Every Saturday evening or morning
- Record here the future exams, group works, etc.
Daily
- Do it every morning, and before bed
- Record here what you will do tomorrow
 FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION

What is attention?

- Attention is the process of focusing all cognitive and physical resources on one particular

activity, information, or stimuli while ignoring all other in the environment.

There are two types of attention

● Top-down/Voluntary Attention

1. Based on tasks demands such as: reading a textbook, solving a math question

2. When you use top-down attention. The brain uses a mechanism to block

competing stimuli. But the brain cannot do this forever, it will eventually get tired

like the muscles in our body. This then leads to what we call directed attention

fatigue

Directed attention fatigue

- Causes you to become more and more distracted

The strength of your machine depends on

1. Environment

2. Tendency to seek novelty when faced with a boring task

3. Interest in the current task

4. Brains' current state (depends on the food, rest, and overall healthiness you have)

5. The length of how long you have been focusing

● Bottom-up/Stimulus-Driven Attention

- Focused attention based on the environment such as a cute cat at your table, motor

noise, etc.
 Tips on how to study

● Stop multitasking
- You incur a cognitive switching penalty. You have a hard time focusing, and you
also waste time when you switch from task to task.
- Spend 20-30 minutes before switching to another task.

● Tailor your environment

- Find a spot where you can focus. It can either be your room, a table, or a silent
corner in your house.
- This place will be used only for studying.
- By doing this you will make a spot with only one context

● Context is powerful
- When your location, the people you are around, and all other pieces of your
environment point to a single activity, you'll be much more likely to do the test the
location is pointing to. Such as studying
- Therefore it is important to create an environment only for studying.

"De-Procrastination"

A to-do list will be utilized to lessen procrastination. Each task will be designated a specific date

and hour. Different tasks can be broken down into more specific tasks to maximize productivity.

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action

steps" - Confucius

Things to do to stop procrastination:

1. GET ORGANIZED

2. START WITH THE EASY ONES

3. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

4. PRIORITIZE

5. !!DO NOT MULTITASK!!

6. SET GOALS
 7. SET DEADLINES

8. TAKE A BREAK

9. REWARD YOURSELF

10. HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

Attention muscle

● Resist cravings for novelty (sudden urges to go to, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,

etc.)

● The strength of these cravings is set by how often you give in to them

Building the attention muscle

● By acknowledging a craving for novelty, then deliberately ignoring it and getting back to

work. You will then start to have a tolerance for boredom and ween yourself from those

cravings

● As you do thus your ability to focus will strengthen. You are building the attention

muscle.

Apps to help you focus

● StayFree

● StayFocused

● Forest

These apps will block apps, sites, and the phone itself. It will help in the early parts of training

your attention muscle.

 ● You can also disconnect from the internet entirely. To minimize distractions and

notifications

● You can also use the Not To Disturb feature on your phone to block all the unnecessary

notifications that pop up to distract you.

"The Pomodoro method"

A Pomodoro system will be adapted to minimize burnout and maximize productivity.

There will be 25 mins directed for work focused on 1 task. And 5 minutes for a break, whereas

the 5-minute break will be composed of activities such as walking outside, restroom break,

hydration, and reconnecting to nature.

High-Quality Work = (Time Spent)×(Intensity of Focus)

!!!STRICTLY no Social Media!!,

and Addictive Mobile Games!!

!STRICTLY NO MULTI-TASKING!

After 4 pomodoros, which is equivalent to 2 hours of work. A 1 hour or 30-minute break will be

implemented. The usage of a 30-minute break or 1-hour break will depend mainly on the

circumstance at hand. The break is where activities such as youtube, healthy mobile games, and

sleep are allowed.

The application of these new systems of work will be beneficial as it will improve productivity

and mental health at an exponential rate.

Pomodoro length Break

25 minutes 5 minutes (consist of walking and drinking

water)

45 minutes 10 minutes (games, yt, meditate)

After approximately 2 hours of intense Pomodoro work, one is entitled to 30 minutes of break,

consisting of either a nap, game, hobby, etc.

Take care of the body

You need:

● Sleep(7hrs - 8hrs)

● Water to keep the brain hydrated

● Healthy food

● Exercise once every day

DURING CLASS
TIPS ON CLASS

1. You can’t write down every word

A lecture is not a dictation exercise where you have to write down everything the professor says.
You need to watch out for key points, arguments, and themes in the lectures. It's a good thing that
lectures are recorded at LSE, so you can always go back and check if you missed a point.

2. Pay Attention

It's very easy to start daydreaming during lectures and miss an important point. Try to rest
adequately before lectures so you don't doze off in class. Some take coffee before lectures to
keep them alert, others chew gum. Listen attentively to examples given by the professor to
explain a point. Sometimes the example helps us remember the point in the future.

3. Underline, Highlight and Capitalise

Lecturers often stress or draw attention to certain words or phrases. It is important to

underline/highlight these words on your notepad to show how important they are. It might also
be useful to start using these terms in your group discussions to get familiar with them.

4. Use Shorthand (Abbreviations)

To catch up, some words need to be written in short but in understandable forms. So, take some
time to work out whatever shorthand code you're comfortable with. For example words like
using ‘2' instead of ‘to', ‘too' and ‘two', or ‘da' for ‘the'; ‘w/' for ‘with', btw for ‘between’, etc.

5. Put distractions away

It might be a good idea to turn off your Wifi during lectures to avoid receiving distracting
messages on WhatsApp or Facebook. Don't forget to put your mobile phone on silent mode, and
don't use headphones or earpieces!

6. Be Comfortable

Ensure that you are punctual in your lectures and choose a convenient spot to sit. Students are
often put off when their favorite corner of the lecture hall has already been taken. Choose a spot
that makes you comfortable and feels part of the lecture. For me, I prefer the second or third row.
I often find it difficult to concentrate on the backseats. They remind me of those noisy
backbenchers in high school who chuckled and contrived pranks to be used on teachers and
fellow students!

7. Ask questions when confused

Don't just write down things you do not understand. Ask for clarification when you are confused.
If you're not satisfied, you can always meet the lecturer for further clarification during breaks,
after the lecture, or during Office Hours.

8. Share and compare notes with classmates

Two heads according to the popular adage are better than one. It is good to find time to compare
notes with your classmates and use theirs to update yours and vice versa. They might have
picked up some important points that you didn’t.

9. Notepad versus Laptop

There has been a heated debate on which of these two is most effective for note-taking during
lectures. Some argue that notepads are old-fashioned and others contend that laptops are
distracting. For me, it depends on the individual. I started with notepads and “migrated” to my
laptop. It depends on which you find more effective. However, I still use my notepad in some
lectures. The point here is to use what works for you.

10. Air your opinion

Lectures are not always one-sided. There are times lecturers throw questions at students or ask
for reactions. Don’t be left out. Discuss how the subject matter relates to what you have heard or
seen before and your personal opinion about it. The seminars and classes also give more room
for personal reflection on the subject matter. They facilitate critical analysis and thrash matters
arising from the lecture. Here you can even critique the lecture”, as George Wald rightly points
out, “is much more of a dialogue than many of you probably realize”.

3 THINGS NEEDED TO BE A TOP STUDENT

1. Practice exams
2. Self motivate/disciplined
3. Resiliency

Don't aim to just work hard

>Improve study skills.
>Improve systems.

Find the best technique for yourself.

Get the process right!!
PRACTICE EXAMS

Do practice exams from notes. Instead of re-reading the notes.

"An exam is not a test of memory".

It is a test on how YOU use what you can REMEMBER

"Don't memorize. Understand"

SELF DISCIPLINE
● Utilize a study timetable
● How to stick longer with a study timetable.
● Put the nonstudy activities first (socializing, sports, hobbies, chores, etc.)
● Then enter the studies
● So utilize Pomodoro methods.

MORE TIPS

1)PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS

2)UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT BEFORE THE CLASS ENDS.

3) FIRST WEEKS MATTER

4)KNOW HOW TO STUDY CERTAIN SUBJECTS.

5)STUDY SMART

6)DO YOUR HOMEWORK

7)DO SCHOOL WORK AS YOU REACH HOME

8)CRAM THE RIGHT WAY

9) DO PRESSURE THYSELF

10)FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM

 STUDYING FOR EXAMS

10 Study Methods & Tips That Work

1. THE SQ3R METHOD

The SQ3R method is a reading comprehension technique that helps students identify important
facts and retain information within their textbooks. SQ3R (or SQRRR) is an acronym that stands
for the five steps of the reading comprehension process. Try these steps for a more efficient and
effective study session:

SURVEY: Instead of reading the entire book, start by skimming the first chapter and taking notes
on any headings, subheadings, images, or other standout features like charts.

QUESTION: Formulate questions around the chapter’s content, such as, What is this chapter
about? What do I already know about this subject?

READ: Begin reading the full chapter and look for answers to the questions you formulated.

RECITE: After reading a section, summarize in your own words what you just read. Try
recalling and identifying major points and answering any questions from the second step.

REVIEW: Once you have finished the chapter, it’s important to review the material to fully
understand it. Quiz yourself on the questions you created and re-read any portions you need to.
You can try this study technique before taking your final exam.

2. RETRIEVAL PRACTICE

Retrieval practice is based on the concept of remembering at a later time. Recalling an answer to
a question improves learning more than looking for the answer in your textbook. And,
remembering and writing down the answer to a flashcard is a lot more effective than thinking
you know the answer and flipping the card over early.

If you practice retrieval, you are more likely to remember the information later on. Below are
some ways you can implement the retrieval process into your study routine.

UTILIZE PRACTICE TESTS:

Use practice tests or questions to quiz yourself, without looking at your book or notes.
Make your questions: Be your teacher and create questions you think would be on a test. If
you’re in a study group, encourage others to do the same, and trade questions.
USE FLASHCARDS: Create flashcards, but make sure to practice your retrieval technique.
Instead of flipping a card over prematurely, write the answer down and then check.

3. SPACED PRACTICE

Spaced practice (also known as “distributed practice”) encourages students to study over a longer
period instead of cramming the night before. When our brains almost forget something, they
work harder to recall that information. Spacing out your studying allows your mind to make
connections between ideas and build upon the knowledge that can be easily recalled later.

To try this technique, review your material in spaced intervals similar to the schedule below:

DAY 1: Learn the material in class.

DAY 2: Revisit and review.

DAY 3: Revisit and review.

AFTER ONE WEEK: Revisit and review.

AFTER TWO WEEKS: Revisit and review.

It’s important to start planning early. At the beginning of each semester, schedule some time each
day just for studying and reviewing the material. Even if your exams are months away, this will
help you hold yourself accountable.

4. THE PQ4R METHOD

This method takes an active approach to learning that improves memorization and understanding
of the topic. Similar to the SQ3R method above, PQ4R is an acronym that stands for the six steps
in the process.

PREVIEW: Preview the information before you start reading to get an idea of the subject. Skim
the material and read only the headers, subheadings, and highlighted text.

QUESTION: Ask yourself questions related to the topic, such as, What do I expect to learn?
What do I already know about this topic?

READ: Read the information one section at a time and try to identify answers to your questions.
REFLECT: Did you answer all of your questions? If not, go back and see if you can find the
answer.

RECITE: In your own words, either speak or write down a summary of the information you just
read.

REVIEW: Look over the material one more time and answer any questions that have not yet
been answered.

5. THE FEYNMAN TECHNIQUE

The Feynman Technique is an efficient method of learning a concept quickly by explaining it in

plain and simple terms. It’s based on the idea, “If you want to understand something well, try to
explain it simply.” What that means is, by attempting to explain a concept in our own words, we
are likely to understand it a lot faster.

How it works:

WRITE THE SUBJECT/concept you are studying at the top of a sheet of paper.
Then, EXPLAIN it in your own words as if you were teaching someone else.
REVIEW what you wrote and identify any areas where you were wrong. Once you have
identified them, go back to your notes or reading material and figure out the correct ANSWER.
Lastly, if there are any areas in your writing where you used technical terms or complex
language, go back and REWRITE these sections in simpler terms for someone who doesn’t have
the educational background you have.

6. LEITNER SYSTEM

The Leitner System is a learning technique based on flashcards. Ideally, you keep your cards in
several different boxes to track when you need to study each set.

Every card starts in Box 1. If you get a card right, you move it to the next box. If you get a card
wrong, you either move it down a box or keep it in Box 1 (if it’s already there).

Each box determines how much you will study each set of cards, similar to the following
schedule:

EVERY DAY — Box 1

EVERY TWO DAYS — Box 2
EVERY FOUR DAYS — Box 3
EVERY NINE DAYS — Box 4
EVERY 14 DAYS — Box 5

7. COLOR-CODED NOTES

Messy notes can make it hard to recall the important points of a lecture. Writing in color is a
dynamic way to organize the information you’re learning. It also helps you review and prioritize
the most important ideas.

A recent study found that color can improve a person’s memory performance. That same study
found that warm colors (red and yellow) “can create a learning environment that is positive and
motivating that can help learners not only to have a positive perception toward the content but
also to engage and interact more with the learning materials.” It also reported that warmer colors
“increase attention and elicit excitement and information.”

Writing in color may seem like a no-brainer, but keep these tips in mind:

Write down KEY POINTS in Red.

Highlight IMPORTANT INFORMATION in YELLOW.

Organize topics by color.

Don’t color everything—just the most important information.

8. MIND MAPPING

If you’re a visual learner, try mind mapping, a technique that allows you to visually organize
information in a diagram. First, you write a word in the center of a blank page. From there, you
write major ideas and keywords and connect them directly to the central concept. Other related
ideas will continue to branch out.

The structure of a mind map is related to how our brains store and retrieve information. Mind
mapping your notes instead of just writing them down can improve your reading comprehension.
It also enables you to see the big picture by communicating the hierarchy and relationships
between concepts and ideas.

So, how do you do it?

Grab a blank sheet of paper (or use a tool online) and write your study topic in the center, such as
“child development.”
Connect one of your main ideas (i.e., a chapter of your book or notes) to the main topic, such as
“developmental stages.”
Connect sub-branches of supporting ideas to your main branch. This is the association of ideas.
For Example, “Sensorimotor,” “Preoperational,” “Concrete operational,” and “Formal
operational.”
TIP: Use different colors for each branch and draw pictures if it helps.

9. EXERCISE BEFORE STUDYING

Not only does exercise fight fatigue, but it can also increase energy levels. If you’re struggling to
find the motivation to study, consider adding an exercise routine to your day. It doesn’t have to
be a full hour at the gym. It can be a 20-minute workout at home or a brisk walk around your
neighborhood. Anything to get your heart rate pumping. Exercising before you study:

Kickstarts brain function and can help improve memory and cognitive performance.
Releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

10. STUDY BEFORE BED

Sleep is crucial for brain function, memory formation, and learning. Studying before you sleep,
whether it is reviewing flashcards or notes, can help improve recall. According to Scott Cairney,
a researcher from the University of York in the United Kingdom, “When you are awake you
learn new things, but when you are asleep you refine them, making it easier to retrieve them and
apply them correctly when you need them most. This is important for how we learn but also for
how we might help retain healthy brain functions.”

When you’re asleep, the brain organizes your memories. Instead of pulling an all-nighter, study a
few hours before bed and then review the information in the morning.

No one wants to spend more time studying than they need to. Learning effective study
techniques can ensure you are fully prepared for your exams and will help curve any looming
test anxiety. Hopefully, with the techniques above, you can avoid cramming the night before and
make your study time more effective. For more tips, download the infographic below.
Study Schedule

● Put to the calendar in the task manager

● The first figure out the exact dates, for the exams. And then add it to the calendar.

● You can color code the dates for the exams. USE GOOGLE CALENDAR. If your task

manager

● You can also put the location(optional)

● After putting the exam date. You can work backward and plan the study sessions for the

exam.

● If you have a lot of projects and assignments. Also, remember to place them in the

schedule

● Try to replicate the environment where you will be taking the test. Memory is contact

based. Reviewing the material in a similar contact can help you recall it far easier.

● Ask the teacher for information about the exam. Like how long will it take? How many

questions? What materials are allowed, etc?

● Get your hands on practice tests or past tests from previous semesters.

● You can go to Koofers.com

Time to Study

● Study at least 2 times in an area that is similar to where you will take the test.

● Stimulate the test's time limit.

● Quiz yourself without having access to other materials that you won't have during the test

● Follow the study guide your teacher gave you. If not use the lecture notes and make

questions from there

 ● Use flashcards. For vocabulary quizzes

● Use Anki

● Ask your teacher

Rubber duck debugging

● Explaining the concept to a duck

● Explaining it to a nonexpert like a rubber duck. Forces you to view the concept from a

different point of view. Which will often reveal the solution.

Use index cards

● Put the most important information for the exam

● This is a cheat card exercise

● Great preparation technique

Not Studying

● The study effectively you have to give your brain some time off.

● When you craft your study schedule. You also have to input when to have breaks

● Use the POMODORO method

 TEXT ANXIETY

Fear doesn't go away. The warrior and artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates
that the battle must be fought anew every day.

Anxiety
● Is an indicator that what you are doing is important
● But too much anxiety produces cortisol, and too much cortisol can hinder the ability to
recall memories
● You have to curb your anxiety

The 3 big fears

1. Fear of repeating past failures
2. Fear of the unknown
3. Fear of the stakes

● The next time you feel anxious before taking a test. Get a small piece of paper and write
down what is making you feel that way.

The Fear of Repeating Past Failures

"Failure is inevitable"
● You are not defined by your past successes or failures
● Analyze your past mistakes and get as much information from them as you can.
● You can only if you know what you were doing wrong before
● Chess. Take a cue from chess players
● Get a copy of your past exams. And analyze. You can also ask for feedback
● Do not just acknowledge your mistakes. Analyze and identify how you got it wrong. And
how you should get it right.
● Write the question you mistook. Or highlight it in your notes. To know that it is wrong.
 ● Ask yourself:
○ Was I unprepared?
○ Why was I unprepared?
○ Did I not put enough time into reviewing?
○ Did I ignore the study guide?
○ Did I use an ineffective study method?
Whatever the reason was do not let it get you down
"Failure is the greatest teacher, and is often better than success"
Every failure is an opportunity to improve yourself

The Fear of the Unknown

● People fear what they don't understand
● Replicate the test conditions when you take the exam
● Gather as much information about the exam
● Spend some time studying in a classroom that looks and feels similar to the one that you
will be tested in. Furthermore, quiz yourself with the same constraints as the exam.

The Fear of the Stakes

● You rarely come across a test that you will not recover.
● Everything is gonna work out. Just make sure you learn from your mistakes, move
forward, and improve.
"Think of it as yet another learning opportunity rather than as a judgment"
● Do not hesitate to ask for help
 PAPERS AND ESSAYS

STEPS ON MAKING AN ESSAY

Step 1: What is your PURPOSE

What type of essay
- Narrative = Storytelling
- Descriptive = Explain
- Expository = Explain
- Argumentative = Convincing

Step 2: PROSPECTING
- Look for info about your essay
- Build a range of data, bigger than what is asked
- Read Read Read a lot of articles, journals, research studies, or watch videos
TIP: Do the Pomodoro technique to maximize productivity(25mins work 5mins breaks)

Step 3: PERSPECTIVE
- Helps with sentence construction
- Descriptive = 3rd person
- Argumentative = 1st person

Step 4: Plan
- Write your outline
- Outline your, arguments, steps, or stories
- PLAN THE FLOW
Step 5: PEN YOUR PAPER
- 1st draft, be free from scrutiny and restraint

Step 6: POLISH
- Edit
- Check grammar, sentences, and arguments

On Writing a Research Paper

1. Find topic
2. Find Related literature
3. Write Introduction, RRL, Methodology

After finding a research topic

First, make a rough sketch or brain dump

The brain dump consists of:
● Research Prob
● Intro
● Methods

Then research on
● Wikipedia(last part citations)
● Google Scholar
● Ebsco
What to do during reading articles
● Download and skim source (Keep in 1 file folder)
● Highlight important arguments that support your research arguments
● Have at least 2 sources for each main point on your thesis and have at least 1 for
noncrucial points
Then do the 1st draft
"Write drunk, edit sober"

"LET THE INITIAL ACT OF CREATION BE FREE OF SCRUTINY AND RESTRAINT"

It does not need to be perfect the first time

You have your future self to edit and shape into something great
Write the first draft in different a area from where you will write the final draft.

● Go to Note then polish at Google Docs

EDITING

EDIT YOUR PAPER IN TWO SEPARATE STAGES

Stage 1: Content edit

1. EVERY ARGUMENT SHOULD SUPPORT THE THESIS

2. THE PAPER SHOULD HAVE A GOOD NARRATIVE FLOW

3. EACH ARGUMENT SHOULD BE PROPERLY FLESHED OUT AND BACKED UP

WITH RESEARCH OR EXTERNAL SOURCES.

4. EDIT THOSE THAT CAN BE REMOVED OR WRITTEN MORE CLEARLY AND

SIMPLY.

This stage is to help communicate your message to the reader as effectively as possible
Stage 2: Technical edit

1. SPELLING AND GRAMMAR MISTAKES

2. POORLY STRUCTURED SENTENCES

3. FORMATTING ERRORS

4. SENTENCES THAT DO NOT SOUND RIGHT

After that, you will pass the paper and if revisions. Are needed then revise
 EXERCISE

● Exercise improves the ability of neurons to bind to one another, which is how new neural

pathways are formed and how memories take hold

● Exercise improves the brains performance

● Exercise then study.

● Do exercises that are skill oriented such as boxing

● You can do intense aerobic exercise and then do boxing afterward. Then you can then

study

The formula for Maximum Cognitive abilities

Brain power = Regular Exercise × Constant Learning

It will go something like this

Fast feet(45 secs, 2 sets)

Burpees(45 secs, 2 sets)

1 round of Boxing(3 mins)

Study(Cognitive Exercise)

"You can start small, do what you can do, and focus on building the habit"