How I study SMARTER, not HARDER

Summary

The video script delves into the inefficiency of prolonged, low-intensity studying, advocating for a more effective approach. It introduces a 'study equation' that emphasizes the importance of intensity over time spent. The speaker explains three levels of cognitive load, from passive note-taking to actively solving challenging problems, which significantly reduces study time while enhancing knowledge retention. The video concludes by promoting a free master class for viewers to learn these techniques and achieve better grades with less effort.

Takeaways

• 😖 Feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable from studying for extended periods is common and can lead to a desire for a change in study methods.
• 📚 The traditional approach to studying, which involves long hours, may not be the most effective way to gain knowledge.
• 💡 A study equation is introduced: Knowledge = Time Spent Studying * Intensity^2, suggesting that intensity is as important as time spent.
• 🚀 The speaker emphasizes that studying should be more about intensity and less about the duration, challenging the conventional wisdom.
• 🤔 The realization that studying should be rethought, moving away from the grind mentality to a more efficient and effective approach.
• 📈 The importance of cognitive load is highlighted, with the idea that higher cognitive load leads to more effective learning.
• 📉 The script suggests that increasing the intensity of study sessions can drastically reduce the time needed to achieve the same level of knowledge.
• 📚 Three levels of study intensity are outlined: Level 1 (no taking), Level 2 (past papers and active recall techniques), and Level 3 (mistakes farming).
• 🧠 The concept of 'mistakes farming' is introduced as a high-intensity study technique, which involves tackling difficult questions to force cognitive engagement.
• 🔗 The speaker shares personal experiences and references experts like Scott Young and Cal Newport to support the effectiveness of high-intensity studying.
• 📈 The video concludes with an invitation to a free study master class, promising to reveal more secrets for effective studying and achieving top grades.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker is facing while studying?

The speaker is feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable due to sitting at their desk for extended periods without a break, leading to physical discomfort and a feeling of ineffectiveness in their study methods.

What does the speaker compare their study experience to?

The speaker compares their study experience to a grind, something that requires hours of discipline and willpower, which they find to be boring and unsustainable.

What is the significance of the physics equation 'f = ma' in the context of the script?

The equation 'f = ma' serves as a metaphor for the speaker's realization that maximizing force (in their case, studying effectively) can be achieved not just by increasing time (mass), but also by increasing intensity (acceleration).

What is the study equation mentioned by the speaker?

The study equation mentioned is 'Knowledge = Time Spent Studying * Intensity Squared', which emphasizes the importance of studying with higher intensity to gain knowledge more efficiently.

Why does the speaker believe that simply studying for longer hours is not the solution?

The speaker believes that studying for longer hours without increasing the intensity of study is ineffective because it doesn't lead to a significant increase in knowledge acquisition, as indicated by the study equation.

What are the three levels of intensity the speaker discusses for studying?

The three levels of intensity are: Level One (no taking, passive activities like copying notes), Level Two (active recall techniques like past paper questions and flashcards), and Level Three (mistakes farming, focusing on difficult questions).

What is 'mistakes farming' as described in the script?

'Mistakes farming' is a study technique where one deliberately chooses difficult questions they can't solve and sticks with them until they reach a certain point, then uses the mark scheme to understand the steps they missed, which increases cognitive load and learning.

How does the speaker suggest using the study equation to improve study efficiency?

The speaker suggests increasing the intensity of study rather than just the time spent, as per the study equation, to achieve a higher knowledge gain in a shorter period.

What is the role of cognitive load in the study process according to the script?

Cognitive load is the amount of pressure or information the brain can take and process in a given time. The speaker suggests that increasing cognitive load through higher intensity study techniques leads to more effective learning.

Why does the speaker argue that studying should not be viewed as a purely time-consuming task?

The speaker argues that studying should not be viewed as a purely time-consuming task because the quality of study, indicated by intensity, has a squared effect on knowledge gain, making it more important than the quantity of time spent.