THE TOPPER'S SYSTEM: Learn New and Old Content AT THE SAME TIME

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of balancing new content learning with revising old material for exams. The speaker suggests prioritizing new content and integrating it with the old, using a method of spaced repetition and active recall. They recommend reviewing new topics immediately after class, creating mind maps for a solid foundation, and then using recall questions and practice exams to reinforce learning. For old content, if not well-established, the advice is to revisit it as if new, using the same process of skimming, mind mapping, and creating questions. The script also highlights the effectiveness of this approach through personal experience and encourages viewers to watch additional resources for a deeper understanding of the study techniques discussed.

Takeaways

• 📚 Prioritize learning new content each week before revising old content to stay current and avoid falling behind.
• 💡 Utilize class time to build a solid foundation on new topics; it's easier to learn while they're being taught.
• 🔄 Review new topics as soon as possible after they are taught to create a strong base, using techniques like skimming and mind mapping.
• 📈 Use spaced repetition for effective learning: revise on day 1, then day 4-5, and day 14 or later.
• 🧠 Active recall is crucial; start practicing questions from the first session itself to focus your revision and understand what to prioritize.
• 📈 For old topics, if well-prepared initially, continue practicing questions and spacing out repetition.
• 🔧 If old topics were not well-prepared, revisit them as if new, skimming, creating mind maps, and building a base before diving into specifics.
• 🔗 Creating a mind map for each topic helps in linking subtopics and understanding the big picture, which aids in long-term retention.
• 📉 Avoid the temptation to perfect the topic before practicing questions; doing so can lead to less retention.
• 📝 Start with recall questions or practice questions based on what the examiner is likely to test, rather than trying to become a specialist on the topic.
• 🔄 Implement active recall from the first study session to reinforce learning and memory.
• 📈 The process of working through questions and making mistakes, then revising, helps ingrain information better than passive reading.

Q & A

What is the main strategy suggested for balancing new content learning and old content revision?

The main strategy is to prioritize staying on top of new content every week and ensure it is learned first. Then, fill the rest of the time with the revision of old content.

Why is it recommended to learn new topics while they are being taught?

It is easier to learn new topics while they are being taught because you can take advantage of the current teaching and the context it provides, which helps in creating a good base for the new topic.

What are the steps to review a new topic after it has been taught in class?

The steps include skimming through the material for a basic understanding, creating a mind map that links every subtopic together, and then going through general concepts to create recall questions or flashcards.

What is the space repetition formula suggested for revising new topics?

The formula is to revise the topic on day one, then on day four to five, and then on day 14 or later. After that, review the topic with mixed practice questions closer to the exam.

How does the speaker suggest approaching old content that hasn't been well-revised?

The speaker suggests grabbing one major topic at a time, pretending you've never learned it before, and following the same steps as for new topics: skimming, creating mind maps, and building a base before going through concepts and creating notes or questions.

Why is it important to start doing practice questions from the first session itself?

Starting practice questions from the first session helps to focus the revision, understand what is more likely to come up, and what needs to be focused on in the next revisions. It also makes the revision process more efficient.

What is the significance of creating a mind map for each topic?

Creating a mind map helps in linking subtopics together through a central idea, which aids in remembering the topic for a longer period. It also provides a visual representation of the topic's structure, making it easier to understand and recall.

How does the speaker recommend using recall questions during the revision process?

The speaker recommends starting with recall questions right after creating a mind map and understanding the topic. This helps in implementing active recall from the very beginning, which is a more effective learning technique.

What is the role of active recall in the revision process?

Active recall involves testing oneself on the material without looking at the answers, which forces the brain to remember and reinforces the memory. It is a key component in the revision process as it helps in ingraining the information more effectively.

Why is it not advisable to focus on perfecting the topic before starting practice questions?

Focusing on perfecting the topic before starting practice questions can lead to inefficient learning and less retention. It is more beneficial to start with questions to identify areas of weakness and focus the revision on those areas.

How does the speaker suggest organizing and spacing out topics for a big exam?

The speaker suggests using a spaced repetition method, organizing topics over a month's period, and revising each topic according to a specific schedule that includes initial revision, spaced repetitions, and mixed practice questions closer to the exam.