IIT prof's advice to Std. 11 students preparing for JEE

Summary

This video is a motivational guide for students in 11th standard who feel they've wasted a year of preparation. The speaker, sharing personal experiences, emphasizes the importance of accepting the current situation and realigning goals, focusing on JEE Mains and Boards initially. To improve problem-solving speed, he suggests practicing simpler problems and working in focused, time-bounded sessions. Additionally, the speaker advises slowing down in life, respecting chemistry as a subject, and understanding the necessity of damage control in the 12th standard. The ultimate message is to learn from past mistakes and make real changes in mindset for academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realize that your preparation is off track and stop living in a fantasy world about your progress.
• 😀 Adjust your immediate goals to focus on J Mains and boards rather than J Advanced, for a realistic foundation.
• 😀 It’s crucial to develop a bank of problem-solving strategies through practicing easier problems to improve speed.
• 😀 Use time-bound study methods like the Pomodoro technique to increase focus and minimize distractions during study sessions.
• 😀 Build mental stamina by working in focused bursts, gradually increasing from 30 minutes to 2-hour study sessions.
• 😀 Slow down your pace in life to avoid distractions, but increase speed in problem-solving to handle challenging questions.
• 😀 Don’t neglect Chemistry; it’s an important part of your preparation and can be a scoring subject if you focus on it.
• 😀 Complete your NCERT books thoroughly before moving to higher-level material to build a strong foundation.
• 😀 Understand that solving problems is about testing different approaches and eliminating ineffective ones quickly.
• 😀 Success in J Mains should be prioritized as it forms the base for future advanced exam preparation, including J Advanced.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video is aimed at students currently in standard 11 who feel they have wasted their year. The speaker offers tips to help them realign their goals, improve their mindset, and enhance their preparation for upcoming exams, specifically J Mains and boards.

Why does the speaker emphasize accepting the reality of preparation being off track?

The speaker stresses the importance of accepting that preparation is not on track because it is the first step towards making meaningful changes. Denying the issue would prevent students from addressing it effectively and getting back on track.

How does the speaker suggest students realign their goals?

The speaker advises students to adjust their goals by focusing first on J Mains and the board exams, instead of J Advanced, which may be unrealistic given their current level of preparation. This realignment provides a more realistic path forward, after which students can work towards J Advanced once they have solidified their foundation.

What advice does the speaker give to students who are good at solving difficult problems but struggle with simpler ones?

The speaker suggests that these students should first focus on solidifying their foundation at the J Mains level and in board exams. It is essential to improve their speed and accuracy in simpler problems before tackling more challenging ones.

What is the speaker's approach to improving problem-solving speed?

The speaker recommends developing a 'bank of options' by practicing easier problems, as this will help students recognize and eliminate unproductive approaches faster. Additionally, using a time-bound approach, such as the Pomodoro technique, helps build focus and speed.

Why is the Pomodoro technique recommended by the speaker?

The Pomodoro technique is recommended to help students focus on their studies in short, intense bursts. It encourages them to work without distractions for 25-50 minutes, which increases productivity and reduces distractions.

What is the distinction the speaker makes between increasing speed in problem-solving versus life in general?

The speaker emphasizes that students should focus on increasing their speed in problem-solving while maintaining a slower, more deliberate pace in life. This is to avoid rushing and becoming distracted, ensuring that students can stay focused and effective in their studies.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of chemistry in standard 11 preparation?

The speaker highlights the importance of chemistry, as many students neglect it while focusing on physics and mathematics. The speaker emphasizes that chemistry is often neglected at the cost of academic performance, and suggests completing the NCERT chemistry books as part of damage control for those who have neglected this subject.

What specific advice is given regarding the NCERT books for chemistry?

The speaker advises students to prioritize completing the NCERT books for chemistry, as they form the foundation for success in J Mains and boards. Only after mastering these should students move on to more advanced materials.

What key mindset shift does the speaker advocate for in students?

The speaker advocates for a mindset shift that involves acknowledging past mistakes, realigning goals to focus on achievable targets like J Mains and boards, and then gradually progressing to J Advanced. The focus should be on consistent improvement and not on unrealistic expectations.