My BEST Exam Strategy (the lazy man's method)

Summary

In this engaging video, your favorite Axolotl shares effective study techniques tailored for O-Level students. Highlighting the importance of space repetition, the 80/20 rule, and strategic exam approaches, the Axolotl emphasizes prioritizing topics based on their relevance and ease of understanding. With tips on time management during exams and the necessity of maintaining interest in the subjects, the Axolotl encourages a more relaxed yet efficient study method. By using these strategies, students can enhance their learning experience and aim for success in their exams, all while managing their time for other activities.

Takeaways

• 📚 Apology for Delay: The creator apologizes for not being able to produce the math Part 2 before the exams due to time constraints and the demands of a full-time job.
• 🧠 Focus on Long-Term Memory: The importance of converting short-term memory into long-term memory through spaced repetition is emphasized.
• 📈 Utilize the Forgetting Curve: Revisiting topics multiple times reduces the study time needed while improving retention over time.
• 🚫 Don't Study Everything: It’s more efficient to focus on the most important topics rather than spending equal time on all subjects.
• ⚖️ The 80/20 Rule: Emphasizes that 80% of exam marks can often come from 20% of the material, so prioritize your study topics accordingly.
• 🌳 Create a Skill Tree: Visualizing topics as a skill tree can help identify which subjects are prerequisites for others, allowing for smarter study choices.
• 🔍 Identify Worthy Topics: Look for topics that are easy to understand, consistent in exams, and provide high returns on investment for study time.
• 🎯 The 60/30/10 Rule: Allocate 60% of your study time to top-priority topics, 30% to moderately important topics, and 10% to those that are least important.
• ⏳ Manage Exam Time: Start exams with strategy time to assess questions and focus on easier topics first, boosting confidence and managing time effectively.
• 💡 Cultivate Interest: Try to engage with the material creatively, challenging yourself to think like a mathematician or historian to enhance learning.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share efficient study techniques for exam preparation, particularly for those taking O-levels.

What is the 'space repetition study technique'?

The space repetition study technique involves studying a topic multiple times over increasing intervals to transfer information from short-term to long-term memory.

Why should students prioritize certain topics over others?

Students should prioritize certain topics because not all topics carry equal weight in exams; focusing on the most relevant topics can yield better marks.

What is the 80/20 rule mentioned in the video?

The 80/20 rule suggests that 80% of exam marks can be derived from 20% of the material, indicating that students should identify and focus on the most critical topics.

How can students identify which topics to focus on?

Students can identify focus topics by consulting with experts, creating skill trees to visualize topic relationships, and reviewing past exam questions for patterns.

What does the '60-30-10 rule' entail?

The 60-30-10 rule involves dedicating 60% of study time to top-priority topics, 30% to moderately important topics, and 10% to less important or tedious topics.

What should students do in the first five minutes of an exam?

In the first five minutes, students should strategize by assessing the topics of the questions and their difficulty, annotating important formulas or information on the exam paper.

Why is it advised not to start from question one in exams?

It's advised not to start from question one to enhance time management and exam technique by addressing questions in order of confidence, which can boost performance.

What is the importance of being interested in the subject matter?

Being interested in the subject can enhance engagement and retention, making it easier to study and understand complex concepts.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with tedious topics?

The speaker suggests either avoiding tedious topics if time is limited or cramming them just before the exam, relying on previously studied material for support.