How to Study for Math and Science (from an engineer)

Summary

In this video, a recent chemical engineering graduate shares valuable study tips that helped them improve their grades over the course of their degree. The tips emphasize the importance of practicing a wide variety of problems, using active recall and teaching others to reinforce learning, seeking help when confused, and managing time effectively. The speaker highlights productivity principles like Parkinson’s Law and the 80/20 rule, suggesting a balanced approach to studying. The advice is aimed at students in math and science, aiming to enhance understanding and performance while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice a variety of problems, not just the ones you already know. This helps you improve on unfamiliar or challenging concepts.
• 😀 Create a checklist of possible questions and concepts based on the course outline to stay organized and ensure comprehensive preparation.
• 😀 Use active recall by testing yourself and teaching others. Verbalizing concepts helps solidify your understanding and highlights areas of weakness.
• 😀 Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're stuck. Approach professors, tutors, or use online resources to clarify concepts.
• 😀 In lectures, ask questions immediately or speak with your professor after class to save time and avoid confusion later.
• 😀 Spread out your study sessions to activate diffuse thinking, which helps with deeper understanding and memory retention.
• 😀 Be strategic about your time. If a class isn’t valuable, consider skipping it and focusing on studying or coursework instead.
• 😀 Consider a lighter course load to maintain a balance between studying and social life, reducing the risk of burnout.
• 😀 Apply Parkinson’s Law by setting time limits for tasks. This creates urgency and helps you stay focused and productive.
• 😀 Use the 80/20 Principle: Focus on the 20% of activities (e.g., exams) that yield 80% of the results for your grade.
• 😀 Read productivity books like *Deep Work*, *The Great Mental Models*, and *Atomic Habits* when you have free time to improve your efficiency and study techniques.

Q & A

What was the speaker's overall GPA in chemical engineering?

The speaker graduated with a GPA of 83 in chemical engineering.

Why is the speaker proud of their GPA despite it not being a 4.0?

The speaker is proud because they improved their GPA every year, going from 77 to 83 to 88 in their last year of university.

What is the main reason the speaker attributes their previous struggles with grades?

The speaker attributes their struggles to poor study habits, particularly in math and science, rather than a lack of natural ability.

What is the first study tip the speaker offers?

The first tip is to practice a wide variety of problems, not just the ones you already know how to solve. This helps improve your skills in areas you find more challenging.

How does the speaker suggest preparing for exams?

The speaker recommends creating a list of possible questions based on the course outline, practicing a variety of problems from each chapter, and thinking about how questions could be modified or combined on the exam.

What role does active recall play in studying, according to the speaker?

Active recall is a highly effective study technique that involves testing your memory of concepts. The speaker emphasizes its importance in identifying weaknesses and reinforcing knowledge.

What is the significance of teaching others when studying?

Teaching others helps solidify your understanding of concepts by forcing you to simplify and explain them clearly. The speaker believes this method is an excellent way to identify any gaps in your knowledge.

What does the speaker suggest doing when confused during class?

The speaker suggests immediately raising your hand to ask questions during class or speaking to the professor afterward if it's not the right time to ask. Seeking clarification early prevents wasting time being stuck on a problem.

What advice does the speaker give about managing time during university?

The speaker recommends auditing your time carefully, being mindful of unproductive lectures, and potentially skipping classes when necessary to focus on self-study. They stress the importance of managing both time and energy.

How do Parkinson's Law and the 80/20 Principle apply to studying?

Parkinson's Law suggests setting time limits to avoid wasting time, while the 80/20 Principle means focusing on the 20% of activities that yield 80% of the results, such as preparing for exams, which typically make up the majority of the grade.