How to STUDY so FAST it feels like CHEATING

Summary

This video offers six powerful study tips to help students learn faster, retain more information, and still have time for fun. The tips include tricks like tricking your brain into studying, teaching concepts to simplify understanding, using active recall instead of rereading, and leveraging timed study sessions. It also emphasizes the importance of working smarter, focusing on high-priority content, and ensuring quality sleep and exercise for better memory retention. These techniques, when applied, promise not only to enhance learning speed but also to boost long-term retention, helping students achieve better academic results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trick your brain into studying: Use the 20-minute study method to avoid distractions and start focusing.
• 😀 Teach like a genius: Simplify complex topics to make sure you truly understand the material.
• 😀 Active recall is key: Stop rereading notes and actively test your memory to retain information faster.
• 😀 Use the timer trick for focus: Set a 30-minute timer to study intensely and take guilt-free breaks.
• 😀 Prioritize your study time: Focus on the 20% of material that will yield 80% of your results (80/20 rule).
• 😀 Use practice tests to guide your study: Start with a test to see which topics need more attention.
• 😀 Sleep is essential: Your brain locks in information while you sleep, so get 7-8 hours before exams.
• 😀 Exercise boosts memory: Even a short walk can improve your brain's ability to retain information.
• 😀 Study smarter, not harder: Avoid wasting time on unnecessary details and focus on what matters most.
• 😀 Apply knowledge for real success: Just studying is not enough; you need to apply what you learn for maximum benefit.

Q & A

What is Parkinson's law, and how does it affect study habits?

Parkinson's law states that work expands to fill the time you allow for it. In the context of studying, if you give yourself hours to study, you'll likely spend that entire time, including distractions. To combat this, you can break your study time into smaller, more manageable sessions, like 20 minutes, which makes it feel easier to start and more likely to be productive.

Why is teaching what you learn to a 5-year-old an effective study technique?

Teaching what you've learned to a 5-year-old forces you to simplify complex concepts, which helps you identify gaps in your understanding. By breaking down the material into simple terms, you enhance your comprehension and retention of the topic.

How does active recall improve memory retention compared to passive rereading?

Active recall involves testing yourself on the material without looking at your notes, which strengthens your memory by actively engaging your brain. In contrast, passive rereading only reinforces recognition, not recall, making it a less effective method for retaining information.

What is the timer trick, and why does it help with focus?

The timer trick involves setting a short, timed study session, like 30 minutes, where you work intensely without distractions. This creates a sense of urgency, which helps maintain focus. After the session, a short break allows your brain to reset, preventing burnout and boosting productivity.

What does the 80/20 rule mean in the context of studying?

The 80/20 rule suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Applied to studying, it means you should focus on the most important topics—those that are likely to appear on the exam—rather than spending too much time on less critical details.

Why is sleep important for memory consolidation?

Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation because it is during sleep that your brain processes and stores the information you’ve learned. Pulling all-nighters or sacrificing sleep before a test can severely reduce your ability to retain and recall the material.

How does exercise improve your ability to retain information?

Exercise, even a short walk, helps boost memory retention by improving blood flow to the brain, reducing stress, and enhancing overall cognitive function. Physical activity is a simple way to support your brain's ability to store and recall information.

What are the dangers of cramming the night before an exam?

Cramming the night before an exam is ineffective because it doesn't give your brain time to process and consolidate the information into long-term memory. As a result, you may remember some facts short-term, but you’re less likely to retain or fully understand them.

How can you identify which topics to focus on while studying?

To identify which topics to focus on, check past exams, ask your teacher, or evaluate which areas you don't understand well. Prioritize studying the most important topics, as they are likely to contribute the most to your grade.

How does the final tip help students improve their learning?

The final tip emphasizes that studying is not just about what you study but also about how your brain processes the information. By ensuring adequate sleep, exercise, and focusing on active learning strategies, you can better retain and apply the material, making your study efforts more effective.