how to study less and get higher grades

Summary

This video offers eight study tips to achieve higher grades with less effort. The speaker, a top MIT graduate, emphasizes efficiency over hours spent studying. Tips include reading backwards for last-minute cramming, batching similar tasks to reduce context switching, setting time constraints with Parkinson's Law, leveraging AI tools like Grammarly for essay writing, not getting stuck on difficult problems to avoid the sunk cost fallacy, doing easier tasks first, tagging notes for focused review, and joining a community for more tips.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Focus on the quality of study, not the quantity.
• 🔍 Read backwards to quickly grasp key points before an exam.
• 📚 Batch similar tasks together to minimize context switching.
• 🚫 Apply constraints to study time to increase efficiency.
• 🤖 Use AI tools like Grammarly to streamline writing tasks.
• 🚀 Don't idle; move on from problems that stump you to avoid the sunk cost fallacy.
• 🔑 Do mindless work first to create time for more complex tasks.
• 🏷️ Tag your notes during lectures to quickly identify areas needing review.
• 📈 Disconnect from the belief that more hours studying equates to better grades.
• 📉 Use the concept of Parkinson's Law to your advantage by setting tight deadlines.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Student A and Student B in terms of studying habits?

Student A studies for long hours, highlighting notes, rereading textbooks, and doing flashcards, while Student B has a calm 2-hour study session, knowing exactly what to review and how to do it efficiently.

What is the key message of the video regarding studying?

The video aims to teach viewers how to study less and achieve higher grades by focusing on effective study techniques rather than the number of hours spent studying.

Why is it advised to disconnect from the number of hours spent studying?

Focusing on the number of hours can mask the true effectiveness of a study session. It's more important to concentrate on how you study, not just the amount of time spent.

What is the 'read backwards' technique mentioned in the video?

It's a method of studying where you start with the chapter summaries and key points at the end of a chapter, then work your way to the beginning, followed by a 'first pass' to get a high-level understanding, and a 'second pass' reading the first and last paragraphs of each section.

How does the batching technique help in studying?

Batching involves grouping similar tasks together to minimize context switching, which reduces the transition cost and helps maintain focus and efficiency.

What is the psychological phenomenon associated with not wanting to abandon a task despite it being unproductive?

It's called the sunk cost fallacy, where people continue to invest time and effort into a task because they've already put a lot into it, even when it's not beneficial.

How does setting constraints on study time improve efficiency?

By giving yourself less time to study, you force yourself to work more efficiently, as per Parkinson's law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

What does the video suggest doing when you encounter a problem that you can't solve?

It's recommended to move on to other problems and come back to the difficult ones later, avoiding the sunk cost fallacy and making better use of study time.

Why should fixed tasks be done before variable tasks?

Fixed tasks are mindless work that doesn't inflate with time, so doing them first creates a constraint for variable tasks that do inflate, ensuring all tasks can be completed within the available time.

What is the purpose of tagging notes during a lecture?

Tagging notes helps to quickly identify unfamiliar topics during review sessions, allowing for more focused studying and less time spent on topics you're already comfortable with.

How does Grammarly assist in the essay writing process as mentioned in the video?

Grammarly helps by brainstorming topics, drafting a research plan, providing an outline, ensuring writing clarity and coherence, and even checking for plagiarism.