how to study SMART for EXAMS | test/exam tips

Summary

In this educational video, the creator shares personal study techniques that transformed their academic performance. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the '20% content' that yields 80% of results, using the 80/20 rule to prioritize key information over extensive note-taking. The video outlines a five-step routine for tackling past exam papers and topic tests, which includes self-testing, comparing solutions, and revisiting questions. The creator also discusses their preference for minimal breaks to maintain focus, suggesting that different strategies may work for different people. This video aims to inspire viewers to try new study methods and find what works best for them.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker transitioned from studying 10 hours to 2-3 hours a day and improved their results, suggesting efficiency over time spent is key.
• 📝 Sacrificing the time spent on making pretty notes was crucial for better learning outcomes, emphasizing the importance of focusing on practice over aesthetics.
• 🔍 The 80/20 rule is highlighted, where 20% of the content learned (main equations or significant information) leads to 80% of the results.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests focusing on the most important 20% of content by looking at topic questions, exam papers, and teacher-provided questions.
• 📈 Practice questions from exams are considered the most effective study method, as they teach application rather than just accumulation of knowledge.
• 📑 A five-step routine for studying is introduced, which includes attempting questions, comparing solutions, revisiting questions, and seeking help when needed.
• 🎯 The first step of the routine is to attempt a question without help to gauge the effectiveness of one's note-taking and understanding.
• 📝 The second step involves comparing one's solution to the provided solution to ensure the method of solving is also correct.
• 🔄 The third step recommends revisiting questions with the aid of solutions if initially answered incorrectly, and noting down any missed key information.
• ⏳ The fourth step is to return to the question after some time without any help to reinforce learning and retention.
• 🔄 The final step of the routine is to review the question again, comparing the current understanding with the initial attempt to identify areas of improvement.
• 🚫 The speaker does not take traditional study breaks, finding them counterproductive due to a short attention span and tendency to procrastinate.
• 🕒 However, the speaker does take short breaks between study sessions, like grabbing a drink or making a snack, which is a personalized approach to maintaining focus.

Q & A

What significant change did the speaker make in their study habits while using uni?

The speaker reduced their daily study hours from 10 to 2-3 hours a day and shifted from focusing on note-taking to doing practice questions from exams.

What is the main point the speaker emphasizes about note-taking?

The speaker emphasizes that sacrificing the time spent on making pretty notes and instead focusing on practice questions was essential for their academic success.

What does the speaker mean by 'the 8020 rule'?

The 8020 rule mentioned by the speaker refers to focusing on the 20% of content that will lead to 80% of the results, rather than learning 80% of the content that leads to only 20% of the results.

How does the speaker suggest identifying the 20% of content that is most important?

The speaker suggests identifying the important 20% of content by looking at topic questions, exam papers, and questions provided by the teacher.

What is the speaker's five-step routine for studying effectively?

The speaker's five-step routine includes: 1) Attempt a question without help, 2) Compare solutions if the question is right, 3) Repeat the question with aid of solutions if it's wrong, 4) Come back and repeat the question without help after a few days, and 5) Compare how you solved it the second time to the first attempt.

Why does the speaker not take breaks during their study sessions?

The speaker finds that taking a break longer than a few minutes often leads to a significant reduction in focus and sometimes results in not studying for the rest of the day.

What is the speaker's approach to study time allocation?

The speaker typically spends about 2 to 3 hours studying a day, dividing this time between different subjects, and takes short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes between each hour of study.

What does the speaker suggest doing if you can't understand a question after following the five-step routine?

If a question is still not understood, the speaker suggests consolidating with the teacher, finding similar questions from past topic tests, or asking the teacher for more questions to work on before revisiting the original question.

How does the speaker's study method apply to subjects that are more memory-based, like biology and psychology?

While the speaker acknowledges that their method may not apply 100% to memory-based majors, they suggest that key points like the 8020 rule and not focusing on one thing for too long can still be beneficial.

What is the speaker's plan for future content related to studying?

The speaker plans on releasing another video based on their study methods throughout the semester or the week, and studying the week before an exam.