How to STUDY so FAST that it feels ILLEGAL

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker challenges conventional studying habits, arguing that 80% of student efforts yield minimal results. Drawing on the 80/20 principle, they emphasize focusing on key topics that significantly impact exam outcomes. By prioritizing past papers and assignments over traditional study methods, students can enhance their understanding and efficiency. The speaker highlights the importance of direct experience through testing, as it solidifies knowledge better than passive studying. Ultimately, the video advocates for a strategic approach to studying that maximizes results while minimizing wasted effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many students study hard but often focus on the wrong things, leading to inefficient learning.
• 📚 The 80/20 principle suggests that 20% of the material often yields 80% of the results in exams.
• 🛑 Students should prioritize understanding high-value topics that will be heavily tested, rather than covering all material sequentially.
• 🔍 Start studying with the exam or past papers in mind to identify crucial topics early.
• 🧠 Direct experience through practice tests is more effective than simply re-reading material.
• 🤔 A common mindset is to pursue any benefit, but it's more effective to seek higher-value tasks for studying.
• ✍️ Learning should be goal-oriented; focus on what is needed for assignments or exam questions.
• 🔄 Testing yourself, even if you fail, leads to better learning and retention of material.
• 💪 Confidence can be built through consistent practice with past papers, rather than through passive studying.
• 🚀 Taking action and engaging with the material is key; students should dive into assignments and projects early for better results.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video?

The speaker argues that many students waste time studying inefficiently by focusing on the wrong topics, and suggests a more strategic approach to studying that prioritizes high-yield material for better results.

What is the 80/20 principle, and how can it be applied to studying?

The 80/20 principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. In studying, this means identifying and focusing on the key topics that will yield the most significant results in exams or assignments.

How should students approach their study sessions according to the speaker?

Students should start by reviewing past exams or assignments to identify crucial topics, and then focus their study efforts on those areas instead of following the traditional chapter-by-chapter method.

What does the speaker mean by the 'any benefit mindset'?

The 'any benefit mindset' refers to the tendency of students to engage in activities that provide minimal benefits, such as attending lectures for fear of missing something, rather than focusing on activities that will significantly contribute to their success.

Why is self-testing emphasized as an important study strategy?

Self-testing is emphasized because it actively engages students in the learning process, helps identify knowledge gaps, and can reinforce understanding, making it more effective than passive review.

What role does direct experience play in effective learning?

Direct experience is crucial because it allows students to apply what they've learned in practical scenarios, which enhances retention and understanding, as opposed to simply memorizing concepts without application.

How can students effectively identify which topics to study?

Students can effectively identify topics to study by analyzing past papers and assessments to see which areas are weighted most heavily, allowing them to prioritize their study efforts accordingly.

What is the speaker's perspective on attending lectures?

The speaker suggests that while attending lectures can have benefits, it is often more effective for students to study independently if they can learn the material better on their own, particularly for subjects where lectures do not add significant value.

What is the relationship between confidence and exam preparation according to the speaker?

The speaker notes that confidence can be boosted through extensive practice with past exam questions, as it provides a sense of preparedness and familiarity with the types of questions that will appear on the exam.

What should be the focus when learning to solve problems in assignments?

The focus should be on understanding just enough of the relevant material to solve specific problems presented in assignments, rather than trying to master every detail of the entire subject.