TLDR;
This video is all about how to make a comeback in your academics, especially if you feel like you've lost your edge. It talks about changing your study patterns and adopting new principles to become a top student again. The key takeaways include becoming an "academic weapon" by using Parkinson's Law, adopting a "doable" mindset, using active recall techniques, and understanding the Feynman Technique. Plus, there's a bonus principle: the 80/20 rule and interleaving to avoid burnout.
- Use Parkinson's Law to manage time effectively.
- Adopt active recall and the Feynman Technique for better understanding.
- Apply the 80/20 rule and interleaving to optimize study sessions.
Become an Academic Weapon [1:00]
To become an "academic weapon," you don't need to become a bookworm, but you need to be aware of what to do and when. First, use Parkinson's Law, which says your brain will fill the time you give it. So, if you have 2.5 hours for an exam, prepare as if you only have 1.5 hours. Second, adopt a "doable" mindset. Instead of thinking something is too hard, convince yourself it's doable. This reprograms your brain to believe it can handle the task, leading to a series of wins.
Ditch Passive Recall, Embrace Active Recall [2:17]
Highlighting and rereading notes won't make you a great student. You need to break free from passive recall and adopt active recall. Read a chapter, then close your eyes and try to repeat what you've learned. Instead of just making notes, create questions. Use diagrams in your notes because the brain processes visuals way faster than text. Flashcards can also help. Remember, if you're not struggling, you're not retaining information. Mock tests are the best for active recall, making you feel at ease during real exams and forcing your brain to remember.
Master the Feynman Technique [3:28]
Most people think they know something just by reading it a bunch of times, but the Feynman Technique helps you actually understand it. Close the book and start explaining the topic in your own words. If you stutter or hesitate, you haven't truly learned it yet. Teach yourself or imagine explaining it to a friend who's struggling. Simplify it so even a 5-year-old could understand. Keep repeating until it becomes part of your unconscious memory. Top students don't give up until they fully grasp the concept.
Bonus Principle: The 80/20 Rule and Interleaving [4:37]
The 80/20 rule says that 80% of your success comes from 20% of your activities. In studying, this means 80% of the exam will come from 20% of the topics. Look at past exams to find these key topics and focus on mastering them. Also, embrace interleaving. If you feel stuck, switch to another subject for a while. This resets your brain and helps you make new connections. A study showed that those who use interleaving perform 76% better on tests. If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got, so change your study patterns.