Have you ever read the same line twenty times and still can’t make out what it says? Worse, it feels as if even your goldfish is snickering at the lack of coherent learning skills Cognitive Techniques. But fear not-become a more effective learner is actually about working smart, not hard!
Now, imagine using memory aids called “memotechniques”. Take your shopping list and turn it into some fantastic mental pictures–think milk as waterfalls or eggs turning cartwheels. The more outrageous the image, the stronger it sticks.
However, in addition to memory aids focus is crucial. For example, take study time: it is the first seat at a concert. The essential is your favorite song; all else only serves as background noise. Create a study environment free of distractions—your dream medium would be a quiet, tidy desk and pair of binaural headphones.
Perhaps you have heard, “Find out your study style.” A teacher once slapped a questionnaire on me about such. Try out different methods instead of trying to guess. Two similar minds that produce quite impressive results: your own Whiteboards send sticky notes rolling, and maybe even acting out scenes from an entire play? Who would have guessed that a complex topic like calculus would so easily lend itself to my favorite music!
The right combination of study and rest is essential. Your mind is like dough: it needs action as well as time out in order to work properly. In the course of your studies intersperse short breaks–optional but recommended, and they can last up to 5 minutes. Reward yourself with a silly dance or little internet video. Keep to this pattern.
So I’ll tell you one last story. When Sophie could recite biology terms in her sleep, she held this trick by the tail: everyday notes done up bright, done so as to color over the monotonous droning of study. Her notes were as full of life and energy like jazz tunes.
Above all else, believe it: stress appears in your study like a gong played off-key. Relax and breathe! Yoga, a walk, or even some chocolate will all help to pass this mental traffic jam.
So come with me on this zany but fruitful quest. Learning the right study techniques is not about magic that looks easy; it’s finding out what suits your jigsaw. And if an image of twirling dancers with eggs helps, you’re halfway there!