There are proven techniques that boost productivity and can help you study effectively and efficiently. Whether you've found yourself struggling with productivity/effective studying, or just want to learn more about techniques that are out there, this is the article for you.
Pomodoro Technique - This is a technique that encourages you to work in time chunks and take breaks in between each chunk. This technique is great for people who find it hard to keep focused for long periods of time.
To use the Pomodoro technique,
Step 1: Write out each task that you want to accomplish or concept you want to learn
Step 2: Set a timer for 25 mins
Step 3: Work on the task until the timer runs out
Step 4: Take a 5 minute break
Repeat steps 1-4 4 times then take a 15-30 minute break
Feynman Technique - This technique which is named after Richard Feynman, a Nobel prize-winning physicist, allows you to really solidify the concepts that you are learning. This technique is great if you find it difficult to know whether you truly understand a concept or not.
To use Feynman technique,
Step 1: Pick the concept you want to learn
Step 2: Explain it out loud as if you were teaching it to a kid who has never even heard of the concept before
Step 3: After explaining the concept, ask yourself if the kid you explained it to would be able to understand, if not what aspects of the concept do you need to explain better. This will help you identify any gaps you may have in your knowledge.
Step 4: Go back to any notes, textbooks, review materials, youtube videos etc that will help you close any gaps in your knowledge
Mind Maps - Mind maps can also be thought of as mind dumps and it’s a way to connect different concepts/ideas together. A mind map is a great thing to make if you have difficulty connecting and seeing the relationship between different concepts/ideas.
To make a mind map,
Step 1: Decide what is the main concept/idea/task you want to explore, this will be the main purpose of your mind map. The main concept can be an idea you are trying to develop, a concept you are trying to learn, a project that you are trying to flesh out etc
Step 2: Think of subtopics and add them as branches coming from your main concept. Think of the subtopics as just the broad keywords related to the main concept.
Step 3: Create branches coming from the subtopics that go into the details related to the subtopics.
Flashcards - Flashcards are a great way to help you remember and recall small bits of information. The can help test and improve your memory on a particular concept. Flashcards are typically made with small note cards and have a concept on one side and information about the concept on the other.
General Study Tips
Say no to studying when you're already tired
Start working on tasks early
When it doubt, draw it out
Discuss concepts with others
Try studying/working in different environments
Explore learning content from other sources eg learn from Youtube, social media etc