5 mistakes to avoid in the learning process
Learning something new can be time-consuming and tiring. So, if you are going to put in the effort, you must do it properly. Nothing is worse than studying for hours only to forget everything the next minute.
To avoid this mistake there are several learning strategies and methods you can use. For example, you can try to read the text aloud and write down important information. You could also divide the text into sections and write a short summary or some key words in the margin after each section. On the blog you can find different learning techniques, such as the SQ3R method, for mastering reading texts.
A common problem is procrastination. Maybe you don’t feel like studying and to clear your conscience, you do everything else that comes to mind like tidying your room, doing the laundry, going shopping, sorting pencils or writing a letter. But what if you have a test the next day and yes you might have everything tidied up, but you haven't studied a thing.
If you want to avoid procrastination, you should make a plan in advance and stick to your to-do list. It also helps to remind yourself why you need to study. Write down your goals and read them over several times. By keeping your goals clear, it's easier to commit.
If you need more time management tips, you can find several useful articles on the blog. For example you can learn about the Pomodoro Technique. This method helps you to use and manage your time in the best way possible.
There are several useful methods for this, such as timeboxing: You create - as the name suggests - small time boxes. Each timebox represents a task that you have to complete. The clear presentation makes daily or weekly planning much more inviting and you will be more motivated to actually accomplish the tasks. If you stick to the plan and study for a test accordingly, you will be well prepared and avoid stressful situations. With clear plans, you can factor in well-needed breaks. You need them as much as you need to study!
Sometimes you will simply not have enough time to go through all the material before the test, especially if you have a lot of tests in a short period of time. So, it’s important that you set the right priorities. As a rule, you should try to understand the basics before you go into detail. If you understand the basics, you can often use logical thinking to solve the rest of the questions. Try to avoid tunnel vision and concentrate on the big picture.
1 . Passive learning
Many people know this problem: they sit down without motivation and read a text without understanding it, without taking notes or solving exercises. Of course it’s important to re-read and review the material you’ve covered in class, but this can give you the feeling that you have learnt the material when in actual fact, it’s only stored in your short-term memory. If this is the case, you certainly won’t remember what you have read in a week's time.To avoid this mistake there are several learning strategies and methods you can use. For example, you can try to read the text aloud and write down important information. You could also divide the text into sections and write a short summary or some key words in the margin after each section. On the blog you can find different learning techniques, such as the SQ3R method, for mastering reading texts.
2 . Bad time management
Time management is essential for learning. If you don't manage your time well, you can write as many notes or flashcards as you want but without enough time, preparation or follow-up, you won’t learn effectively.A common problem is procrastination. Maybe you don’t feel like studying and to clear your conscience, you do everything else that comes to mind like tidying your room, doing the laundry, going shopping, sorting pencils or writing a letter. But what if you have a test the next day and yes you might have everything tidied up, but you haven't studied a thing.
If you want to avoid procrastination, you should make a plan in advance and stick to your to-do list. It also helps to remind yourself why you need to study. Write down your goals and read them over several times. By keeping your goals clear, it's easier to commit.
If you need more time management tips, you can find several useful articles on the blog. For example you can learn about the Pomodoro Technique. This method helps you to use and manage your time in the best way possible.
3. Learning without a structured plan
Learning without a structured plan is just as effective as poor time management. Without a plan, you get nowhere and you waste important time. It's best to have an overview of the subject before you start studying, so you can see how to break it down more effectively. Once you have broken down the material into workable to-do lists, you are more likely to avoid procrastination and not leave any pending tasks.There are several useful methods for this, such as timeboxing: You create - as the name suggests - small time boxes. Each timebox represents a task that you have to complete. The clear presentation makes daily or weekly planning much more inviting and you will be more motivated to actually accomplish the tasks. If you stick to the plan and study for a test accordingly, you will be well prepared and avoid stressful situations. With clear plans, you can factor in well-needed breaks. You need them as much as you need to study!
4. Setting the wrong priorities
Ideally, you will have planned enough time for every subject and you will have already created a structured study plan. This is very helpful, but unfortunately, despite even the best planning, reality can be different.Sometimes you will simply not have enough time to go through all the material before the test, especially if you have a lot of tests in a short period of time. So, it’s important that you set the right priorities. As a rule, you should try to understand the basics before you go into detail. If you understand the basics, you can often use logical thinking to solve the rest of the questions. Try to avoid tunnel vision and concentrate on the big picture.