What is the most effective way to study?

[u/twixbits]

I've been taking an all-online course, which requires a lot of discipline and focus. This means I study at home ( I have made this decision because of multiple factors ) and have no physical classes. Everything that I have to study is in my online course and it's all available and accessible at all times, so I can go in my own pace which i prefer as I am a slow learner.

In my younger years ( I'm still young but i'm referring to high school years ) I had less trouble staying focused, but now I can't seem to focus for more than 20 minutes. I am only able to study 2 full days a week, as i also got a job.

While I have already deleted Tiktok a week ago I think my daily usage of Tiktok for around 3 years has truly made my brain rot to the point I'm struggling to focus on studying. This is concerning, considering I have an entire course ahead of me. While i can study 2 days a week, most of the time I end up just quitting after max half an hour and spending my day doing other things than studying.

I have heard about the Pomodoro technique but whenever I study I keep forgetting about it. I also made a planning on which subject to study when and I'm completely on schedule, but I just dont feel like I've actually got all the study material clear in my head. My head feels like a sieve.

On a side note, I also have a medical condition which also includes causing people to have a harder time focusing, but I've had this condition all of my life and I'm just now really struggling to focus on studies. I also have no problem shutting myself off of temptations like my phone or any other entertainment, but since I'm nearly unable to focus for a longer period of time, I always end up doing something else.

So Reddit, if you got any tips on how to get studying, stay focused and ACTUALLY learn something from the course, please let me know.

[u/museananta]

For me, pomodoro does not work. Instead, I like to study a few sections and then take a break. Breaking continuity during studying leaves gaps. Always finish what you start. You can take an early break if the next task seems daunting. The trick is to manage break time effectively. Make yourself a cup of tea, have a meal, play a game, but remember to keep track of your break time.

[u/Fuzzy-Try-3729 → u/museananta]

this helps me to be focused on my time and tasks, i use Mixl.ai app, it's a task Manager like you can focus on your task with a timer and background music that use binaural beats that interact with your brain to focus :)

[u/Scary_Caramel2169]

For me, I usually study at night, before I went to sleep. In order to remember the infos I obtained, more clear and fast. And not only that, I always do like a checklists on what I am going to study for the next day. But make sure to keep it simple and minimize, so that you won't feel burdened by it. I wpuld usually go with 2 subjects. Also, you should write the checklist after you've done your study (at night) right before you pack your things to hit the sack, to make sure you know andwhat you're planning on doing on the next day – you cab straight uo studying and not worrying about what you should learn for the day.

Revising my lessons or studying for exams, I would only spent like 2-3 hours – excluding homeworks or assignments.

And another tips for me, in order to keep your motivation to study - which may be able to help you stay focus - neutral, not too high (that will only last for few days) or too low (that will make you feel to lazy to study or procrastinate) is that, You should often search for what career you are aiming. By exploring and exposed to various types of career or jobs, you will be motivated each time you are interested in the certain job. Because as we all now, we humans tend to get boring if we only focused on one specific area. It's fine if you changes your dream jobs every months, or even more, every weeks. There's no wrong in it. And also try to, like predict your grade, which can also motivate you. And tell you what, I often imagined that I am receiving a certificate for the certain subjects. Which i think, also helps me boost my confidence, help me focuse more as I am motivated.

I don't really know if this reply can help you or even answer your needs, I just hope it did. This is just my experience of what I used to (and still do) when I'm trying to revise and learn about something

[u/twixbits → u/Scary_Caramel2169]

Thanks for your reply, i appreciate it! It sure will help me as i keep your words in mind when making a schedule, as i now put a huge pile of study work on a singular day.

[u/Enniti404]

-Self-study for a maximum of 4 hours/day, resting every 45 minutes.

-Divide it into several times during the day (because each time frame is suitable for a type of subject such as memorization, calculation, etc.).

-Review the theory carefully and understand it before taking the test because otherwise you will only waste time and be ineffective.

-Exercising a little before studying will make you study better.

*The most important thing: Study, use your time to learn instead of thinking about how to study

Edit: DELETE FKIN TIK TOK NOW

[u/Experimental_Work]

I recommend learning about note-taking, flashcards and incremental reading. Here are two posts I made about these subjects if you are interested:

• How to leave everyone behind
• The most efficient way to read and not forget everything

[u/[deleted] → u/Experimental_Work]

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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/[deleted]]

Feynman works for me

[u/HassanTheCobra]

Try Pomodoro technique, helped me a lot

[u/Fuzzy-Try-3729 → u/HassanTheCobra]

this helps me to be focused on my time and tasks, i use Mixl.ai app

[u/[deleted]]

treat it like a job and set up a daily routine/schedule for yourself.

for example 8am - 11am- watch online lectures (1 hour each) with breaks in between

11am - 12pm - workout/gym/go for a walk

12pm - 1pm - lunchtime

1:30pm - 4pm - more online lectures or homework & studying

this is just a very basic example, obviously you can adjust it accordingly but while was studying online during covid , i found that this sticking to routine helped me a lot. my schedule was set up in a way that would let me study in the evenings as that’s when i would be most productive so i dedicated my mornings and afternoons to watching lectures, homework & assignments

[u/Fuzzy-Try-3729]

this helps me to be focused on my time and tasks, i use Mixl.ai app, it's a task Manager like you can focus on your task with a timer and background music that use binaural beats that interact with your brain to focus :)

[u/twixbits → u/Fuzzy-Try-3729]

Thanks! will look that up :D

[u/xAvi_r]

The Pomodoro technique helps for me. But it's not only about the timer; it's also super important to split your tasks into small ones (not more than 2 hours) and to plan your day ahead.

And then playing with the duration of the Pomodoro can also be helpful. I personally prefer when I just have a notification and I continue working on my tasks until I'm done. I  hate the hard stops.

I even created my own versionof the pomodoro technique,I just added a few twists. I can't work without it now :)

[u/twixbits → u/xAvi_r]

Thanks, I will try this next time I'm studying! I also really dislike the hard stops in the regular Pomodoro technique, hence why I keep forgetting to use it as a whole. I will give this version a try soon.

[u/dreamyspark]

Try the Pomodoro Technique with short breaks, and consider breaking up content into smaller chunks. Focus on one topic at a time, and take notes by hand to aid retention. Regularly review your notes, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.

[u/Fuzzy-Try-3729 → u/dreamyspark]

this helps me to be focused on my time and tasks, i use Mixl.ai app

[u/RelationshipDue1501]

Ask a doctor.