Study Prof

What is a good way to study that will be fast and efficient?

Take notes in class and on your readings using some of the note taking techniques I’ve talked about before.  Study from those notes using this method, championed by Cal Newport…

• Take a page of notes and cover up everything but the key ideas written in the margins.
• Look at the first key idea and, out loud, give a lecture on that particular point to an imaginary class (or to your study group).  Take pains to explain thoroughly and give examples.  Imagine that the students are question-happy fifth graders. That means explain in different ways and give lots of example.  Depending on the key point and your mastery of it, your lecture could take anywhere from a minute to fifteen minutes or so.
• Once you’ve taught the imaginary students everything you can remember on that key point, look at the actual notes.  Take special note of what you forgot or left out and try to get it next time.
• Go on to the next key point and repeat the process.
• Remember to take a break every thirty minutes or so to rest your brain and promote better retention.
• Repeat those lectures each time you review that set of notes.  Aim to be thorough, concise, and smooth in your lecture.
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  Updated from Sep. 2008 post.

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