How I learned to study CORRECTLY before it was too late...

About this video

• Video Title: How I learned to study CORRECTLY before it was too late...
• Channel: Matthew Smith
• Speakers: Matthew Smith
• Duration: 00:11:53

Overview

This video details the speaker's journey of discovering effective study methods after a disappointing AS level math result. He explains a system focused on optimizing focus, studying less but with higher intensity, utilizing effective study techniques like past papers and flashcards, and combating the forgetting curve with spaced repetition. The ultimate goal is to help viewers learn to study correctly to improve their academic performance.

Key takeaways

• Focus is Paramount: Before employing any study tips or hacks, optimizing personal focus is the most crucial step for effective studying. This can be improved by changing study environments, such as moving from a room to a library.
• Study Less, Achieve More: The concept of "studying less" is introduced through the "study equation": Study Output = Time * Intensity². This highlights that higher intensity study sessions, even if shorter, yield better results than long, low-intensity study periods.
• Effective Study Methods: Employing "big pipe" study methods like topical past papers (focusing on weakest areas first) and flashcards for terms, definitions, and formulas are more effective than passive methods like rewriting notes or re-watching videos.
• Combat Forgetting with Spaced Repetition: The brain naturally forgets information over time (the forgetting curve). Spaced repetition, combined with active recall methods like past papers and flashcards, helps to counteract this by reinforcing learned material at increasing intervals, moving information into long-term memory.