About this video

• Video Title: O método que me nomeou em 3 meses: Como passar em concursos com pouco tempo.
• Channel: Pietra Rodrigues | Concursos e Rotina
• Speakers: Pietra Rodrigues
• Duration: 16:45

Overview

This video introduces Pietra Rodrigues' "reverse study" method for passing public service exams efficiently, even with limited time. She shares her personal experience of achieving first place in a federal exam within three months while balancing a demanding job. The method focuses on active learning through questions and personalizing the study process, moving away from passive learning of theory.

Key takeaways

• The Problem with Traditional Study: Many students feel overwhelmed by vast amounts of material and struggle to retain information. The common approach of studying all theory before practicing questions can lead to an "illusion of competence" and significant time loss.
• Reverse Study Method: This approach prioritizes learning through practice questions from the outset, allowing students to identify high-yield topics and focus their efforts effectively.
• Four Steps to Approval:
  1. Damage Control Filter: Start by analyzing past exam questions to understand what is frequently tested and what can be omitted.
  2. Mirror Technique: Actively engage with questions by asking "why" – why is an answer correct or incorrect, why was a mistake made, and what knowledge gaps exist. This conversational approach aids memory retention.
  3. War Documentation: Create a personalized "error journal" to record difficult concepts, emotional responses to questions (frustration, confusion), and specific details that are easily missed, fostering a deeper connection with the material.
  4. Autonomy Flow: Avoid the "imposter syndrome" by trusting progress. If a subject is mastered, move on, rather than endlessly reviewing already understood material.
• Personalization is Key: The method emphasizes adapting study strategies to individual routines and learning styles, rather than forcing one's life around a rigid study schedule. Creating personalized notes, even if imperfect initially, aids long-term recall.

The common pitfalls of studying theory before practicing questions include creating an "illusion of competence," where students feel they understand the material after reading or watching lectures but struggle significantly when faced with actual exam questions. This can lead to a feeling of being stuck, self-doubt, and a significant amount of wasted time, especially when dealing with extensive study materials like long PDFs or numerous video lessons. Additionally, this traditional approach can perpetuate the "syndrome of the infinite syllabus," where platforms profit from students feeling the need to endlessly consume content without strategic application, leading to a lack of preparation, organization, strategy, and autonomy.

The "Mirror Technique" is a study method where you actively "converse" with exam questions. Instead of just marking an answer as right or wrong, you delve deeper by asking specific questions about the question and your response. For instance, you ask yourself: "Why is this answer correct? Why is this answer incorrect? Why did I think this was correct? Why did I fall for this trick? Is there a piece of knowledge I should already have but missed? Did I confuse similar concepts?" The purpose of this technique is to deeply embed the knowledge in your memory by understanding the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers, identifying personal learning gaps, and reinforcing recall, making the information more memorable and actionable during exams.