HOW TO STUDY

Everyone is a student, including you. Lifelong learning is a valuable skill. It helps you make progress toward your goals and discover new things. Right now, I have to study for the education system, as many of you do too. I’m Korean, and Korea is known for its long study hours. Students often study for 16 hours a day, from preschool lessons to homework. This leaves little time for sleep.

Fortunately, I escaped this routine. However, I still feel the pressure from my parents. Over the years, I have built enough knowledge to consider myself a studying expert. At school, I am the student who seems to do well without studying much. I often hear the stereotype of the student who studies all day. I don’t fit that mold.

In fact, I study less than many of my peers. This can be hard to understand. Common belief suggests that more study time equals better results, but that is not always true. I have tried various methods, like using pretty notes and the Pomodoro Technique, and I have learned a few things along the way.

Whether you're an adult or a young student, this information is for you. Knowing how to study effectively is key to enjoying the process and getting good results. Here’s how to study, from one student to another.

First, let go of the belief that study time equals knowledge gained. In many cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on the number of hours spent studying. This often leads to stress and is not very effective. Sometimes, less is more.

Smart students understand the concept of deep work. Deep work is a state of peak concentration that allows you to learn and produce quality work quickly. It means studying less while achieving better results.

To make the most of your study time, apply the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule. If you only have two hours a day, consider your priorities. Pretty notes and highlighting take up time but yield minimal returns. Instead, focus on the 20% of activities that will give you 80% of the results.

Practicing past exam questions and topic questions is essential. These are what you will encounter on tests. Writing extensive notes can feel productive, but it often misses the mark. You might ignore your weaknesses and waste time on material you already understand.

This is why doing practice questions is vital. They highlight your gaps in knowledge and allow you to address them efficiently. You can find resources online to aid your studies. Many students feel accomplished after writing notes, but it’s important to remember that quantity does not equal quality.

Distractions can hinder your study sessions. While it’s tempting to think you can eliminate them completely, this is often unrealistic. Instead, delay distractions. Tell yourself you will focus for two hours and then relax guilt-free afterwards.

Set specific goals for your study sessions. Define what you want to accomplish in that time frame. A specific target will make your study session productive and focused.

In conclusion, studying does not have to be a grueling task. By leveraging deep work, focusing on practical study methods, and minimizing distractions, you can achieve more in less time. Learn to set clear goals for your sessions to ensure you get things done effectively.