kaimtolearn - Tumblr blog

[kaimtolearn]

2019 quick update

Hello again studyblr community! Feels good to be slowly easing back in. I’ve been quiet the last year or two, mostly because I’ve just been busy with some personal things. But I’ve missed this. 

I’m finally in my final year of university, I chose to study the LLB Law with International Relations at my university. We only have a handful of weeks left before exams and graduation comes, quite exciting and quite scary. Not really sure how I really feel yet since I’m kind of lost on what I want to do and what I should be doing after July. But the main thing is, I need to be working and earning money to support myself just a bit while I look for a job. 

I’m also volunteering as a receptionist at a local charity that gives advice to people so that’s something new too. 

I guess that’s it for today!

[kaimtolearn]

It’s essay writing season for tons of students!

After being a college writing tutor for over a year, I thought I would share my advice with all you awesome people on tumblr. This is how I write essays, but if you’ve got more tips, feel free to add them below. 

Happy writing. You can do it!

[kaimtolearn]

Fair warning, this is an extremely lengthy process. I suggest you do this chapter by chapter throughout the semester. If you try to do it all one week before your exams you won’t get halfway through one class in time, let alone finish all of it. 

[kaimtolearn]

Secret: when finals season draws closer, I set up a portable “revision kit” - because I tend to always study at the library. So far, this included an extra large pen pouch with my staedtler fineliners, some highlighters, pens, pencils etc. Now, my “travel pouch” from eBay has finally arrived and I spent some time organizing the rest of my kit. This part includes post-its, page flags, some stickers, some washi tapes, paper clips and -of course- my brand new mildliners! These came in their own little carrying cases, but I’d rather have just these two pouches as it makes switching between bags easier (hence my staedtlers are in the pen pouch and not their case, too).

[kaimtolearn]

The Best Study Techniques:

I’ve recently come across a 2013 study which aimed to compare the efficiency of different study techniques.They evaluated whether the benefits of the techniques generalised across learning conditions, student characteristics, materials, and criterion tasks. Here is a summary of their results:

Least Effective Study Techniques:

Highlighting — including underlining textbooks and other materials

Rereading

Summarisation

Keyword mnemonics — the use of keywords and mnemonics to help remind students of course material

Imagery use for text learning — creating mental images to remind students of material

Moderately Effective Study Techniques

Elaborative interrogation — uses “why” questions to get students to make connections between new and old material.

Self-explanation — prompting students to provide their own explanations for problems while learning material

Interleaved practice — mixing different kinds of problems or material in one study session

Highly Effective Study Techniques

Practice testing — any form that allows students to test themselves, including using actual or virtual flashcards, doing problems or questions at the end of textbook chapters, or taking practice tests.

Distributed practice — studying material over a number of relatively short sessions.

(Source)

[kaimtolearn]

My Study Method

My post 10 types of planners got way more notes than I expected. So today I will show you how I prepare for my exams. The method I’m going to explain is the one I’ve developed over the years and got me to get all A’s in high school. From taking notes, to nailing your exam.

1. HOW TO TAKE NOTES

1.1. Sit in the front of the classroom Don’t give a f**k if you look like a dork. Make sure you can see the blackboard clearly. You should be able to look at your teacher and the other way round. In case my experience is not enough: Studies show that those who “sit in the front and center (middle) of the classroom tend to achieve higher average exam scores”. Plus, your teacher will know who you are and will be aware that you pay attention in class.

1.2. Ask questions Don’t be afraid of asking questions. This took me years. Your teacher won’t think your question is stupid - in fact, it is their job to make sure everybody learns whatever they are supposed to teach. AND even if it looks as if the whole class has already understood the lesson, trust me, they haven’t.

1.3. Don’t write every word the teacher says There’s just no point in doing such thing. Contract words and use symbols and doodles. Once you get home, fair-copy your notes if they are not clear enough (or at least, re-read them). Otherwise, when you try to study with your notes a few weeks/months later, you won’t understand a thing.

1.4. Clarify your notes What did you just write down? Was it something that didn’t appear on the book? Was it an explaination of what the book says? Some info you should expand? Use a color code or symbols to clarify your notes. It doesn’t take time but will save you time in the future.

1.5. Compact notes Write with tiny (but legible) handwriting. It is quicker, tidier, and it saves paper. Also, write in two or three columns.

1.6. How to stay motivated to take good notes Last year I told one of my best friends (who is one grade bellow me) that I would give her all my notes at the end of the year. People normally dream of setting fire to their notes (and at least in Spain, people actually do that). But this other option (giving away my notes) was good for her and for me, since whenever I felt like writing carelessly, I’d think, “she won’t understand these notes, I have to do it better”.

2. PRE-STUDYING

Start pre-studying the very first day of class.

2.1. Active reading

Everytime I see someone whose book is entirely highlighted I’m like “why don’t you just dip it in a bucket of yellow paint?”. Seriously, stop.

Underline only the key words, not the whole sentence.

Use a different color (at least) for each paragraph.

When you read a paragraph, open a key in the margin and summarize what that paragraph is saying. Use between 1 and 10 words. Write as small as you can.

Right after you finish with a page, do an outline of the whole page in order to make sure that you have understood what you’ve just read. How? Scroll down.

2.2. Make it visual

Outlines, mindmaps, graphics… it really depends on the subject. All I know is that I just CAN’T study from a block of text.

Separate coordinated sentences and link them with symbols.

Use bullets or numbers and indent.

Color is not decorative. The same color links together different ideas.

Pink highlighters are cute but they don’t highlight at all.

Small handwriting and columns are your friends.

Highlight just the KEYWORDS. About 4-8 words per page.

Don’t use the same template or style on every page, unit or subject.

Number your pages.

Here you have a messy and a tidy example:

3. STUDYING

3.1. When should you start studying?

When I was in high school, I used to start studying one or two weeks before the exam. A few days before when I was too busy. The day before when I was about to jump out the window.

Divide whatever you have to study in equal parts to make it more approachable.

Try to organize yourself so that the day before the exam you don’t have to study because you already know everything (and you just need to revise a little bit).

3.2. Studying (and by studying, I mean memorizing) Once you have read it and understood it, you have to memorize it. My favourite quote is: “Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.”

These are my methods. I also recommend reading this article for more. Use the method that works best for you or all of them to ensure you’ve got it.

Write your mind-map again and again and again. Don’t change the placement of each concept in your mind-map or you’ll become confused in the end.

Translate words into drawings. Translate your drawings into words. Repeat. Repeat!

Read a little bit, try to explain it out loud as if you were a teacher. Repeat endlessly.

Make a story that helps you fully understand what goes next and WHY.

3.3. Keywords list This is the spine of my whole studying method. So basically, reduce each sub-topic to ONE word. Then reduce each topic to ONE word. Study those words by heart.

In the exam, just write down your list of keywords and you will easily remember each topic and sub-topic.

4. EXTRA TIPS

4.1. When studying a list of words or names It is really important to know how many words there are.

Make a sentence with the first letter of each word.

Make a song. You can use a jingle you already know.

Picture a scene which contains all the words.

4.2. IMPORTANT!

Highlight, bookmark and make a list of those concepts that you usually forget or make mistakes, so it is the first thing you see (and revise) the next time you study.

The night before the exam, write in a little piece of paper that thing (an important formula, something that you always forget, your keywords list…) and that’s the only thing you should revise the following day.

Talk to older students and ask them for their old exams. Your exams will probably be different, but if the teacher is the same, they’ll be similar.

5. HOW TO NAIL AN EXAM

First of all, you should take a look to the Text Anxiety Booklet. It contains a lot of information for the ones who get really anxious.

5.1. Appearance matters My teachers always say that when they are correcting our exams, illegible handwriting really pisses them off. Since they are humans, that attitude towards your exam will be unconsciously reflected on your mark. On the other hand, when they get to a visually appealing exam, they are more compassionate. Conclussion: MAKE YOUR TEACHER’S WORK EASIER.

Use your best handwriting.

Write your name on every page (if you are asked to do so).

Leave margins.

Separate your paragraphs.

Indent when necessary.

Number your pages.

5.2. Don’t ever leave a question in blank Ever. Every little point adds up to you final mark, and a blank question means 0 points. If you write something and it is wrong, you simply made a mistake. But if you don’t answer, your teacher might think that you didn’t do it because you didn’t study. However, remember that your teacher is older and wiser than you, and will notice if you are trying to fool them.

In some tests, mistakes subtract points. In that case, you’d better leave the questions you don’t know in blank unless you like taking risks.

5.3. What if you go blank First of all, wait a minute and take a deep breath. This is not a waste of time because it will actually help you do better. Now, do the rest of the exam and come back later. Then, if you still can’t remember, try retracing not what you studied but what you were doing while you were studying. Maybe you were drinking tea, maybe your father came into your room or maybe you heard something on the street. And remember that you control your breathing, and your breathing controls your feelings.

5.4. An exam is not a race I guess some people believe they’ll receive a prize if they are the first one to hand in their exam. Those people have all of my disapproval. Use all the time your teacher gives you and always, I mean ALWAYS, revise your exam before handing in it. Revise. Your. Exam. Did you follow the instructions correctly? Did you answered all the questions? Are there spelling mistakes?

That’s it. I hope you found it helpful.

[kaimtolearn]

Last-Minute Revision Tips

firstly, never ever ever just read through your notes!!! this is only good if it’s like the morning before your exam, otherwise never do it- it won’t work (unless you have a photographic memory or something)!

flashcards- they don’t have to be pretty, just functional! Write only key information down such as dates and places or formulae

don’t write notes for things you already know! Go through your folder/specification/textbook and make a list on everything you need to revise

bullet points- sit down with a black biro and some lined paper and read through your revision guide/textbook/class notes and make concise notes- you can make them look nice later using highlighters but for now just focus on noting down key information!

word documents- this is what I call my ‘panic notes’. I sit down with a revision guide (usually a day before my exam) and make very quick notes on a word document- I use shortened words/text speak to save time and make sure I get down key information

print off past papers- give yourself about half the time you would have in the exam and go through the paper, making bullet points for longer questions or plans for essays. Highlight sources/extracts you’re given as if you are in the exam as this is very good practice. Then use the mark scheme to roughly mark the paper and add to your answers

mind maps- don’t write down every single piece of information, or copy out sentences from a textbook- just put a key idea/topic in the middle and expand on it with key statistics/facts- use lots of diagrams if they help

notebook notes- get a small, lined notebook and write down key facts in it, also draw diagrams if needed. Then carry this notebook around with you- maybe go for a walk with it and test yourself as you walk (getting outside is very important and good for your brain!)

use word association/mnemonics/silly little tricks to help you remember things- for example I remember that barium ions burn green in the flame test because barium sounds like bear and bears live in forests which are green! Often the ruder the better as you’re more likely to remember them

ask a family member of friend to help you revise- ask them to test you on things from notes/a revision guide; I often ask my mum to test me and somehow it really helps me to remember things as she’s hopeless as science-based subjects so always mispronounces things and I have to explain basically everything to her! 

If no one is available to help you, test yourself! Fold a piece of A4 in half vertically and write questions and answers on separate sides- then, a little while later on so you don’t remember everything word for word, fold it back so you can’t see the answers and ask yourself the questions!

also it’s vital that you get a good amount of sleep (all nighters usually do not turn out very well unless you’re superhuman), drink plenty of water, eat healthily (it’s alright to treat yourself a bit though!), and get outside at least once a day! Also give yourself a few breaks from studying- you and your brain will need to relax a little!

[kaimtolearn]

What to do the night before an exam

Eat a meal with slow release carbohydrates and vegetables. Make sure you drink water to keep your brain hydrated.

Look through your notes, but don’t try to cram because you will likely forget it. If you have time you could do a practice essay/paper.

Pack your bag, notes and anything else you need for the exam so it is ready in the morning when you need it. If you need to plan an outfit get that ready as well so you don’t waste time in the morning thinking about what you should wear!

Have a bath, read a book and relax. Try not to think about the exam - I know it’s hard. Try not to use any technology an hour before you go to bed because it awakens your brain and makes it harder to go to sleep.

Go to bed early, aim for 8 hours sleep but no more than ten hours. If you are well rested and alert you will do better in the exam.

Good luck!

[kaimtolearn]

Made a bit of a mess today!

I’m feeling happily prepared for the English Literature exam tomorrow which is awesome.

Exam is from 9:00am - about 10:30am and I’ll drive down to the library afterwards to prepare for tomorrow.

This week is looking a little stressful but manageable:

Monday - English Literature [1h30] Tuesday - Geography [3h] Wednesday - Physics [2h] Thursday ~ heavy breathing ~ Friday - English Literature [1h30]

What exams do you all have coming up? Is anyone taking the same (or similar) ones as me?

[kaimtolearn]

21st OCT | inset day today, meaning half term has begun. New classrooms have just been opened up at school, so we’ve all been issued new timetables. Task for today is to tackle the rather long list that is my to-do for half term!

[kaimtolearn]

My posts -  answered

General tips / masterposts Get back on track Learning how to learn How to survive school Back to school! Ultimate survival guide More college-oriented Masterpost Another masterpost Study tips through before the semester begins Back-to-school survival guide

How to study? General study tips The optimal way to study a subject Why we all should attend our classes (my post) Developing study habits (my post) Study step-by-step, and get straight A-s! (my post) How to write a great essay Retention and forgetting? How to go through your readings (my post)

Note-taking (all) How I take and organise my notes (my post) How to outline a chapter? How to create study guides? Taking notes and organise yourself How to make an awesome study guide / make notes on your computer Taking class notes - Notability (my post) Pros and cons in making typed or written study guides

Study Organisation How to effectively take notes Free planner printable Passion planner - free! More printable planners Bullet Journal Planning your study schedule

Motivation Studygram Blogs for great study tips Feeling okay? 0 day studying challenge! 50 things highly productive people do differently Getting more motivated! Your new year’s resolutions…? And more resolutions Oh and more academic resolutions

Time management 26 time management hacks How to wake up early? 8 steps for feeling more awake in the morning 10 ways to make Sunday the most productive night of the week A productive day How to stop procrastinating

Exams Exam lifehacks Study tips for finals Tips to prepare for a take-home exam (my post) High school finals (my post)

Resources Free online courses (my post) EdX Coursea

Live a better life! How long to nap? Healthy packed meal ideas Sixteen Small Steps to Happiness  

Law school Law school 101 General Should I go to law school? (my post) Study tips for law students (my post) Taking notes for law (my post) Online case briefs? (my post)

[kaimtolearn]

I have tried out many alternatives (because for some reasons I have an obsession with apps) and here are the ones that I actually recommend / I am using right now:

Todoist - for organising my tasks and habits (to-do lists)

Pomodoro Keeper 

FocusNow - another pomodoro app that is similar to forest

ATracker - to track my time and hence help me defeat procrastination

myHomework - so that I can have an organised list of assignments, readings, and tests coming up

OneNote

My OneNote tag

How to take/organise notes? (feat. OneNote)

Updated and comprehensive post on how to take lecture notes on OneNote

How to use Cornell note-taking method on OneNote: Great for taking class notes! - #9

How do I use OneNote?

Documents (with pdf expert 5)

How I take lecture notes on it using my stylus

How I make use of the text to audio function

Google Drive

Scribd - for reading books

Wally - for financial management

Biscuit - a dictionary app that can show you a list of your added vocabs + definitions

Feedly - to read some awesome blogs and news everyday

iTunes U - for taking free lectures

[kaimtolearn]

Just a short list of the productivity apps I’m currently using. They are ALL FREE, but I’m not sure if they’re available for android as well. If you know more apps, feel free to add!

Ps: Thanks for helping, enemblr

Eideic (memorization) 

Pomodoro (uses the pomodoro technique to track your study time)

Sleepytime (shows the time you have to go to bed if you want to wake up at a certain hour)

Keynote - Probably already on your phone! (used for viewing slides, perfect for flashcards)

FocusNow (you plant a tree that grows during a time you designate. You can’t leave the app, otherwise the tree dies) 

Scanbot Document Scanner (scans basically anything you need into PDF or JPG and can send it to iCloud, Box or Dropbox) 

Games for focus, logic, memory, language, etc:

Luminosity 

Fit Brains

Studying can be stressful:

Stop, Breathe and Think (meditation- if you don’t know yet, meditation can make you develop skills that support academic and professional achievement, in addiction to more positive interactions and relationships. It takes around six minutes of your day, and it’s really worth it.)

[kaimtolearn]

a tip for all fellow studyblrs/students:

for those of you who are more technologically inclined and not so much into bullet-journaling, I highly recommend Google Keep. It’s a Google Chrome app (and also a mobile app for both Android and iOS) which lets you have post-its, checklists, and reminders. It syncs automatically between devices, and it’s super efficient. 

[kaimtolearn]

There's an app for that

A “master list” of apps that are essential to student life.

Flashcards

Quizlet - Flashcard app that has pre downloaded flashcards and you can make your own flashcards. Available on multiple platforms

Duolingo - Language flashcard app

Flashcards+ - Another flashcard app

Math

Luna Calculator - calculator app ($2.99 on iOS)

Wolfram Alpha - online math solver

Symbollab - online math solver

Desmos - online graphing application

Mathway - online math solver

Productivity & Planning

Forest - Grows a tree for every thirty minutes you are off your phone. If you touch your phone, the tree dies. ($0.99 on iOS)

FocusNow - Free version of Forest for iOS. Instead of trees, it grows fruits and vegetables. 

30/30 - Great time management app

Any.Do - Great app for creating to-do lists, organize tasks, syncs with other devices. You can also change the priorities on certain tasks. 

Studious - Great app on Android that reminds you when homework is due, when exams are and even silences your phone during class. 

StayFocused - A chrome extension that you can customize to limit the time on websites to stay productive

Self Control - Allows you to block your own access to distracting websites for a certain amount of time. Useful for people who get distracted on the computer (Also known as Cold Turkey for Windows).

My Study Life - Student planner app

myHomework Student Planner - another Student planner app

To-do List - extensive to do list, like an online bullet journal

Pocket Schedule - [free on iOS] allows you to make your class schedules, reminds you when you have exams, and customizable

Learning

Itunes U - For any apple device users, a app that gives you access to free educational courses 

TED - The whole catalog of TED talks at your fingertip. 

Wikipedia - Free encyclopedia that can be used for general references

Khan Academy - study videos (absolutely amazing app/website)

Music 

Coffitivity - coffee shop soundtrack

8tracks - great playlists, especially study playlists

Wake Up Calls

Alarmy - good alarm that will force you out of bed

Sleep Cycle - measures your sleep cycle

Math Alarm - alarm clock that forces you to do math to turn the alarm off, get’s your brain going 

Class Lectures and Note Taking

Dragon Dictation - takes notes for lectures (useful for classes where professors talk faster than you can type)

XMind - mind mapping tool

Notability - another app for recording lectures. ($2.99 on iOS)

UPDATE: Check out these other app master posts:

Notetaking apps and website

…another “masterpost” of apps

[kaimtolearn]

October 19, 2016 - 12:43PM

Last day of my sick leave before I go back to uni tomorrow and work on Friday. Honestly, I could’ve gone to work today, but I want to rest so that I’m alive and ready tomorrow. Preparing for my Public law formative assessment this Friday! 

[kaimtolearn]

A messy desk after completing my first spread

So I just moved in from my first bullet journal to my new one (A5 dotted notebook from Muji) and here is my first spread about my break

I don’t hate it but I don’t love it lol but that is why I put “let go”