10 useful educational habits of a carder

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Learning is one of the most useful flexible skills today. And, perhaps, it will remain so in the near future. Below we present 10 useful habits that will make the learning process more effective and, just as important, enjoyable. By implementing at least a few of them into your practice, you will surely feel the results and improve your academic performance. These tips are suitable for both academic study and self-study.

Use the right mental attitude​

Many people view learning as something that "needs" to be done, rather than an exciting process or just a good opportunity to learn something. Of course, this approach cannot give high results and satisfaction from the process.

Here are some ways to improve your educational mood:

• Try to think positively as you study and remember to remind yourself of your skills and abilities;
• Avoid defeatist thinking. Instead of thinking, “I don’t have enough time to prepare for the exam,” tell yourself, “If I start teaching right now, I’ll have time to learn most of the material”;
• Avoid absolutist thinking. Instead of thinking, “I never do anything,” try a more objective approach: “I didn't do it well the last time. What to do now to make it better? ”;
• Avoid comparing yourself to anyone else. This usually ends with you finding yourself the worst. Remember - your skills and abilities are unique to you, and it is in your power to improve them.

Choose the right place to study​

Most people make the mistake of practicing in places that don't encourage proper concentration. Places with many distractions are poor for study. For example, if you are trying to study in a student dorm room, the computer, TV, or your peers will almost certainly be more interesting than the study material. Habit also matters - home for us is rest and life, but not work or study.

You will need a place where you can concentrate, and which in itself will set you up for learning. A library reading room, coworking space, or a quiet coffee shop is great for this.

Take with you only what you need​

Unfortunately, many people, even having found a suitable place, make the mistake of taking unnecessary and even harmful things with them. For example, it seems like the perfect option to take your laptop with you to take notes. But, as we said, the computer is a very powerful distraction. Think, do you need it so badly? Perhaps it would be better to take an old-school notebook and pen? Plus, handwriting employs motor memory, which we'll talk about later. The same applies to the phone and other electronic gadgets. However, do not forget to take everything you need - books, notebooks, etc.

Outline​

It is well known that note-taking helps you comprehend and memorize text. You cannot rewrite everything - which means that you have to highlight the main thing - to focus attention on it and thus remember it. It is very important to write the material in your own words - we are all unique in how we perceive information and create images and associations to remember. So even if you are rewriting someone else's notes, try to do it in your own words. You can use a variety of note- taking techniques such as Cornell notes or mind maps.
Use as many sensory systems as possible for memorization. When you write, visual and motor memory is working. You can also say the text to yourself - this will help connect your hearing.

Use mnemonic tricks​

Mnemonic tricks are techniques that allow you to reliably store data using various associations. For example, if you need to memorize a series of words, create a story out of them. The more awkward it is, the easier it will be remembered. Or you can create acronyms, as is the case with the famous phrase to remember the arrangement of the colors of the rainbow: "Every Hunter Wants To Know Where The Pheasant Sits."
Another popular technique is the creation of palaces of memory (or Cicero's method). Use the terrain you know, and then "attach" images to the objects that need to be remembered.

Practice on your own or with friends​

It is not enough just to read the required material. To master it efficiently and for a long time, you must practice not only memorization, but also reproduction, and also apply it in practice (for example, solving problems). After reading the text and highlighting the main thing in it, try to retell it immediately. You can also use the questions that usually come at the end of the chapter. Or practice with flash cards.

Another good way to improve memorization and understanding of the material is to work in a group. A collective discussion helps to understand all the difficult points, structure knowledge and remember information. You can study the entire section and then analyze it together, or have everyone learn one point and then explain it to everyone else. Among other things, this approach provides more motivation - you do not want to lose face in front of others. Don't get too large a group - 4-5 (or even 2) people will be more than enough.

Make a schedule you can stick to​

Many people view study as something that can be done in their free time, or when the moment just comes.But if you plan your self-education in the same way as you do at school or university, you will find more advantages in it, especially in the long term. You don't have to run a 12-hour marathon before your exam if you spend half an hour every day the month before. Remember, regularity is important, not frequency. You can take time to study every day or study twice a week - but do it all the time. Just create your own personal curriculum and follow it.

Reward yourself​

Many people view learning as routine and not producing immediate results - and therefore try to avoid it. Of course, this is not an entirely correct view. The introduction of awards into your educational practice will change this attitude and increase the level of motivation.

If you have successfully completed the task at hand, reward yourself. It can be a delicious dessert, an extra 30 minutes of a computer game, or a new episode of your favorite TV series. In general, you need a small but real reward for your efforts. Not only will this increase your immediate motivation for learning, but it will also allow you to reinforce the habits you are adopting.

Take breaks​

Human attention and the ability to concentrate it is a very fragile thing. Studies have shown that its performance drops after 20-25 minutes of work. It is these gaps that you should allocate for the active study of the material. Then take a break for no more than 5 minutes. At this time, the brain will not only rest, but will also be engaged in consolidating the information received and translating it into long-term memory. It is best to take a short walk, letting your thoughts flow freely. Don't be distracted by checking social media or talking - it will only distract you.

Balance and be healthy​

Spending all of your time studying is as foolish as focusing entirely on entertainment. As a result, something will inevitably fall behind - and you will feel dissatisfied. Maintaining a healthy balance in all areas of your life will make every component of your life more successful. Be sure to make time for friends, family, hobbies, and other interests.

Another factor that significantly affects your success is health. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly affects cognitive performance. For example, even a single training session increases the synthesis of the protein BDNF, which is involved in memory function. The brain needs a sufficient amount of energy substances - so fasting is not for it.

You don't have to look for some tricky diets or spend hours in the gym. It is enough to eat regularly, varied and exercise at least 2 times a week.

Summary​

Choose the right place for study that will not distract you, take only the necessary things with you and do not forget about a positive attitude. Taking notes and using mnemonic techniques will help you to improve the perception and memorization of the material. Immediately reinforce new knowledge by working with it or discussing it with friends. External factors are also important in effective learning - the correct schedule, the presence of breaks, a healthy lifestyle. And do not forget to reinforce new habits with rewards - this will greatly speed up their learning.

Based on materials from the site https://psychcentral.com​