With the country’s matrics in the middle of what is one of the most important exams of their lives, the focus is once again on memory skills. Learning how to fast track your learning and unleash the genius when you are overwhelmed by workload can be challenging.
According to Darren Denholm, Southern Hemisphere memory champion and founder of Powerstudying, it is a known fact that study success and failure does not only depend on ability. In fact it largely depends on the extent to which learners are able to apply study methods and techniques. Darren went from failing University to becoming the highest ranked competitor at the World Memory Championships from Africa and the Southern Hemisphere for 6 years in a row. (2006-2011)
Follow this memory master’s useful tips to double your productivity.
Stay healthy
Start every day with a healthy breakfast, drink a multivitamin, hydrate and get enough sleep. Information is stored in your brain while you sleep. Spiritual and emotional wellbeing must be maintained.
Don’t get side–tracked
Be specific about what your goal is and think about it every day. Your brain is always awake and produces information about what you perceive to be important and what you think about most of the time. If you spend a lot of time on social media, your brain won’t function optimally.
Double your productivity
Achieve more by doing less. You will be more productive when only focussing on one or two things. Whether it is two sections of the same subject, or two different subjects, e.g. English in the morning and maths in the afternoon.
Take a break
Don’t study for long periods without regular breaks. Even studying for an hour is too long, except when working on old exam papers. Short focussed sessions of 20 or 30 minutes each, followed by a 5 minute break will give your brain a breather and give you a chance to think about what you have learnt.
Only underline important information
The most ineffective study method is to underline information; students tend to underline too much information instead of just the crux of the matter.
Use flashcards
This is one of the most effective study methods. Write down the most important facts and review on a regular basis.
Keep an eye on the watch
Improve learning speed by setting time limits. You will be amazed at how much more productive your brain will be when it has a time limit to complete certain tasks. Aim at a specific goal for every session. Your brain is at its most creative when solving a problem.
Reflect
Take 20 to 30 minutes out of your day to reflect on the important facts that you have learnt throughout the day. Information will be lost within 24 hours if not reflected on.
Stick to the key facts
80% of work can be done with 20% of effort by separating key facts from the rest and using it as the basis. Don’t feel overwhelmed by volumes of work. Remember that we are much faster at remembering small chunks of information. Take a clean sheet of paper after every session and write down what you can remember. Make notes on what you’ve remembered and what not.
Avoid stress
When taking your exam, take a deep breath, remain calm and do your best to write down key information. This will help your brain to search for the information that you are looking for.
Give your brain a boost by using strategies to focus optimally. Good luck!
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: powerstudying.co.za, Huisgenoot/You magazine
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
