1 - can you explain it to a collegue? Can you explain it to a 5 year old? 2 - active recall: your brain is a muscle - train it by testing! 3- notes - summaryzing is controvercial. Alli's theory: *in class* - handwritting is better than typing - Helps you keep awake *out of class* - consolidate different sources ( he uses notion) - you don't need to take notes for every class - Cornell notetaking sistem is useful for active recall (with the help of notion for it) - you can turn thise notes into flashcards 4 - scooping the subject - understand where the subjects fits into the bigger picture - subcategorize the topics **** 🎓 importance of understanding Coherence withing your mind 5 - finding a syllabus for yourself - you have to create a limit to your knowledge ( you can't know everything babe) - master the syllabus rather than gather more information 6 - remembering and spaced repetition - the more you repeat the topic, the longer it takes to forget it (but remember, it's a SPACED repetition) - the more effort you put, you memorize better 7 - retrospective timetable on notion for revision - you decide on the day what you are going to do - you can do it on notion 8 - spaced repetition journal - alternate to revision timetable - predetermined subject - try it like: 1 week, one month 9 - Interleaved repetition - mix topics to make it harder - brain is a muscle, making it harder to make it stronger!! 10 - rereading - there are better ways to study, bc rereading is very passive 11 - how to highlight effectively - low utility - helps you concentrate - it's better to highlight than to reread something already highlighted 12 - flashcards - use anki ❤❤ or google sheets - usually it's better to make your own - do it consistently - isolated facts - essay exam: you can memorize chunks of essays DO NOT: - don't make flashcards of everything: only a about what you really have to know, or what you didn't get it right - don't make it after you only studied the subject once - use cornell method for more information (aka easier stuff, or what u don't really need to know) Google sheets for flashcards: - free - fast to create - color code - hide the answer putting the letters in white ** my personal opinion: doesn't look as fun as flashcards, probably woudn't do it - is good to do questions in order (good for clinical study of diseases) - better to visualize the lacks of knowledge - low commitment - flshcards: isolated facts Google sheets: general understanding (like whats the deal with...) 13 - mind maps - broad understanding - where it rit
A 3 hour video? I'm sure Ali put more than 3 hours for the preparations, editing,etc and we see it. Thanks a lot Ali because not many students can afford such classes🥺❤
@user-pq8br1eu7v yes, but honestly if people wanna get good useful information, they should watch his older videos when he was still actually a med student. Now he's just doing videos just to make videos and making most hilarious videos about "watching netflix productively". If you wanna just watch his videos for entertainment and not because you actually wanna get productive then that's fine
As a broke college student who's been following for like three years now, thank you so much for all you do Ali. It's helped me immensely through high school and uni, and I'm so, so, so grateful. Plus, a three hour video for free? That's incredible. So please don't stop, but at the same time enjoy life too! We'll always be here for you as your loving audience!
The only video you'll ever need about studying. Wish I would've had this when I started uni. The ones that helped me the most by far are spaced repetition and active recall. It got a uni degree while attending barely any lectures. This is because you're literally practicing what you do on an exam with exam recall and spaced repetition makes sure it gets solidified into your memory. Can't recommend those two techniques enough.
3 STEPS: 1. understand - (feyneman: does it make sense? could i explain it to a 5yo?) - active recall (test yourself)☆ - take notes - understand the broad picture first and then narrow down 2. remember (forgetting curve) - develop a syllabus/ outline to limit urself - 3. focus (discipline, eliminate distractions)
I'm studying a masters in education at the moment (18 years after finishing my first degree), and one thing that stands out is how much better the education department are than any other at presenting the information and giving you proper active-learning tasks. I suppose you'd expect them to be though. But I genuinely haven't had to try to memorize anything and I've still remembered it, getting good scores on everything so far.
Thank you Ali for such an interesting content. I watched till 45 min. And what did I learn!?- Active recall. Test yourself frequently. Hand writing is better than typing. Scoping the subject. Focus on "more" not on "everything". Spaced repetition to combat against forgetting curve. Use time tables and check lists. I will continue tomorrow.
I love how this video is literally applicable to every uni student, no matter what course, like mine being Mechanical Engineering. The transparency and structure, the conciseness of EVERYTHING you need to know about studying effectively and the evidence-backed opinions and information (so it’s not just some flimsy “this worked for me” type of vid) are what make this masterclass spectacular. I appreciate you making it free a lot Ali as in the education system during school you aren’t really ever taught how to actually study, except for the typical, take notes, re-read them and do past papers and make colourful flashcards if you like. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart from an 18 yo first year student ❤❤❤
Remember watching this on skillshare like a year ago, but didn’t really engage so much with it and take notes. Will not make that mistake again! Thank you for uploading this for free
👋 My summary: - 00:00 📚 Introduction to the Importance of Effective Exam Study - The significance of learning effective study techniques. - Ali's personal experience in improving study methods. - 01:11 🎓 Overview of the Evidence-Based Masterclass Structure - The three main steps of effective studying: Understanding, Remembering, and Focusing. - A brief outline of what each step entails. - 02:08 🧠 Step 1: Understanding - The Feynman Technique - Explanation of the Feynman Technique for understanding complex topics. - The importance of being able to explain a subject simply. - Using this technique to enhance understanding. - 05:11 🧠 Step 2: Understanding - Active Recall - Active Recall as a powerful learning tool. - Testing oneself as an essential part of the learning process. - The effectiveness of active recall in strengthening memory. - 07:05 📝 Note-Taking During Class - The benefits of handwriting notes versus typing. - How taking notes during class can help with understanding. - Using notes as an aid to staying engaged during lectures. - 09:08 📝 Note-Taking After Class - The value of taking notes after class for consolidating understanding. - Utilizing multiple sources to enhance comprehension. - Creating questions for self-assessment using the Cornell note-taking system. - 16:28 📚 Effective Note-Taking - Effective note-taking involves active recall and the Feynman technique. - Write notes based on specific questions or prompts to engage active recall. - 17:55 🌳 Scoping the Subject - Understanding the bigger picture is crucial for effective learning. - Scoping the subject involves categorizing topics, starting with the broad view and then narrowing down. - 20:31 📚 Developing a Syllabus - Create a syllabus for yourself to limit what you need to learn. - Focus on mastering a select set of resources rather than overwhelming yourself with many. - 26:26 🧠 Remembering and Space Repetition - Combat the forgetting curve by spacing repetitions over time. - Space repetition maximizes memory retention and reinforces learning. - 34:19 📖 Active Learning and Effort - Active learning and effortful study lead to better retention. - Learning becomes more effective when it involves challenge and difficulty. - 35:16 📚 Using Retrospective Revision Timetable for Space Repetition - Create a retrospective revision timetable to optimize space repetition. - Rate your understanding of topics to decide what to study. - Example of using Google Sheets or Notion for tracking study progress. - 37:22 📆 Simon Clark's Spaced Repetition Journal Method - Simon Clark's spaced repetition diary as an alternative to traditional revision timetables. - How to create a spaced repetition diary and its benefits. - Combining the benefits of a revision timetable with spaced repetition. - 41:20 🔄 Interleaving Study Techniques - The concept of interleaving: Mixing different topics within a single study session. - Benefits of interleaving for improved retention. - Avoiding the downsides of blocking similar problems or subjects. - 43:27 📖 Re-reading vs. Active Recall - The ineffectiveness of re-reading notes as a study technique. - The benefits of active recall for better retention. - How to use active recall for efficient studying. - 45:47 🧠 Flashcards and Anki for Effective Learning - The concept of flashcards as a combination of active recall and spaced repetition. - Using Anki, a flashcard app, to enhance learning. - Creating flashcards for spaced repetition and efficient studying. - 52:16 📚 Using flashcards for essay exams, - Flashcards can be used to memorize chunks of content for essay exams. - Writing references and explanations on flashcards helps recall. - Be cautious not to make too many flashcards to avoid overload. - 56:30 📊 Google Sheets as a flashcard alternative, - Google Sheets can be used as a structured flashcard alternative. - Questions in one column and answers in another facilitate active recall. - The method allows for systematic review and easy identification of knowledge gaps. - It provides a low-commitment, flexible study approach.
- 02:08:36 🔄 Adjusting Anki Settings for Optimal Learning - Modifying Anki settings, like intervals, can enhance retention and understanding. - Increasing intervals between reviews can promote deeper learning. - Customizing Anki settings to align with your learning goals is essential. - 02:15:07 📚 Managing Decks and Subdecks for Efficient Study - Organizing your Anki decks into subjects or subdecks can help focus your study sessions. - Creating subdecks for specific topics allows for targeted learning. - Moving cards between master and subdecks can optimize your study plan. - 02:33:36 📱 Managing Phone Distractions - Techniques to reduce phone distractions: - Increase friction for accessing distracting apps (e.g., uninstalling or burying them). - Place the phone away from the immediate workspace. - Use apps and extensions to block distracting content. - Set the phone to grayscale to reduce its visual appeal. - 02:35:42 🕰 Taking Effective Study Breaks - The importance of taking breaks during study sessions. - Introduction to the Pomodoro Technique: - Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. - Repeat this cycle, with a longer break after every four cycles. - The flexibility of adapting the technique to individual needs. - 02:40:54 🎵 Studying with Music - The impact of music on studying. - Music with lyrics can interfere with working memory. - Instrumental music or silence may be preferable for focused studying. - The importance of considering the study environment and personal preferences. - 02:43:16 🏞 Maintaining Work-Life Balance - Prioritizing physical and mental health over exams. - Strategies for separating work and leisure spaces. - Emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and social interaction during study periods. - Recognizing that life can be temporarily out of balance during intense study phases. - 02:46:54 📚 Effective Group Study - Tips for successful group study sessions: - Choose motivated and focused study partners. - Designate a leader to structure study sessions. - Implement the Pomodoro Technique for productive study intervals. - Maintain communication and coordination during breaks.
Just a super rough recap after skimming this whole vid at 11 pm: > 3 priorities, in this order: understand, remember, focus > understand - understand it well enough til u can explain it to a friend. Then if possible, understand it further well enough til u can explain it to a less smart friend. - dont miss the forest from the trees. Scope the subject, skim the contents to see how it all fits, what it's all for. More useful for STEM/fact-full fields like medicine. - always prioritize understanding big picture, take the time to form a gist and how each concept can fit into it - write down ur own syllabus. Its useful to limit your learning and knowing when to stop, prevents getting lost in the details > remember - do spaced repetition, study certain material by the calendar. - do active recall, referring back to understanding: make it effortful to take notes, try write it in own words, frequently test urself by after a paragraph or an equivalent, try look away and ask urself abt what u just read > focus - to achieve both of the above, use these techniques: • Have a SPACED REPETITION JOURNAL where you write what topics you'll revisit in future days, in intervals of 1) tomorrow, 2) day after that, 3) next week, 4) next month • use ANKI, one card per concept, good for active recall and spaced rep. Or use NOTION with the toggle option, have to plan out spaced rep urself tho, refer back to spcd rep journal • an alternative for anki or cornell note taking system, don't take notes or summarize, instead in a doc just WRITE QUESTIONS, up to hundreds. Write questions in a way u're confident u can answer at the top of ur head or easily google/refer to lecture notes. Highlight different questions for priority n spaced rep cues. • aforementioned was for individual facts, but for essays and chunks of concepts, do ESSAY MEMORIZATION FRAMEWORK, where u make list of essay plans abt just finding essay ideas n titles, researching content, n understanding n writing introductions, contents, conclusions etc, then memorize it straight up thru anki/notion for each paragraph or intro/content/concl. Then after u understand n confidently memorize each essay plan, make SPIDER DIAGRAMS, basically mind map each essay plan. With these, you can prepare for essay exams to regurtitate pre-memorized whole chunks of essays for familiar topic, or if it asks for a new topic, you can pick thru different chunks in ur memory to form a new essay idea to fit that topic. > REMEMBER: do not begin memorizing until you understand it/ align the act of memorizing a concept to be parallel to understanding it thru spaced rep n active rec. > why bother; the motivation - at first, i always found these kinda vids abt seemingly arbitrary ways to be smart and ace exams boring and unnecessary, cus i always perceived true intelligence as spontaneous understanding and magically remembering it forever because of how interesting it is as a concept. But as I'm beginning uni and realizing just how much not only what there is to learn but also what I _want_ to learn, i realized i can't purely rely on spontaneous memory (proven by my midterm results 😭) and started accepting the validity of these arbitrary techniques and methods and seeing their utility not only for merely acing results but also for directly helping me remember ideas i truly am interested in learning forever. But even then, this realization only began when i noticed just how much knowledge i'm truly interested in learning for a lifetime, so you won't be as committed to follow this study system if you simply don't wanna or care to study. Figuring out why you wanna study is prolly a completely diff video topic, altho i think i understand it implicitly well enough alrdy.
Here is a breakdown to save your time Understand: This is key! You should be able to explain concepts to someone else. Techniques like the Feynman Technique and active recall can help. Remember: Use spaced repetition to review materials at increasing intervals. Anki and Google Sheets are helpful tools. Focus: Create a distraction-free zone and try the Pomodoro Technique (25 min work intervals with short breaks). Side tip from me: afrer a lecture review the concepts at the first day, 3rd, 9th, 12th and 24th. This really helped me and hope it does to you too.
Just started medical school and after seeing everyone start making notes from lecture slides, started panicking. Thank God there's Ali Abdaal to the rescue, always!!
I think learning from corrections is also a great way of learning. Linking all the screenshots of corrections for a topic (this is based on your needs and situation) to one page and understanding where you went wrong
I have an exam in a month and I was feeling so lost especially today when I was reviewing my schedule. I was thinking I won't be able to clear the exams 🥺 BUT here you are- literally saving my life! Truly, this came as a huge blessing! Thank you so so so much Ali❤️ Much much love 🌟
I am a highschool student who has been average for more than half of my career as a student but lately I am studying 12+ hours effectively using pomodoro chunks, active recall and spaced repetition(ALL CREDITS FOR YOUR AMAZING AND GENEROUS VIDEOS!!!) I was studying hard for the 1st exam of the year(Within 3 weeks), make my comeback and also increase my persuit of knowledge & intellect... WHAT A PERFECT TIMING!!!!! BLESS YOU BROTHER, ILYSM!!!!!!
I’m 15 now and am in the process of an academic comeback. I haven’t been failing, but would prefer much better grades. I hope to come across this video and comment in 10 years as a mechanical engineer and soon to be businessman. Thanks Ali
Hi Ali , I have taken skill share subscription all because of you. Loved your final cut pro , stoicism and currently on productivity class. I was so upset to not find your study class there. Now I know you took it and made free. I'm so glad I found it I was happily paying for it but I know there are many who can't. Helping students is one of them most kind deeds. Thanks a lot. Just started this class here.
My 'study' techniques are 40+ years old. I had to begin college again in IT which wasn't even around back in the day, so this is priceless material. Thank you, thank you.
i am in 11th grade preparing for getting into a med school and your videos have changed the way i looked at studying. i love how all of your videos are evidence based and also thanks for dropping in the skill share class❤️
How are you? I just want the best way to study for a long time. I can't just study for 3 hours straight. I want to achieve my dream, but I can't concentrate.
The Masterclass we all badly needed! I've been wanting to attend this class for a long time, and couldn't make it happen due to financial restrictions. I'm very grateful to you for making it free! You're the man!❤
I am so beyond grateful for the sincere value you share. Every time i'm running into a challenge I can find guidance in your videos. Listening to all the life-altering advice you have to share is what i've always imagined it's like to have a big brother. Thank you thank you thank you!
I'm preparing for one of the toughest competitive exams in India and was perplexed how to consolidate and revise and OMFG this dropped off right in time. Ali you're literal gem, love from India. I'll implement them right away and enjoy learning again!❤❤❤
thank you, thank you, thank you Ali! With the current cost of living crisis going on it’s not possible for me to buy expensive classes/sessions etc. This video is extremely beneficial and I truly cannot thank you enough for this 3 hour long video :)
Thank you so much. I'm in 2nd Year Veterinary Medicine and many works are piling up, catching up is becoming difficult I need a method of studying. Luckily, I found this video!
21:04 Thanks Ali for the section. Understanding complex subjects is bane for all of us and there are quite a few gems there. Re-understading on basis of core understanding is such a huge mindshift .
Bro you just read my mind my exams just finished and I was damped about my result and was just searching about a study system thank you so much for always being on time!
I was never taught how to learn. I struggled through school as my brain wasn't primed to take on information in any efficient way. I was stuck in memorization mode & didn't have the tools to learn how to actually UNDERSTAND the material. Flash forward - I am going back to school at 28 years old. This is such an important video. Thank you for this.
So many NEET students here! This is my 2nd drop and I will be sitting for it for the final time next year. Best of luck to you guys and thank you Ali for this video :)
Today is my birthday, i don’t have much money to celebrate so i’m watching this video whole day at my 20th birthday, this video is like the best gift i received in terms of effect it will have on my student life, because this surely will help me in my studying pharmacy, which i struggled a lot to just pass any quiz and exam.
I'm mainly speaking for myself, but I do think many would agree with me that taking ur own notes, or basically rewriting notes, is also a way for us to collate all our important notes in one place. You know, before we started uni and we only have hand written notes, It's pretty much what students can do to have all the relevant notes in one place in an order They want. I use to write down my notes from textbooks and copy questions from different practice papers in.
Notes: Feynman technique - can you explain what you learnt to a guy who doesn't know anything about it. active recall - pulling information out of your memory. Spaced repetition - is a method of reviewing material at systematic intervals. Use flashcards - Quizlet. - a flashcard or flash card is a card bearing information on both sides, which is intended to be used as an aid in memorization. Use mind maps - mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information into a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole. The pomodoro technique: Work for 25 min. 5 min break.
I think this is the best content in RUclips so far. It took me ages to find something like this and I finally found you! Thank you so much Ali! You are helping a lot of students right now
Ive been studying for my math test, I was listening to this video while studying for it. Im kind of sad that ive finished the video, but im also glad I was able to study for 3 hours. :))
Amazing video! I’m just only a freshman but I’m dedicated to work hard and make use of the opportunities I have. I will definitely start implementing these techniques in my studying as I’m guilty of passively reading 😅 I’ve recently faced the obstacle of tinnitus and it’s quite annoying but I’m doing my best to get over it and move on.
High school science teacher here, wanting to add your techniques to my classes. The potential for greater student success is exciting. Thank you for sharing your experience and accessible resources!
Hey Ali, Thank you so much for making this anazing skillshare course free! Ive been watching your videos for over 1+ years and you are my favourite creator. You have taught me so much. Thank you!
The only study advice that my NETWORK TECHNOLOGY Professor could give was to write notes, yeah, I was doing that 50 years ago. Thank you so, so, so very much. Your study techniques have transformed my college experience!
i have just started med school and this could not come at a better time you have no idea how much this is going to help i want to thank you Ali from the bottom of my heart
@@actually-002I usually read the material before we learn it in the lecture so I know what the professor is talking about and I review it again after the lecture with my notes and then i study it again and do practice questions in the weekend of that week after that I review it when i have an exam
Thank you ali. Some of your videos really taught me how to study. Before I found you, I was working hard but still getting called lazy because of the grades
I like the part Scoping the Subject. I studied LLB many years ago. I did summarize a topic in the way as you said : tree -> branches -> leaves. That’s especially important for understanding legal framework. Hope this helps for anyone who wants to study LLB. I am watching your videos so that I can communicate with the younger generation of my family. I enjoy those teaching us how to make RUclips videos, and also the book reviews. Thank you very much for sharing.
thank you so much ali!! i’ve been watching your channel for so long and now i’m finally a first year medical student!! and these tips will help so much
This was an amazing power-packed one stop session for us to know about how to actually start studying. Most of us cram before exam and all these techniques are really useful. No need to go anywhere on the internet, this video has everything that requires for a beginner to start studying effectively and ace the grades. Loved it !
How to Study for Exams (Ali Abdaal) 1. Understanding Concepts: Feynman Technique: Explain the subject in detail to a colleague or even a child. Aim to understand the topic deeply enough to simplify it. 2. Active Recall: Treat your brain like a muscle; train it by testing yourself. 3. Notes and Summarization: In-Class: Handwriting is better than typing; it helps you stay awake and engaged. Out-of-Class: Consolidate notes from different sources (using Notion). You don't need notes for every class. Use the Cornell note-taking system for active recall and turn notes into flashcards. 4. Scooping the Subject: Understand how each topic fits into the bigger picture. Subcategorize topics for coherence in your understanding. 5. Finding a Syllabus: Create a limit to your knowledge; focus on mastering the syllabus rather than expanding beyond it. 6. Remembering and Spaced Repetition: Repeat topics regularly using spaced intervals to strengthen memory. 7. Retrospective Timetable: Plan daily study tasks in a flexible schedule (using Notion). 8. Spaced Repetition Journal: Predetermined subjects reviewed on a spaced timeline (e.g., weekly, monthly). 9. Interleaved Repetition: Mix different topics to challenge your brain and enhance retention. 10. Rereading: Rereading is passive; use more active study techniques instead. 11. Effective Highlighting: Highlighting has low utility but can help focus your attention. 12. Flashcards: Use Anki or Google Sheets to create flashcards. Create only for essential information or difficult concepts. Avoid creating flashcards after studying a topic just once. Cornell Method is useful for less critical information. 13. Mind Maps: Use mind maps for a broad understanding of topics and visualizing connections. General Tips: Google Sheets for Flashcards: Fast, customizable, and useful for identifying knowledge gaps. Avoid Overloading Flashcards: Focus only on crucial facts to reinforce learning effectively.
I am an Indian student. And I am preparing for an entrance exam called NEET or National Eligibility Entrance Test. Which is a premedical entrance exam. And it's selection percent is 0.5 to 1 and I am going to attempt this exam next year. And from bottom of my heart thanks a lot for this video ❤
I'm now starting my studies for a university entrance exam. I have never studied before in my entire life. I'm going to watch this video, if it succeeds in teaching me how to study it will change my life no cap.
This is great; I truly thought I was in for a difficult and challenging change in life trying to balance working full-time and going to college while being twice the age of the average student in my classes. However, when Ali talked about how beneficial testing yourself on the learned material is and that we should be doing it two to three times as much as we are currently doing it, I realized that my current rate of testing myself zero times, even if I did it 99 more times that I currently am, is still zero. This tip alone will save me dozens of hours per week. anyways... Thank you for this; I need it because my study methods are 30-40 years old, and I currently highlight every word I read, and then re-read it.
I took this course in February this year and by far it has been the best decision I made so far. I might be using the techniques at extreme since I apply them only a day before final exam and still manage to get 9/10 GPA every sem lol. (I wonder where would I be if I'd do it all around the sem lol)
@@actually-002 For that, generally, I'd recommend to do it from first day of school or as soon as you get the material. I just learn a night before using flashcards and repeat it several times that night. Then in the morning I revise, during commuting I revise again. That's all
Oh my god, thank you so much for posting this video. I liked your other two evidence based videos on active recall and spaced repetition very much and I am sure this video will also benefit a lot of people, me included.
Thank you Ali,. My skillshare subscription has ended last year. And i was not able to afford it later. So, this video will be useful significantly for me. Thank you.
I would like to thank you for this 3 hour study guide because if it had not been for you, I would not have done so well in my exams. In fact, I got 96% average in my board exams (got my results today) and I vowed when watching this video before my exams, that if this video actually worked and I got a good result, then I would buy your book as a sign of gratitude, and since I have done it, I bought your book today. Once again, thanks a lot 🙏
Watched the entire video and made notes out of it. I was working really hard but was not getting the output that I should have. I made it a point to improve the way I was studying. This video was really helpful in this regard. Cannot thank you enough.
So much condensed information abd research about each technique and this much explanation which is quite easy to understand. It's so nice of you, that you provided this content for free ❤❤❤
The missing pieces were dropped in this one ❤ the connection between and idea and a successful idea is if other people care - and just how to see if they can or how!
I think the key to effectively studying is being simple in your habits and not getting bogged down in the details on different techniques one can employ to make their study routine more efficient by watching a 3 hour long video on the matter. Just get to studying and be simple. Focus on one thing at a time. That is it tbh. Clarity of thought is paramount.
This is all the stuff I wish I knew when I studied my degree. Ultimately in the end I got a 3rd class which I really regret. I did summarising and highlighting but nothing would stick, now it's just a debt that I can't use and it's a shame. This is so so helpful. I do have ADHD so if I didn't use a reader and make notes and highlight along with this i would have gotten lost or given up. There were a lot of concepts and examples thrown in there which would have thrown me off had I not used the transcript to follow along with what you were saying This is a super valueable video, I watched it at 2x speed to get the concepts down and highlight what i needed to, now I can toss it into obsidian and share my understanding of what you have said in the hopes it'll help someone i know or maybe someone i don't know. My biggest regret was scoring so badly, even when studying with friends or going to sessions about learning how to study, they never helped with useful tools like this. Even mindmaps, the topics were so large I didn't know how to use them. Now I do, a bit too late, it's like a black mark on my record or so it feels but I hope I can share this so that other people might find some success and not have to deal with the same shame and debt combo. Thank you, Ali.
📖Check out my new book Feel-Good Productivity here! www.feelgoodproductivity.com/?How+to+Study+for+Exams+-+An+Evidence-Based+Masterclass
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I am coming from India🇮🇳 plz 🙏one help😢bro
Thanks
1 - can you explain it to a collegue? Can you explain it to a 5 year old?
2 - active recall: your brain is a muscle - train it by testing!
3- notes - summaryzing is controvercial.
Alli's theory:
*in class*
- handwritting is better than typing
- Helps you keep awake
*out of class*
- consolidate different sources ( he uses notion)
- you don't need to take notes for every class
- Cornell notetaking sistem is useful for active recall (with the help of notion for it)
- you can turn thise notes into flashcards
4 - scooping the subject
- understand where the subjects fits into the bigger picture
- subcategorize the topics
**** 🎓 importance of understanding
Coherence withing your mind
5 - finding a syllabus for yourself
- you have to create a limit to your knowledge ( you can't know everything babe)
- master the syllabus rather than gather more information
6 - remembering and spaced repetition
- the more you repeat the topic, the longer it takes to forget it (but remember, it's a SPACED repetition)
- the more effort you put, you memorize better
7 - retrospective timetable on notion for revision
- you decide on the day what you are going to do
- you can do it on notion
8 - spaced repetition journal
- alternate to revision timetable
- predetermined subject
- try it like: 1 week, one month
9 - Interleaved repetition
- mix topics to make it harder
- brain is a muscle, making it harder to make it stronger!!
10 - rereading
- there are better ways to study, bc rereading is very passive
11 - how to highlight effectively
- low utility
- helps you concentrate
- it's better to highlight than to reread something already highlighted
12 - flashcards
- use anki ❤❤ or google sheets
- usually it's better to make your own
- do it consistently
- isolated facts
- essay exam: you can memorize chunks of essays
DO NOT:
- don't make flashcards of everything: only a about what you really have to know, or what you didn't get it right
- don't make it after you only studied the subject once
- use cornell method for more information (aka easier stuff, or what u don't really need to know)
Google sheets for flashcards:
- free
- fast to create
- color code
- hide the answer putting the letters in white
** my personal opinion: doesn't look as fun as flashcards, probably woudn't do it
- is good to do questions in order (good for clinical study of diseases)
- better to visualize the lacks of knowledge
- low commitment
- flshcards: isolated facts
Google sheets: general understanding (like whats the deal with...)
13 - mind maps
- broad understanding
- where it rit
You deserve more likes
Yep
THANK YOU❤❤ 🙏
Thank you..❤
Time saver, thank you!
As a broke student I want to say THANK YOU Ali! from the bottom of my heart
😮
Yeah, Thanks ALOT Ali! Means alot ❤
Ali making our life students with not much money easier
Epic
FOR REAL 😭😭❤
A 3 hour video? I'm sure Ali put more than 3 hours for the preparations, editing,etc and we see it.
Thanks a lot Ali because not many students can afford such classes🥺❤
No he didn't. His team did all this and he just reads from the script.
i think he is the part of the team too. And also now its his team doing most of the work but in early days he had done everything on his own@@Muukelih
@user-pq8br1eu7v yes, but honestly if people wanna get good useful information, they should watch his older videos when he was still actually a med student. Now he's just doing videos just to make videos and making most hilarious videos about "watching netflix productively". If you wanna just watch his videos for entertainment and not because you actually wanna get productive then that's fine
@cloud5078 IKR 😅…, I mean yes it’s quite informative but why did it have to be 3 hours long though…🥵
A video worth its weight in gold
I just sent this to my dad and my son. Both are getting ready to take huge exams for their careers. I am so grateful for all the knowledge you share.
huh
huh
huh
Huh
huh
Ali is the reason why got a 3.83 GPA in undergraduate. I would’ve been so academically unsuccessful if I didn’t discover him. Thank you! 🙏
As a broke college student who's been following for like three years now, thank you so much for all you do Ali. It's helped me immensely through high school and uni, and I'm so, so, so grateful. Plus, a three hour video for free? That's incredible. So please don't stop, but at the same time enjoy life too! We'll always be here for you as your loving audience!
Can you do for me a reflection about this video minimum of 500 words please🙏
@@KentmerbenDrilon watch it son , that will improve your focus and you will have a lot of more effective informations
The only video you'll ever need about studying. Wish I would've had this when I started uni. The ones that helped me the most by far are spaced repetition and active recall. It got a uni degree while attending barely any lectures. This is because you're literally practicing what you do on an exam with exam recall and spaced repetition makes sure it gets solidified into your memory. Can't recommend those two techniques enough.
spaced repetiton and active recall.
this is the only guys with the huge heart to make his paid course available for people for free hats off man ur just amzing
3 STEPS:
1. understand
- (feyneman: does it make sense? could i explain it to a 5yo?)
- active recall (test yourself)☆
- take notes
- understand the broad picture first and then narrow down
2. remember (forgetting curve)
- develop a syllabus/ outline to limit urself
-
3. focus (discipline, eliminate distractions)
Thank you!
This really is the best of it, huge thanks.😊
I'm studying a masters in education at the moment (18 years after finishing my first degree), and one thing that stands out is how much better the education department are than any other at presenting the information and giving you proper active-learning tasks. I suppose you'd expect them to be though. But I genuinely haven't had to try to memorize anything and I've still remembered it, getting good scores on everything so far.
Putting this video for free needs a great heart, appreciate it.
Thank you Ali for such an interesting content.
I watched till 45 min. And what did I learn!?-
Active recall.
Test yourself frequently.
Hand writing is better than typing.
Scoping the subject.
Focus on "more" not on "everything".
Spaced repetition to combat against forgetting curve.
Use time tables and check lists.
I will continue tomorrow.
Most important topics
Spaced repetition schedule 38:06
Interleaving 41:06
I love how this video is literally applicable to every uni student, no matter what course, like mine being Mechanical Engineering. The transparency and structure, the conciseness of EVERYTHING you need to know about studying effectively and the evidence-backed opinions and information (so it’s not just some flimsy “this worked for me” type of vid) are what make this masterclass spectacular. I appreciate you making it free a lot Ali as in the education system during school you aren’t really ever taught how to actually study, except for the typical, take notes, re-read them and do past papers and make colourful flashcards if you like. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart from an 18 yo first year student ❤❤❤
Remember watching this on skillshare like a year ago, but didn’t really engage so much with it and take notes. Will not make that mistake again! Thank you for uploading this for free
👋 My summary:
- 00:00 📚 Introduction to the Importance of Effective Exam Study
- The significance of learning effective study techniques.
- Ali's personal experience in improving study methods.
- 01:11 🎓 Overview of the Evidence-Based Masterclass Structure
- The three main steps of effective studying: Understanding, Remembering, and Focusing.
- A brief outline of what each step entails.
- 02:08 🧠 Step 1: Understanding - The Feynman Technique
- Explanation of the Feynman Technique for understanding complex topics.
- The importance of being able to explain a subject simply.
- Using this technique to enhance understanding.
- 05:11 🧠 Step 2: Understanding - Active Recall
- Active Recall as a powerful learning tool.
- Testing oneself as an essential part of the learning process.
- The effectiveness of active recall in strengthening memory.
- 07:05 📝 Note-Taking During Class
- The benefits of handwriting notes versus typing.
- How taking notes during class can help with understanding.
- Using notes as an aid to staying engaged during lectures.
- 09:08 📝 Note-Taking After Class
- The value of taking notes after class for consolidating understanding.
- Utilizing multiple sources to enhance comprehension.
- Creating questions for self-assessment using the Cornell note-taking system.
- 16:28 📚 Effective Note-Taking
- Effective note-taking involves active recall and the Feynman technique.
- Write notes based on specific questions or prompts to engage active recall.
- 17:55 🌳 Scoping the Subject
- Understanding the bigger picture is crucial for effective learning.
- Scoping the subject involves categorizing topics, starting with the broad view and then narrowing down.
- 20:31 📚 Developing a Syllabus
- Create a syllabus for yourself to limit what you need to learn.
- Focus on mastering a select set of resources rather than overwhelming yourself with many.
- 26:26 🧠 Remembering and Space Repetition
- Combat the forgetting curve by spacing repetitions over time.
- Space repetition maximizes memory retention and reinforces learning.
- 34:19 📖 Active Learning and Effort
- Active learning and effortful study lead to better retention.
- Learning becomes more effective when it involves challenge and difficulty.
- 35:16 📚 Using Retrospective Revision Timetable for Space Repetition
- Create a retrospective revision timetable to optimize space repetition.
- Rate your understanding of topics to decide what to study.
- Example of using Google Sheets or Notion for tracking study progress.
- 37:22 📆 Simon Clark's Spaced Repetition Journal Method
- Simon Clark's spaced repetition diary as an alternative to traditional revision timetables.
- How to create a spaced repetition diary and its benefits.
- Combining the benefits of a revision timetable with spaced repetition.
- 41:20 🔄 Interleaving Study Techniques
- The concept of interleaving: Mixing different topics within a single study session.
- Benefits of interleaving for improved retention.
- Avoiding the downsides of blocking similar problems or subjects.
- 43:27 📖 Re-reading vs. Active Recall
- The ineffectiveness of re-reading notes as a study technique.
- The benefits of active recall for better retention.
- How to use active recall for efficient studying.
- 45:47 🧠 Flashcards and Anki for Effective Learning
- The concept of flashcards as a combination of active recall and spaced repetition.
- Using Anki, a flashcard app, to enhance learning.
- Creating flashcards for spaced repetition and efficient studying.
- 52:16 📚 Using flashcards for essay exams,
- Flashcards can be used to memorize chunks of content for essay exams.
- Writing references and explanations on flashcards helps recall.
- Be cautious not to make too many flashcards to avoid overload.
- 56:30 📊 Google Sheets as a flashcard alternative,
- Google Sheets can be used as a structured flashcard alternative.
- Questions in one column and answers in another facilitate active recall.
- The method allows for systematic review and easy identification of knowledge gaps.
- It provides a low-commitment, flexible study approach.
- 02:08:36 🔄 Adjusting Anki Settings for Optimal Learning
- Modifying Anki settings, like intervals, can enhance retention and understanding.
- Increasing intervals between reviews can promote deeper learning.
- Customizing Anki settings to align with your learning goals is essential.
- 02:15:07 📚 Managing Decks and Subdecks for Efficient Study
- Organizing your Anki decks into subjects or subdecks can help focus your study sessions.
- Creating subdecks for specific topics allows for targeted learning.
- Moving cards between master and subdecks can optimize your study plan.
- 02:33:36 📱 Managing Phone Distractions
- Techniques to reduce phone distractions:
- Increase friction for accessing distracting apps (e.g., uninstalling or burying them).
- Place the phone away from the immediate workspace.
- Use apps and extensions to block distracting content.
- Set the phone to grayscale to reduce its visual appeal.
- 02:35:42 🕰 Taking Effective Study Breaks
- The importance of taking breaks during study sessions.
- Introduction to the Pomodoro Technique:
- Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat this cycle, with a longer break after every four cycles.
- The flexibility of adapting the technique to individual needs.
- 02:40:54 🎵 Studying with Music
- The impact of music on studying.
- Music with lyrics can interfere with working memory.
- Instrumental music or silence may be preferable for focused studying.
- The importance of considering the study environment and personal preferences.
- 02:43:16 🏞 Maintaining Work-Life Balance
- Prioritizing physical and mental health over exams.
- Strategies for separating work and leisure spaces.
- Emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and social interaction during study periods.
- Recognizing that life can be temporarily out of balance during intense study phases.
- 02:46:54 📚 Effective Group Study
- Tips for successful group study sessions:
- Choose motivated and focused study partners.
- Designate a leader to structure study sessions.
- Implement the Pomodoro Technique for productive study intervals.
- Maintain communication and coordination during breaks.
Thanks for the Summary
Wow thanks a lot
❤❤ So grateful for this summary
Hero!
يا علي يجب عليك ترجمة الفيديو لكل اللغات لأن فيديو مثل هذا بكمية الثروة المعرفية حرام ألا يصل لكل شعوب العالم❤
في خاصيه في يوتيوب cc بترجم الفديو لأي لغه
Just a super rough recap after skimming this whole vid at 11 pm:
> 3 priorities, in this order: understand, remember, focus
> understand
- understand it well enough til u can explain it to a friend. Then if possible, understand it further well enough til u can explain it to a less smart friend.
- dont miss the forest from the trees. Scope the subject, skim the contents to see how it all fits, what it's all for. More useful for STEM/fact-full fields like medicine.
- always prioritize understanding big picture, take the time to form a gist and how each concept can fit into it
- write down ur own syllabus. Its useful to limit your learning and knowing when to stop, prevents getting lost in the details
> remember
- do spaced repetition, study certain material by the calendar.
- do active recall, referring back to understanding: make it effortful to take notes, try write it in own words, frequently test urself by after a paragraph or an equivalent, try look away and ask urself abt what u just read
> focus
- to achieve both of the above, use these techniques:
• Have a SPACED REPETITION JOURNAL where you write what topics you'll revisit in future days, in intervals of 1) tomorrow, 2) day after that, 3) next week, 4) next month
• use ANKI, one card per concept, good for active recall and spaced rep. Or use NOTION with the toggle option, have to plan out spaced rep urself tho, refer back to spcd rep journal
• an alternative for anki or cornell note taking system, don't take notes or summarize, instead in a doc just WRITE QUESTIONS, up to hundreds. Write questions in a way u're confident u can answer at the top of ur head or easily google/refer to lecture notes. Highlight different questions for priority n spaced rep cues.
• aforementioned was for individual facts, but for essays and chunks of concepts, do ESSAY MEMORIZATION FRAMEWORK, where u make list of essay plans abt just finding essay ideas n titles, researching content, n understanding n writing introductions, contents, conclusions etc, then memorize it straight up thru anki/notion for each paragraph or intro/content/concl. Then after u understand n confidently memorize each essay plan, make SPIDER DIAGRAMS, basically mind map each essay plan. With these, you can prepare for essay exams to regurtitate pre-memorized whole chunks of essays for familiar topic, or if it asks for a new topic, you can pick thru different chunks in ur memory to form a new essay idea to fit that topic.
> REMEMBER: do not begin memorizing until you understand it/ align the act of memorizing a concept to be parallel to understanding it thru spaced rep n active rec.
> why bother; the motivation
- at first, i always found these kinda vids abt seemingly arbitrary ways to be smart and ace exams boring and unnecessary, cus i always perceived true intelligence as spontaneous understanding and magically remembering it forever because of how interesting it is as a concept. But as I'm beginning uni and realizing just how much not only what there is to learn but also what I _want_ to learn, i realized i can't purely rely on spontaneous memory (proven by my midterm results 😭) and started accepting the validity of these arbitrary techniques and methods and seeing their utility not only for merely acing results but also for directly helping me remember ideas i truly am interested in learning forever. But even then, this realization only began when i noticed just how much knowledge i'm truly interested in learning for a lifetime, so you won't be as committed to follow this study system if you simply don't wanna or care to study. Figuring out why you wanna study is prolly a completely diff video topic, altho i think i understand it implicitly well enough alrdy.
Here is a breakdown to save your time
Understand: This is key! You should be able to explain concepts to someone else. Techniques like the Feynman Technique and active recall can help.
Remember: Use spaced repetition to review materials at increasing intervals. Anki and Google Sheets are helpful tools.
Focus: Create a distraction-free zone and try the Pomodoro Technique (25 min work intervals with short breaks).
Side tip from me: afrer a lecture review the concepts at the first day, 3rd, 9th, 12th and 24th. This really helped me and hope it does to you too.
The fact that this is published for free is simply amazing, thank you Ali
Just started medical school and after seeing everyone start making notes from lecture slides, started panicking. Thank God there's Ali Abdaal to the rescue, always!!
I think learning from corrections is also a great way of learning. Linking all the screenshots of corrections for a topic (this is based on your needs and situation) to one page and understanding where you went wrong
I have an exam in a month and I was feeling so lost especially today when I was reviewing my schedule. I was thinking I won't be able to clear the exams 🥺 BUT here you are- literally saving my life!
Truly, this came as a huge blessing! Thank you so so so much Ali❤️ Much much love 🌟
What exam is that you're going to give? Btw, best of luck ❤
I am a highschool student who has been average for more than half of my career as a student but lately I am studying 12+ hours effectively using pomodoro chunks, active recall and spaced repetition(ALL CREDITS FOR YOUR AMAZING AND GENEROUS VIDEOS!!!)
I was studying hard for the 1st exam of the year(Within 3 weeks), make my comeback and also increase my persuit of knowledge & intellect...
WHAT A PERFECT TIMING!!!!!
BLESS YOU BROTHER, ILYSM!!!!!!
Well done!
Good for you!! Keep it up!
Good Luck !
Do you start implementing the space repetition technique from the very first day of school? Or do you start using it 2-3 months before the exam?
last week i literally spent going thorough your channel to find your study videos and watch them and take notes
Just started Uni. Feel like you've given me a huge head start! Thanks a million!
may Allah reward you generously for this and put barakah in your trip! ameen
it feels good to see a strong believer . But the religious rule's though😂
wdym? @@prrithwirajbarman8389
Barakah means?
Blessings @@pakhi3053
@@pakhi3053It's like BLESSING but I'm not sure
I’m 15 now and am in the process of an academic comeback. I haven’t been failing, but would prefer much better grades. I hope to come across this video and comment in 10 years as a mechanical engineer and soon to be businessman.
Thanks Ali
Stick with it. You are only 15 and have plenty of time to change your grades. Make it happen!
Same here I’m 19 it’s never too late to get your shit together you got this bro
Keep going bro. I’m sure you can do it!
You can do it!
Good luck on you journey bro ♥
Hi Ali , I have taken skill share subscription all because of you. Loved your final cut pro , stoicism and currently on productivity class. I was so upset to not find your study class there. Now I know you took it and made free. I'm so glad I found it I was happily paying for it but I know there are many who can't. Helping students is one of them most kind deeds. Thanks a lot. Just started this class here.
My 'study' techniques are 40+ years old. I had to begin college again in IT which wasn't even around back in the day, so this is priceless material. Thank you, thank you.
Respect for making a nearly 3 hour video 👍🏿
i am in 11th grade preparing for getting into a med school and your videos have changed the way i looked at studying.
i love how all of your videos are evidence based and also thanks for dropping in the skill share class❤️
Has it been a positive impact over the past 2 months? Test scores etc
@@gabrielaAzz yes definitely
How are you? I just want the best way to study for a long time. I can't just study for 3 hours straight. I want to achieve my dream, but I can't concentrate.
@@at2193 it's okay, try to make it fun, study in blocks and study with a good mood, and cut all distractions.
The Masterclass we all badly needed! I've been wanting to attend this class for a long time, and couldn't make it happen due to financial restrictions. I'm very grateful to you for making it free!
You're the man!❤
Thank you for sharing this gem of a video! It's not just about preparing for exams; it's about building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 🌟📖💪
Can you make me a reflection about this video minimum of 500 words? please🙏
I am so beyond grateful for the sincere value you share. Every time i'm running into a challenge I can find guidance in your videos. Listening to all the life-altering advice you have to share is what i've always imagined it's like to have a big brother. Thank you thank you thank you!
I'm preparing for one of the toughest competitive exams in India and was perplexed how to consolidate and revise and OMFG this dropped off right in time. Ali you're literal gem, love from India. I'll implement them right away and enjoy learning again!❤❤❤
Writing my igcses in 1 week and this video pops up just in time 🙏
thank you, thank you, thank you Ali! With the current cost of living crisis going on it’s not possible for me to buy expensive classes/sessions etc. This video is extremely beneficial and I truly cannot thank you enough for this 3 hour long video :)
Thank you so much. I'm in 2nd Year Veterinary Medicine and many works are piling up, catching up is becoming difficult
I need a method of studying. Luckily, I found this video!
just starting my university and this video drops I'm lucky asf
If you're reading this ali ... THANKYOU from the bottom of my heart ❤️
21:04 Thanks Ali for the section. Understanding complex subjects is bane for all of us and there are quite a few gems there. Re-understading on basis of core understanding is such a huge mindshift .
Senior nursing student and so thankful for this. Thank you!
Has it worked for you in your nursing career
Bro you just read my mind my exams just finished and I was damped about my result and was just searching about a study system thank you so much for always being on time!
I was never taught how to learn.
I struggled through school as my brain wasn't primed to take on information in any efficient way. I was stuck in memorization mode & didn't have the tools to learn how to actually UNDERSTAND the material. Flash forward - I am going back to school at 28 years old. This is such an important video. Thank you for this.
So many NEET students here! This is my 2nd drop and I will be sitting for it for the final time next year. Best of luck to you guys and thank you Ali for this video :)
Keep going there is lot more struggle in mbbs , your senior from first year preparing for my final proff
@@AbhayRajKarun all the best🙏
SAME 2nd and last drop! i wish u well
@@nushhehe what's "NEET"?
@@AJ-ds5gfindian medical entrance exam....
Today is my birthday, i don’t have much money to celebrate so i’m watching this video whole day at my 20th birthday, this video is like the best gift i received in terms of effect it will have on my student life, because this surely will help me in my studying pharmacy, which i struggled a lot to just pass any quiz and exam.
I'm mainly speaking for myself, but I do think many would agree with me that taking ur own notes, or basically rewriting notes, is also a way for us to collate all our important notes in one place. You know, before we started uni and we only have hand written notes, It's pretty much what students can do to have all the relevant notes in one place in an order They want. I use to write down my notes from textbooks and copy questions from different practice papers in.
Notes:
Feynman technique - can you explain what you learnt to a guy who doesn't know anything about it.
active recall - pulling information out of your memory.
Spaced repetition - is a method of reviewing material at systematic intervals.
Use flashcards - Quizlet.
- a flashcard or flash card is a card bearing information on both sides, which is intended to be used as an aid in memorization.
Use mind maps - mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information into a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole.
The pomodoro technique:
Work for 25 min.
5 min break.
I think this is the best content in RUclips so far. It took me ages to find something like this and I finally found you! Thank you so much Ali! You are helping a lot of students right now
Ive been studying for my math test, I was listening to this video while studying for it. Im kind of sad that ive finished the video, but im also glad I was able to study for 3 hours. :))
Nice timing...cauz my exam ended today only😢😢😂😂😂
😂😂
Not bad time you should be angry if your result wasn't that good
Same here but mine's starting tomorrow
No worries they be back again
My are starting after 17 days😂😂
You’re a lifesaver for this. I have struggled with studying for years and feeling behind constantly. Thank you ❤❤
THIS IS CRAZYYY
i cant believe you are actually giving us these videos for free!!!!!
I graduated this year ,still thank you very much ❤❤❤
man really decided to drop a 3hr cheatsheet right in the middle of midterms season. god level move
I am starting medical school next July and this has been an incredible resource. Thank you Dr. Abdaal!
Amazing video! I’m just only a freshman but I’m dedicated to work hard and make use of the opportunities I have. I will definitely start implementing these techniques in my studying as I’m guilty of passively reading 😅 I’ve recently faced the obstacle of tinnitus and it’s quite annoying but I’m doing my best to get over it and move on.
High school science teacher here, wanting to add your techniques to my classes. The potential for greater student success is exciting. Thank you for sharing your experience and accessible resources!
Hey Ali, Thank you so much for making this anazing skillshare course free! Ive been watching your videos for over 1+ years and you are my favourite creator. You have taught me so much. Thank you!
The only study advice that my NETWORK TECHNOLOGY Professor could give was to write notes, yeah, I was doing that 50 years ago. Thank you so, so, so very much. Your study techniques have transformed my college experience!
i have just started med school and this could not come at a better time you have no idea how much this is going to help i want to thank you Ali from the bottom of my heart
Do you start implementing the space repetition technique from the very first day of school? Or do you start using it 2-3 months before the exam?
@@actually-002I usually read the material before we learn it in the lecture so I know what the professor is talking about and I review it again after the lecture with my notes and then i study it again and do practice questions in the weekend of that week after that I review it when i have an exam
@@razigazawi Great! thanks for sharing
Saving this video to show my daughter once she starts school. Thank you sir
Thank you ali. Some of your videos really taught me how to study. Before I found you, I was working hard but still getting called lazy because of the grades
I like the part Scoping the Subject. I studied LLB many years ago. I did summarize a topic in the way as you said : tree -> branches -> leaves. That’s especially important for understanding legal framework. Hope this helps for anyone who wants to study LLB.
I am watching your videos so that I can communicate with the younger generation of my family. I enjoy those teaching us how to make RUclips videos, and also the book reviews. Thank you very much for sharing.
Genuinely this is the best video on RUclips, by far!
Thank you alot for your effort in educating us, so we can educate ourself! ❤
Thank you Ali. I’m a mom of a college student and will pass this treasure along to my daughter. Again, thank you,
I'll start Law School in less than a week. I hope this really helps me. Welp, I can tell you in a few years.
thank you so much ali!! i’ve been watching your channel for so long and now i’m finally a first year medical student!! and these tips will help so much
This was an amazing power-packed one stop session for us to know about how to actually start studying. Most of us cram before exam and all these techniques are really useful. No need to go anywhere on the internet, this video has everything that requires for a beginner to start studying effectively and ace the grades. Loved it !
How to Study for Exams (Ali Abdaal)
1. Understanding Concepts:
Feynman Technique: Explain the subject in detail to a colleague or even a child.
Aim to understand the topic deeply enough to simplify it.
2. Active Recall:
Treat your brain like a muscle; train it by testing yourself.
3. Notes and Summarization:
In-Class:
Handwriting is better than typing; it helps you stay awake and engaged.
Out-of-Class:
Consolidate notes from different sources (using Notion).
You don't need notes for every class.
Use the Cornell note-taking system for active recall and turn notes into flashcards.
4. Scooping the Subject:
Understand how each topic fits into the bigger picture.
Subcategorize topics for coherence in your understanding.
5. Finding a Syllabus:
Create a limit to your knowledge; focus on mastering the syllabus rather than expanding beyond it.
6. Remembering and Spaced Repetition:
Repeat topics regularly using spaced intervals to strengthen memory.
7. Retrospective Timetable:
Plan daily study tasks in a flexible schedule (using Notion).
8. Spaced Repetition Journal:
Predetermined subjects reviewed on a spaced timeline (e.g., weekly, monthly).
9. Interleaved Repetition:
Mix different topics to challenge your brain and enhance retention.
10. Rereading:
Rereading is passive; use more active study techniques instead.
11. Effective Highlighting:
Highlighting has low utility but can help focus your attention.
12. Flashcards:
Use Anki or Google Sheets to create flashcards.
Create only for essential information or difficult concepts.
Avoid creating flashcards after studying a topic just once.
Cornell Method is useful for less critical information.
13. Mind Maps:
Use mind maps for a broad understanding of topics and visualizing connections.
General Tips:
Google Sheets for Flashcards:
Fast, customizable, and useful for identifying knowledge gaps.
Avoid Overloading Flashcards: Focus only on crucial facts to reinforce learning effectively.
Can you like make more of these long full detailed guides? I actually enjoy watching them as compared to the shorter ones.
I listen to them while studying :)
Agree
Make sure you don't treat it like Netflix and actually learn something from it. I'm sure you do, but just reminding 😅
@@yhbarve Nah bro, I am not one of those guys.
3 hours video 😮 really really helpful coz my exams are at hand Thanks.....
Ali! Thanks for sharing this course ! My exams are less than a fortnight away and I am so glad to have this. Couldn't have been a better time.
This is perfect timing as I am a freshman college student and have been trying to formulate a plan for a while now. Thank you Ali.
I am an Indian student. And I am preparing for an entrance exam called NEET or National Eligibility Entrance Test. Which is a premedical entrance exam. And it's selection percent is 0.5 to 1 and I am going to attempt this exam next year. And from bottom of my heart thanks a lot for this video ❤
"YOU HAVE ALREADY PASSED THIS EXAM". CLAIM IT!
Do you start implementing the space repetition technique from the very first day of school? Or do you start using it 2-3 months before the exam?
I'm now starting my studies for a university entrance exam. I have never studied before in my entire life. I'm going to watch this video, if it succeeds in teaching me how to study it will change my life no cap.
This is so supremely valuable, Ali. Thank you sooo much.
This is great; I truly thought I was in for a difficult and challenging change in life trying to balance working full-time and going to college while being twice the age of the average student in my classes. However, when Ali talked about how beneficial testing yourself on the learned material is and that we should be doing it two to three times as much as we are currently doing it, I realized that my current rate of testing myself zero times, even if I did it 99 more times that I currently am, is still zero. This tip alone will save me dozens of hours per week.
anyways... Thank you for this; I need it because my study methods are 30-40 years old, and I currently highlight every word I read, and then re-read it.
I took this course in February this year and by far it has been the best decision I made so far. I might be using the techniques at extreme since I apply them only a day before final exam and still manage to get 9/10 GPA every sem lol. (I wonder where would I be if I'd do it all around the sem lol)
Apply one day before exam and get so Much. THat's insane.
Do you start implementing the space repetition technique from the very first day of school? Or do you start using it 2-3 months before the exam?
@@sankaranarayanan901 yea because I listen attentively in the class. That does more than half the work for me.
@@actually-002 For that, generally, I'd recommend to do it from first day of school or as soon as you get the material. I just learn a night before using flashcards and repeat it several times that night. Then in the morning I revise, during commuting I revise again. That's all
@@anamikamishra4644 Interesting.
I started uni yesterday, your timing is perfect
Wow! Ali thank you so much 😭❤❤❤❤❤
I have been following your journey since 2018 and this is so concise.
Thank youuu
I'm back to studying Post graduate after 5 years of not doing any essays and exams, and this video helped me a lot! This was amazing as always!
Same here, good luck!
I turned my med school carrier around with your videos on how to study a few years ago. Thank you for sharing these videos 🙏
Just finished the entire class! Thanks so much Ali; every single video was an absolute banger 💯
Oh my god, thank you so much for posting this video. I liked your other two evidence based videos on active recall and spaced repetition very much and I am sure this video will also benefit a lot of people, me included.
Thank you Ali,. My skillshare subscription has ended last year. And i was not able to afford it later. So, this video will be useful significantly for me. Thank you.
What a timing Ali ,My exam start Today and here is masterpiece ❤⌛
I would like to thank you for this 3 hour study guide because if it had not been for you, I would not have done so well in my exams. In fact, I got 96% average in my board exams (got my results today) and I vowed when watching this video before my exams, that if this video actually worked and I got a good result, then I would buy your book as a sign of gratitude, and since I have done it, I bought your book today. Once again, thanks a lot 🙏
This is literally like Christmas come true, Ali. Thanks so much for your generosity!
Watched the entire video and made notes out of it. I was working really hard but was not getting the output that I should have. I made it a point to improve the way I was studying. This video was really helpful in this regard. Cannot thank you enough.
So much condensed information abd research about each technique and this much explanation which is quite easy to understand. It's so nice of you, that you provided this content for free ❤❤❤
The missing pieces were dropped in this one ❤ the connection between and idea and a successful idea is if other people care - and just how to see if they can or how!
I think the key to effectively studying is being simple in your habits and not getting bogged down in the details on different techniques one can employ to make their study routine more efficient by watching a 3 hour long video on the matter. Just get to studying and be simple. Focus on one thing at a time. That is it tbh. Clarity of thought is paramount.
Thank you so much for putting this series on RUclips! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much Ali! You are an inspiration👍
invaluable, i can never express all my gratitude. i really think that by releasing this you removed so much suffering from so many lives
This was so great Ali - thank you! So comprehensive and detailed, and I could skip to the sections I needed advice on! :)
This is all the stuff I wish I knew when I studied my degree. Ultimately in the end I got a 3rd class which I really regret. I did summarising and highlighting but nothing would stick, now it's just a debt that I can't use and it's a shame. This is so so helpful. I do have ADHD so if I didn't use a reader and make notes and highlight along with this i would have gotten lost or given up. There were a lot of concepts and examples thrown in there which would have thrown me off had I not used the transcript to follow along with what you were saying
This is a super valueable video, I watched it at 2x speed to get the concepts down and highlight what i needed to, now I can toss it into obsidian and share my understanding of what you have said in the hopes it'll help someone i know or maybe someone i don't know. My biggest regret was scoring so badly, even when studying with friends or going to sessions about learning how to study, they never helped with useful tools like this. Even mindmaps, the topics were so large I didn't know how to use them. Now I do, a bit too late, it's like a black mark on my record or so it feels but I hope I can share this so that other people might find some success and not have to deal with the same shame and debt combo.
Thank you, Ali.