
TIPIf you want to use another language, please use the translation feature in your browser.
Introduction
In today’s information era, traditional study methods often face major challenges—particularly when the material consists of lengthy, repetitive, and non-interactive text. Sleepiness, boredom, and demotivation become major obstacles that quickly drain our energy and hinder our ability to remember information. However, by implementing efficient and effective study techniques, such as the Feynman Technique and the “flow trigger” method, we can design a more dynamic learning experience and prevent our brains from falling into stagnation.
1. Identifying the Challenges in Learning
Before diving into study strategies, it’s important to recognize some common issues encountered during learning:
- Sleepiness: Studying monotonous material often tires the eyes and brain, resulting in drowsiness that’s hard to avoid.
- Boredom: Repetitive reading and lack of interactivity make the learning process feel slow and tedious.
- Demotivation: When the material lacks variety or practical application, the drive to study can drop drastically.
- Insufficient Brain Stimulation: Without methods that spark creativity and critical thinking, the brain tends to be idle, resulting in suboptimal information absorption.
2. Techniques and Strategies to Overcome Learning Challenges
Below are some proven techniques to help tackle these issues:
A. Feynman Technique: Learning by Teaching
What It Involves:
- Explain the Concept in Simple Language: After studying a concept, try to explain it in plain, understandable terms—as if you were teaching it to a child.
- Identify Knowledge Gaps: If you struggle to explain certain parts, note them down and revisit the material to deepen your understanding.
- Simplify and Use Analogies: Develop analogies or stories to help visualize the concept, stimulating your brain creatively and preventing boredom.
B. Flow Trigger: Stimulating the Brain into an Optimal State
How to Get into the Flow:
- Create a Supportive Learning Environment: Choose a space that minimizes distractions, has proper lighting, and is maintained at a comfortable temperature.
- Use Instrumental Music: Certain types of music, like classical or ambient tunes, can improve focus and stimulate the brain regions associated with concentration.
- Set Small Goals: Break larger material into smaller sections with defined time targets. These mini-achievements foster a sense of accomplishment and boost motivation.
C. Pomodoro Technique: Structured Time Management and Breaks
Keeping Your Brain Fresh:
- 25-Minute Study Sessions: Dedicate a solid 25 minutes of focused study.
- 5-Minute Breaks: Use this period for stretching, hydrating, or simply looking away from your screen.
- Longer Break After Four Sessions: Take a 15- to 30-minute break after four sessions to ensure your brain gets a complete rest.
D. Overcoming Sleepiness and Boredom
Practical Approaches:
- Physical Techniques: Incorporate stretching or light exercise whenever you start to feel too tired; staying physically active helps deliver oxygen to your brain.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and keep healthy snacks handy to maintain your energy levels.
- Varied Learning Methods: Mix reading with rewriting notes, creating mind maps, or engaging in discussions with peers to diversify how you absorb information.
E. Overcoming Demotivation
Strategies for Sustained Endurance:
- Set Goals and Rewards: Define clear study targets and reward yourself upon reaching significant milestones.
- Review Your Progress: Regularly reflect on your achievements; this positive feedback loop encourages continued effort.
- Seek Inspiration: Read or watch motivational content related to your field of study to reinvigorate your passion for learning.
3. Implementing Techniques for Repetitive and Non-Interactive Material
When faced with lengthy, repetitive text, modifying your approach is key:
- Use Interactive Techniques: Try creating brief quizzes based on the material, and discuss topics with friends or in online forums.
- Visualize the Information: Develop diagrams, tables, or mind maps to transform text into engaging visual aids.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize apps like Anki or Quizlet to create interactive flashcards that stimulate memory and refresh your mind.
- Collaborate: Engage in study groups where members discuss and explain portions of the material to one another, making learning more dynamic and less monotonous.
4. Managing Time and Scheduling
- Prioritize Your Tasks: Identify which topics require more attention and allocate time accordingly.
- Create a Study Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to block out specific times for studying, ensuring you stick to your routine.
- Limit Distractions: Turn off notifications, use website blockers, and create a dedicated study space to avoid distractions.
- Take Regular Breaks: While it’s important to set time limits for studying, take frequent breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your study schedule and adjust as needed to ensure you’re not falling behind or being too busy.
- Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or a study group.
- Stay Positive: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that you’re not alone in your learning journey.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and a positive mindset.
5. A little trick from me (author)
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: When you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and count to five. Then, hold a steady pose, such as a tree pose or a downward dog pose. Repeat this for 4 minutes, and then take a 20-second break. Repeat this cycle for 20-30 minutes, gradually increasing the duration of your breaks.
- If you feel unbearable sleepiness, this phase usually occurs at 12.00-14.00 noon. then try to take a 30-minute break to close your eyes and relax your body, set a 30-minute alarm for a short nap, this is called the power nap technique.
- if you are bored with the subject matter in text or oral form, try to visualize it with an analogy or presented in a data diagram.
There are two ways, namely imagination and physical visualization.
A. if using physical visualization, you can design your understanding on a graphic such as a notebook or digital media such as canva.
B. if using imagination, it means that you need mental concentration and thinking skills. for example if there is animal population data in the text, you can imagine for example there are 10 elephants (animal shape) or imagine it in a bar chart as a comparison with other data. - Avoid crowded and noisy environments, if you want to use concentration to study. Sometimes there are types of lessons that can be done together, and some need to be done alone.
- If mild drowsiness occurs, consume mint candy or coffee or snacks to refresh your moods.
- The deep learning phase is the stage where you have entered a state of full concentration to learn one thing, not shaken by distractions and able to stay away from sources of temptation.
like a sniper aiming at a target from a distance of 700 meters, he is very focused and able to eliminate distractions.
how to enter? feel the urgency of why you’re doing this.
Do it with curiosity, keep away sources of distraction such as cellphones and social media on the computer, and complete your small daily tasks. Don’t delay too much and do what you can now, without looking for reasons or momentary motivation.
the real motivation is in the heart not from someone’s words. After doing all that, I guarantee you will slowly drift into concentration and adrenaline.
if you are still having trouble, there is probably 1 reason, namely losing your goal, such as why are you studying if it has no impact.
the proverb says “when it’s hard to start, it’s also hard to get out”. - Last but not least, if you find it difficult to understand complex material, try discussing it with a study partner, mentor, or even artificial intelligence (AI).
This will help the process of explaining difficult material into something easy to understand. You can dig up information about what you don’t know from those who know.
For example, you can give the AI a prompt: “Please explain the ABC material sequentially from simple concepts to the continuation in easy-to-understand language and in simple explanations.”
Conclusion
Efficient and effective study techniques go beyond simple reading and memorization—they involve structuring your environment, method, and mindset to keep your brain in peak condition. By implementing strategies like the Feynman Technique, flow triggers, the Pomodoro Technique, and targeted approaches to combat sleepiness, boredom, and demotivation, even repetitive and non-interactive material can be turned into an engaging, beneficial, and energetic learning experience.
Start by trying one or two of these techniques, adjust them to fit your personal learning style, and experience the positive changes in how you process and retain information. Every small, mindful step you take can make a significant difference in your overall learning results.
Happy studying, I hope my recomendation work’s for you.