Here are 5 mistakes in learning that you'd better not do - it could be your last!
Mistake # 1: You only learn by heart
For many students, "learning" in the exam preparation means nothing but "memorizing". The fabric is summarized and then repeated word for word until everything is stored perfectly.
Especially when time is tight or content is not completely understood, this is a common practice. I used to do that a lot myself and pulled in the most boring stuff again and again until everything was settled. True to the motto: "Fuck it, I'm learning it now by heart."
Unfortunately, dull memorization does not bring you lasting success and is rather a kind of interim solution as a guarantor of success for a good exam result.
If you do not understand your study content and your learning is limited to simple reproduction, you will have difficulties at the latest in the exam when it comes to transfertasks or new problems.
Of course memorizing is always a bit far to add: Some terms, vocabulary, formulas or names you just have to remember. But that's not what I mean. What I mean is: do not limit yourself to memorization. You have to understand what you learn.
Mistake # 2: You do not have the big picture in view
Your exam preparation is complex.
Lecture slides, scripts, textbooks, exercise materials and maybe a few other papers. It's all on your study plan and you have to sit in the exam.
So you have to think of 1,000 things and put those little bits in the right context. But many students fail!
The problem is not always the amount of content, but rather the right classification and focus. In your exam preparation, it is important that you always keep track and have the big picture in your sights.
Do not lose yourself in learning details and details, but keep reminding yourself what your module is about. Ask yourself:
- Which problem should be solved?
- What was the original question?
- What am I working on?
- What is the generic term for this topic?
- What's next?
Do not be confused and keep track of your learning material.
Watch out for structure.
Mistake # 3: You only learn your summary
Your resume is a key element of your exam preparation.
Before you can really start learning, write a summary and highlight the most important content from your lecture. After all, you can not learn everything.
In principle, there is nothing wrong with this tactic. The procedure is efficient and, if you do it right, limits the substance so cleverly that you greatly increase your chances of success for the exam.
But only if you do it right!