what is the first step in handling difficult subjects
The first step in handling difficult subjects is to **identify specific challenges** you face. Break down the material to pinpoint what you find confusing—whether it’s particular concepts, terminology, or problem-solving techniques. This clarity will help you create a targeted study plan to address those areas effectively.
What has been your favourite subject in school? The one you like the most, the one that fascinates you as you deep dive, the one that charts your aspirations for the future? And then, we have the ones we dread that make us want to pull our hair out and numb our minds. These subjects tend to be our element of torture with the ability to lull us into sleep. But we don't have to build endurance for this torture, instead, even the most mind-numbing, brain-blasting subjects can be conquered. We can give you some helpful mind tricks that are perfect for your exam preparation.
Understanding Your Dislike: What’s Holding You Back?
The phrase, ‘it just seems to go over your head’ talks about a psychological block that we call a mental block. The first step to mastering something you do not like is to approach the subject with a curious and open mind. It might also help to ask yourself why the subject exists and question its purpose. Let us take algebra as an example. It does seem like a bunch of letters and numbers jumbled. But ask yourself why it developed as a language and how this solves real-world problems. The answer will make the topic more engaging and intriguing.
🚀 Strategies to Master Least Favourite Subjects
🧠Change Your Perspective
Reframe your thoughts about the subject. Instead of viewing it as a chore, see it as an opportunity to learn something new and expand your skills.
Tip: Find real-world applications to make the content more relevant and interesting. For example, if you dislike math, consider how it's used in everyday situations like budgeting or cooking.
🎯Set Clear Goals
Establish clear goals to guide your learning journey. Differentiate between short-term goals (like completing a chapter) and long-term goals (such as improving your overall grade).
Tip: Use the SMART criteria to ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
📅Create a Study Plan
A structured study plan can make daunting subjects more manageable. Break down the syllabus into smaller, digestible chunks and allocate dedicated time for studying.
Tip: Incorporate a variety of resources such as textbooks, videos, and online courses to keep your learning experience dynamic and engaging.
💡Active Learning Techniques
Engage actively with the material to significantly enhance your understanding. Try summarizing key points, teaching concepts to others, or creating mind maps.
Tip: Use the Feynman Technique: Explain the concept in simple terms as if teaching it to someone else. This helps identify gaps in your understanding.
🤝Seek Help and Collaborate
Don't hesitate to ask for help when struggling. Reach out to teachers, classmates, or tutors. Collaborative learning can provide new perspectives and make studying more enjoyable.
Tip: Form a study group with classmates. Teaching and learning from peers can reinforce your understanding and make the subject more engaging.
🏆Celebrate Progress
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and build confidence in tackling the subject.
Tip: Keep a "progress journal" where you note improvements, breakthroughs, and successes. Review it when you feel discouraged to remind yourself of how far you've come.
Make learning memorable with connections
Now that you are curious about the subject, let us make significant connections in your brain to lock in that knowledge. It is easier for the brain to remember distinguishable, funny, absurd, or bizarre things. So whenever you sit to study, look forward to getting creative and making wacky connections that help you remember the topic.
Here is an example of our absurdity, we can all agree that cell division is a very elusive concept. But people remember it through famous mnemonics. If you are trying to understand Mitosis, something as bizarre as ‘I Picked My Apples Today’ might help you retain the exact sequence of events to explain Mitosis namely Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
The art of story-telling in learning
Dull concepts can be more engaging in a narrative that ties key points together with interesting plot twists worth remembering. Our brain is trained to look for dots that can be connected in sequence. The more fun that your story is, the more likely it is to be anchored in your memory.
There is a mnemotechnic device known as the Method of Loci, by which you imagine a place that you are very familiar with, like home or school, and then associate the pieces of what you are trying to remember to the different parts of that location.
Another really powerful way of working with stories is to use the context of history itself. This method works for memorising an array of dates. Imagine a timeline graph, collect as much historical information, factual or fictional about a significant year or date that you want to remember. The more information you can associate with a date or year, the easier it is to recollect.
One of the most basic principles of memory retention is to engage as many different senses as you can to remember anything profoundly.
Breaking Down Numbers
It is easy to memorise dates simply by leaving the first two digits if you are studying a particular time period. The century in which the event took place is already known. Hence breaking it down to just two numbers makes memorisation easier. Splitting the number into smaller bits can be helpful as well, 1986 as 19 and 86.
Let us work a little more on the above. What if we build these dates mathematically by employing simple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division? For example. 1986, the numbers here are 1, 9, 8, and 6. As in, 9-1=8 and 8-2=6, where 9, 1, and 8 are rearranged, and if we apply ordinal and cardinal number sequences, 8-2=6. This makes 1986 easy to remember for some people due to the complicated math relationship that they can visualise beyond the number itself.
Mastering the Mundane through Sounds
“It all started with a big BANG.” This iconic line from The Big Bang Theory theme song beautifully encapsulates human civilization's evolution. Similarly, mnemonic tunes, like the periodic table song, make memorization easier and more enjoyable.
Why not create your own musical composition to aid your learning? Use a catchy tune and replace the lyrics with content you want to remember. The rhythm, tones, and rhymes can help you retain information more effectively. For instance, remember “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
Engaging with the Material
Join Discussions: Participate in study groups to share insights and ideas.
Teach Others: Explaining concepts to peers reinforces your understanding and highlights gaps in your knowledge.
Incorporating Different Learning Styles
Recognize that everyone learns differently:
Visual Learners: Use charts, diagrams, and infographics.
Auditory Learners: Listen to podcasts, attend lectures, or use music.
Kinesthetic Learners: Engage in hands-on projects and experiments.
Utilizing Technology
Take advantage of educational technology:
Educational Apps: Explore interactive apps for engaging content.
Simulations and Games: These tools can simplify complex concepts.
Seek Help and Support
Getting help and support can make a big difference in mastering subjects you find difficult. Here are some effective ways to seek assistance:
Utilizing Teachers and Tutors: Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for clarification on topics you find confusing.
Connecting with Peers: Forming study groups allows you to collaborate and share resources.
Online Communities: Join online forums related to your subject for additional support.
Maintaining Motivation and Persistence
Staying motivated is key to overcoming challenges. Here are some strategies to help you keep going:
Celebrating Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
Staying Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and manage stress through mindfulness techniques.
Learning from Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a normal part of the learning process.
10 Steps to Master Difficult Subjects Quickly
To master difficult subjects quickly, follow these steps:
Identify Challenges: Determine specific areas where you struggle.
Create a Study Plan: Set aside focused time for each topic.
Use Active Learning: Engage with the material by summarizing, teaching, or applying concepts.
Utilize Diverse Resources: Use textbooks, videos, and online courses for varied perspectives.
Practice Regularly: Solve problems and take quizzes to reinforce learning.
Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for support and new insights.
Seek Help: Don't hesitate to ask teachers or classmates for clarification.
Stay Organized: Keep notes and study materials well-organized for easy access.
Maintain a Positive Mindset: Celebrate small achievements to build confidence.
Review Regularly: Schedule consistent review sessions to improve retention.
In conclusion, mastering subjects you don’t enjoy can be challenging but rewarding. By changing your perspective and setting clear goals, you can make learning more enjoyable. Using active learning techniques and seeking help from others can also improve your understanding. Remember to stay positive and celebrate your small wins along the way. With patience and effort, you can turn your least favorite subjects into areas of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some subjects are harder due to abstract concepts, complex structures, or unfamiliar terminology. Lack of prior knowledge or practice can also make them challenging.
To focus on hard subjects, break tasks into smaller steps, eliminate distractions, use active learning methods, and set specific, timed goals to maintain concentration.
Staying motivated involves setting clear goals, rewarding progress, studying in chunks, and relating the subject to real-life applications to keep interest alive.
People struggle with complex topics due to insufficient background knowledge, abstract ideas, or ineffective study habits. Practice and different learning techniques help.
To improve learning, use varied techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, teaching others, and breaking down concepts into simpler, digestible parts.
Subjects are often difficult because they involve abstract thinking, multiple steps, or heavy memorization. Prior knowledge gaps or lack of practice adds to the difficulty.
Retain information by using spaced repetition, creating summaries, and testing yourself regularly. Connecting new info with what you already know improves retention.
Manage time by creating a study schedule, prioritizing tough subjects first, breaking sessions into smaller chunks, and using focused study techniques like Pomodoro.
Simplify concepts by breaking them down, using analogies, visual aids like diagrams, and explaining them to someone else. Relating them to familiar ideas helps.
Active recall, spaced repetition, teaching others, and consistent practice are key. Understanding core principles first and building on them gradually helps mastery.
Break the material into smaller chunks, use active learning techniques like summarizing, and utilize visual aids like diagrams. Regular review and practice tests can also help reinforce understanding.
Use mnemonic devices, associate concepts with visuals, and practice retrieval by quizzing yourself. Spaced repetition can also enhance memory retention.
Start with the basics, build on prior knowledge, and use analogies to simplify concepts. Encourage questions and use interactive methods to engage learners.
Create a study schedule, use various learning resources (videos, books, quizzes), and maintain a positive mindset. Group study can also provide support and motivation.
Minimize distractions by finding a quiet space, using apps that block notifications, and setting specific study goals. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique can help maintain focus.
Consistent study habits, regular revision, and seeking help when needed are crucial. Practice past exams and stay organized with a planner.
Set clear, achievable goals, create a structured study plan, and eliminate distractions. Consider forming study groups for accountability and motivation.
Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization, utilize diverse resources, and engage in active learning. Regular self-assessment helps track progress.
Identify specific areas of difficulty, seek additional resources, and ask for help from teachers or peers. Take your time and practice consistently.
This method involves studying for 7 minutes, reviewing for 3 minutes, summarizing for 2 minutes, and taking a 1-minute break. It helps maintain focus and reinforce learning.
Use active learning, connect new information to what you already know, and focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
Focus on key concepts, create acronyms, or visualize information. Use flashcards for quick recall and repetition to reinforce memory.
Break topics down into manageable parts, use visuals, and teach what you’ve learned to someone else. Practice regularly to build confidence.
Stay organized, maintain a consistent study schedule, and practice past papers. Focus on understanding concepts deeply and seek help whenever necessary.
Prioritize subjects based on difficulty, take regular breaks, and use a timer to stay focused. Alternate subjects to keep your mind engaged.
This technique suggests studying for 2 minutes, reviewing for 3 minutes, summarizing for 5 minutes, and taking a 7-minute break, optimizing focus and retention.
Yes, if you break them into manageable sections, focus on key concepts, and use effective study techniques like skimming and summarizing.
Skim for main ideas, highlight key points, and summarize each chapter in your own words. Use active recall to reinforce learning.
Visual aids, mnemonic devices, and chunking information into smaller parts can help. Regular self-quizzing is also effective.
Find your learning style, use apps for interactive learning, and create a study environment that minimizes distractions.
Pair it with understanding concepts, use repetition, and incorporate mnemonic devices to enhance recall.
What are three essential study tips for success?
Stay organized with a study schedule.
Use active learning techniques.
Take regular breaks to prevent burnout.
Use spaced repetition, teach others, and regularly review material. Engaging with the content actively helps solidify knowledge.
Prepare well in advance, practice past papers, and manage your time during the exam. Stay calm and confident.
Identify your learning style, set clear goals, and use a variety of study methods to keep things interesting.
Create a distraction-free zone, use online resources, and try techniques like summarizing, mind mapping, and flashcards.
Set specific goals for the hour, minimize distractions, and focus on one topic. Use a timer to keep yourself on track.
