Each student will work efficiently whe he learns something of how his own particular mind works, and can apply this knowledge to his methods of study. Learning a subject at school, college or university has the the advantage that we recieve regular instructions or guidence from our teachers who help us a lot. Learning a subject by ourselves needs much more self -descipline. But it is more pleasurable , in that we have chosen our own course of study and have a much more concious , satisfying sense of adventure. So there are advantages on both sides. Objective is Important. How should I study ? Let us ask , first of all, another question: Why should I study ? The best reason of all, and the incentive which will keep us longest at our books, is interest. The second - best reason for studying a subject is practical need. Such a need arises when we learn a language inprepration for a trip to a foreign country or learn a subsidiary subject which is a condition of some examination in our favorite subject. A less common but rather fine reason for studying some subject is in order to share someone ele's life more fully. For example , my mother took a course in mathematics in order to help me in my stidies. One thing is certain: To study with no end in view, with no sense of purpose is a futile occupation. Right Technique important . Now we can begin to ask ourselves "How ?" The answer will depend somewhat on the subject. Chemistry , Maths , Psychology , History , theology , or driving a car obviously involve very different mental operations , and the same rules need not apply to all six subjects. Here, however , are some general hints that apply to most of the subjects: 1. Select Material Selectively. Many students , even experienced students , have no idea how to take notes or what to memorise. They try to take notes of everything in a book, everything a teachers says. They try to learn every single fact or quotation by heart, then suffer torments of anxiety beacuse all this will not go into one head. The wise student makes notes of those facts which will be worthwhile to learn by heart, those salient facts that are constantly needed or that examiners may ask or demand. Copying uncritically from books , taking down lectures word for word and then repeating these very words , is no way to gain marks in examination. 2. Avoid long intervals. In general , thirty minutes of study each day is worth much more than three hours 's study at the weekend. There are subjects , such as philosophy, in which long periods of study are neccessary. But in most, we can do a great deal in short periods. Most important , to abandon a subject completely for several days is to forget a great deal and to make the restarting difficult. It is as well to glance at our books daily , for a few minutes, even if we cannot do a proper spell of hard study. This will help the mind to retain the facts learned , so that, if we cannot make progress that day, we shall at least not slide backwards. 3. Proceed from the easy to difficult. In studying any subject , we should not begin with too difficult textbook. We should seek the best advice on a good book compatible for a beginner. A book intended for children or lower grade will often give an adult a very good start in an unfamiliar subject. One rigid rule for the student should be : Never go on to the next step in a subject untill you are sure of the first step. 4. Hasten slowly It will follow from this that it is possible to study too fast. Speed comes as we continue. This is especially noticeable in the study of languages and the aquisition of skills in crafts or something mechanical. It is best to start very slowly and not be impatient if we do not seem to be making much progress. The first thing is to master the elemantry knowledge. A slow start may save a great deal of muddle later. Many people who take correspondence courses make the mistake of trying to go too fast. They try , say , to prepare for an examination in one year when they really need, at their ideal speed of learning , two years. Unless, there is some overwhelming practical reason - an age limit, a qualification for a good post which may otherwise be lost, the possibility of a valuable prize - we should always give ourselves plenty of time for preparing for an examination. 5. Use Visual aids. We sshould make as much use as we can of pictures , graphs, diagrams and tables. Often we learn a great deal by preparing our own. If we set out facts in tabular form, the table often shows us relationship we had not noticed. It not only helps us to remember the facts, but helps us towards useful generalisation. Pictures, graphs, diagrams are often more impressive than words and help to fix in the memory the facts that they represent. 6. Seek help and ask questions. Most people are delighted to be asked about their own subjects. Among students, the abler student is pleased and flattered if a less able student asks for help. We should cultivate the society of students who are interested in the same subject, and encourage discussion. To talk about a subject is a good way to test our understanding of it, as well as to learn more. Radio and television programmes on our subject will usually be attractively presented and the facts reliable. It is wothwhile to look out for notices of public lectures, web forums and for articles in newspapares and magazines. Many learners are not sufficiently aware that there are periodicals connected with their subjects. Especially in scientific and technical subjects, but also in the arts subject, it can be dangerous to rely too much upon textbooks. New discoveries and theories are constantly appearing , and a textbook even a few years old may, in places, be out of date. 7. Test yourself How can a student test himself? He can close the book and try to write down that facts he has been trying to learn. He can cover up portions of the book with his hand and check whether he remembers what he has just read. He can try to recollect the subject just studied when doing something else. 8. Use knowledge as soon as possible. Obviously there is some knowledge that we cannot immediately put into practice. But whenever we have the opportuinity to use new knowledge in a real life situation, we should take it. For example , the person who is learning a language should take a trip abroad, or meet some native of the country, as soon as possible. One who is studying history can visit some historical places. All these tips are useful. But you should try to learn as much as possible about your own methods of study. For example , some students study best in early morning, a few late night; some in a library with others working around them, others in solitude ; some have a very good memory , others more easily remember what they hear; and so on. Each student will work more efficiently when he learns something of how his own particular mind works, and can apply this knowledge to his methods of study.
