Does this sound familiar? You sit down to study, you try to do the same thing as your friend who is doing great, but… it just doesn’t work. You get distracted, you don’t understand, you get bored beyond belief. It’s super frustrating, isn’t it? It seems like there’s a “right way” to study and you just can’t find it. But here’s a secret! There is no one right way. What there is is a way that’ s perfect for you. A study method that works best for your needs.
Each of us has a unique brain, which works in its own way and processes information differently. Trying to study like your classmate is like trying to wear their favorite running shoes: maybe they fit great for running, but they’re too tight or too big for you. Finding your own study method is like figuring out what your perfect running shoes are for the school marathon (or at least the daily runs).
Why copying your partner doesn’t always work
From a young age we are taught to read, underline and repeat. And for some people, great! It works wonders for them. But for others, reading and underlining can be like reading in Chinese if they don’t understand what they are doing or if their brain needs to process the information in a more active or visual way. If you try a method that doesn’t suit you, it’s normal to feel ineffective, slow or dumb, when in fact you just need another tool.
Imagine you are super visual and you are trying to learn something by listening only to long explanations, without diagrams or drawings. It will be much more difficult than if you could see a diagram or a video. It’s not that you are incapable, it’s that the information is not coming to you in the format that your brain “reads” best. That’s why testing and finding your own “translation” of the study is so liberating and effective.
How does your brain learn? Types of study methods
We often talk about different “learning styles”, but think of it more as “preferences” or “paths” that your brain prefers to follow. Some people are more visual: they learn by looking at graphs, mind maps, colors, videos. Others are more auditory: they understand better by listening to explanations (in class, podcasts, or reading it out loud) or discussing the topic. Still others are more kinesthetic: they need to “do” things, write by hand, move around, practice with exercises.
No one way is better than the other, they are just different! You may find that for History you do great with drawing timelines (visual), but for Math you need to do a lot of hands-on exercises (kinesthetic) and for Language it helps to read texts aloud or record yourself explaining the topic (auditory). The key is to identify what kind of activity makes the knowledge “stick” in your head.
At Activatic we adapt our method to your needs. Contact us to learn more about our tutoring programs.
Experiment until you find your “click
Finding your method is a bit like being a mad scientist in your own lab. Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you’ve always read and reread without success, try summarizing in your own words, drawing concept maps, explaining the topic to a stuffed animal, using flashcards, recording your summaries and listening to them…. be creative!
How do you know if an experiment works? Pay attention to the results and how you feel! If after using a new technique, you understand the subject better, remember more easily on the test, or even enjoy studying a little bit more, bingo! You’ve probably found something that works for you. Don’t get frustrated if something doesn’t work out, it’s part of the discovery process.
Also read Personalized School Support: How Activatic Transforms Learning in Spain
Your method is more than a technique: The environment also matters.
Finding your perfect method is not only the technique you use, but also where and when you study, and how you feel about it. Do you need total silence, or do you concentrate better with some instrumental music? Does your desk have to be spotless, or do you manage well with your stuff around? Are you one of those who performs better in the cool morning or in the late afternoon/evening?
Also, think about how you prepare yourself – do you get enough sleep, do you eat well, do you take breaks, do you manage to put your cell phone away? All of these external and internal factors directly affect your ability to concentrate and learn, no matter how great your study technique is. Finding your perfect method is finding your ideal “combo” of technique + environment + well-being.
Get to know the Activatic method.
Sometimes, you need a co-pilot to discover yourself
We know that trying all of this on your own, while you’re trying to get through your assignments, can be exhausting. Sometimes, you need someone to look at you from the outside, understand how you work, and guide you to find that method that works for you. Someone who won’t judge you for what you don’t know, but who will focus on helping you figure out how you can learn it better.
This is where expert support makes the difference. At Activatic, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all magic formula. Our qualified teachers have a unique methodology: they are dedicated to understanding how you learn. They don’t just teach you the subject, they are your co-pilots to help you discover your own method, motivate you when you falter, help you emotionally not to get frustrated, and give you the personalized tools to make studying effective and, yes, less of a chore!
Discovering your perfect study method is one of the most useful superpowers you can acquire. It will make you more confident, more efficient and transform your school experience. Don’t settle for methods that don’t suit you; experiment, get help if you need it and find yours!
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