Rapid learner skills(7)——Three extremely common learning mistakes(and what to do instead)

Here are three most common learning mistakes and what to do instead:

Bad Method #1: Re-reading

There are two reasons you should not re-read:

1. It does not test recall.
2. It does not prioritize your weak points.

Better Method #1: Practice with Selective Re-Reading

Spot a key word? Cover it up and see if you can explain it yourself without missing key points.

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Bad Method #2: Highlighting - What do you think about when you highlight?

Most of the time it is not the content at all. You are much more likely paying attention to the rhythm of the text.

Better Method #2: Annotate and Think

Periodic pushes to switch from passive reader to active explainer force you to think about what the words really mean, and thus you retain much more after one reading session.

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Bad Method #3: Cramming

The problem with cramming is that your long-term retention of material that you crammed quickly evaporates. A far better strategy is to space out your studying time over the weeks and months prior to an exam.

Better Method #3: Top-Heavy, Scheduled Learning

In Rapid Learner, one of the first things we work on is devising a schedule so you can learn what you want in order to meet any important deadlines, without needing heavy cramming sessions.

Words:

• annotate:verb.
  to add a short explanation or opinion to a text or drawing
• prioritize:verb.
  to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
• spot:verb.
  to see or notice someone or something, usually because you are looking hard
• periodic:adj.
  happening repeatedly over a period of time
• cram:verb.
  to do many things in a short period of time
• evaporate:verb.
  to disappear