Studying Hard Makes You Successful, Is It Just a Myth?

Illustration of someone who studies hard (created with canva)

“You have to study hard to be successful,” is a phrase we may often hear from people around us. However, the question is “is that really the case”? In fact, studying hard without the right strategy can lead to burnout without maximum results. On the other hand, effective learning emphasizes deeper understanding with more directed effort. Nar, so you don't have to wonder anymore, this article will discuss which is more important: studying hard or studying effectively?

What's the Difference Between Studying Hard and Studying Effectively

• Studying Hard is studying spendng hours reading or memorizing material without a clear strategi, the importat thing is to read. The output of hard studying is often a 50 % understanding of the material and 50% mental and physical exhaustion.
• Effective Learning is learning by using methods that are proven to increase understanding and retention of information in less time, While the output of effective learning helps the brain work more optimally without having to sacrifice rest time.

Then, Which Learning Techniques Can be Replied

Here are some effective study strategies that can replace the unproductive hard way of studying:

1. Active Recall

Flashcard Illustrastion (created with Canva)

Simply put, this technique emphasizes that instead of reading your notes over and over again, you can test your understanding by answering questions about the material without looking at your notes. You can use the help of flashcards, which are small pieces of paper with a title and explanation on the side. You can stack the flashcards with the topic title side on top, then take one and try to explain your understanding of the material. Repeat until all the flashcards are taken.

2. Spaced Repetittion

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Spaced Repetition is a learning strategy that focuses on mixing up the material and spacing out your study time. Spacing out your study sessions can help you remember more of the material. Repeating material in certain time intervals is proven to be more effective for retaining information in the long term than memorizing in one long session. Here's an example:

• 1 week left for the exam, 1-2 days between study sessions
• 1 month left in the exam, short break of 1 week
• 3 months left of exam, short material break of 2 weeks

Baca juga: Overnight Study Tips

3. Feynman Technique

Material Summary Ilustration (Created by Canva)

This technique was introduced by the 1965 novelist Richard Feynman. You can choose a topic, learn the part you don't understand, write it down in simple sentences and explain the material you have learned in simple language as if you were teaching someone else. This technique will help you understand the concept more deeply.

4. Podomoro Technique

Podomoro Technique Ilustration (Created by Canva)

You might be more familiar with this technique. It's a time management system that divides work into 25-30 minute intervals per activity, then takes a 5-minute break for a complete rest. Each break is referred to as a podomoro, so every time you do 4 podomoros, take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes. This technique helps you to maintain focus without feeling overwhelmed.

Studying hard without the right strategy can lead to fatigue without maximum results. On the other hand, effective studying helps you understand the material better in less time. The key is to balance the two in order to get optimal results without sacrificing mental and physical health.

So, from now on, let's ditch the quantity-focused study habits and start adopting more effective strategies. Ready to try?

If you want to know more about effective learning tips, you can watch this @SatuPersen channel!