Study Techniques

### **Study Techniques**  

#### **1. Designate a Study Space**  

Choose a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed by TV noise or conversations. Ensure proper lighting shines directly on your desk. Keep your books neatly stacked and your workspace clean.  

#### **2. Set a Fixed Study Time**  

Start studying at the same time every day (e.g., 7:00 or 7:30 PM). Whether you feel like it or not, sit at your desk when the time comes.  

#### **3. Focus Your Mind First**  

Spend 5–10 minutes calming your mind before studying. Begin with the subject you find least interesting. No matter the subject, limit study sessions to **45 minutes**. If you’re deeply engaged, extend to **1–1.5 hours**, but remember: the brain retains focus best in 45-minute intervals.  

#### **4. Active Recall & Spaced Repetition**  

- After memorizing a passage, **write it down immediately**—just **once or twice**. Repeatedly rewriting leads to faster forgetting (a natural brain function).  

- Revisit the material **a week later**, checking your notes to identify forgotten parts.  

- Instead of rote memorization, **summarize key points** and review them repeatedly. Compare your notes with the original text.  

#### **5. Essay Writing (Myanmar)**  

- Read essays like stories, repeatedly, especially when unmotivated to study (but **not at night**).  

- Understand each paragraph’s **main idea and purpose**. Practice explaining them aloud as if narrating a TV drama.  

- Later, mix paragraphs from different essays to create original compositions.  

#### **6. Vocabulary (English)**  

- Write new words on paper and keep them in your bed. Study them when you feel like it—even in the bathroom!  

- Memorize the word, then write **5 sentences in Burmese** and translate them into English. Focus on **recall**, not perfection. If you forget, let it go and review **a week or two later**.  

#### **7. Mathematics**  

- Solve **easy problems first**, then gradually tackle harder ones. Avoid extreme challenges early on.  

- If stuck, attempt a problem **1–3 times**, then move on. Return to it later.  

- Before exams, review the entire book repeatedly until you lose count.  

#### **8. Physics & Chemistry**  

- Memorize **precise definitions** (2–3 per week). Write them **3 times**, then stop even if mistakes remain.  

- Once a month, rewrite all memorized content. Split sessions: **45 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening**.  

#### **9. Economics**  

- Study terms **in English** (e.g., *Demand*, *Supply*, *Price*) for easier understanding.  

- Example: *"If demand increases, supply must rise; otherwise, prices will go up."*  

- Write Burmese translations only during exams.  

#### **10. Formulas & Diagrams**  

- Write formulas on **A4 sheets** and post them everywhere—bedroom, bathroom, kitchen. Even stick them on your mosquito net! Frequent exposure helps memory.  

#### **11. Learn from Others**  

Listen carefully when others study. Mentally recall what they’re learning. If you stumble, note the gap and review immediately.  

#### **12. Brain Science**  

- Forgetting is natural. Don’t stress—**revisit material after ~1 month** for solid retention.  

- Avoid cramming new content **one month before exams**. Focus on revision instead.  

#### **13. Right Time, Place, and Duration**  

- Study in the **right environment**, at the **right time**, for the **right duration**.  

- Stress ("I haven’t studied enough!") harms retention. Avoid multitasking.  

#### **14. Compete Only with Yourself**  

Compare your progress day-to-day, not with others.  

#### **15. Schedule Wisely**  

- Example: To finish a math chapter in a month, divide problems by 25 days. Solve that daily, adjusting for difficulty.  

- Alternate subjects in **45-minute blocks** with breaks.  

#### **16. Beat Sleepiness**  

- **2:30–3:00 PM** is the sleepiest time (varies per person). If drowsy, rest for **15 minutes**, talk to family, pray, or walk.  

#### **17. Prioritize Sleep**  

Sleep deprivation **destroys memory**.  

#### **18. For Parents**  

Research **memory and brain function** to support your child’s learning.  

#### **19. Morning Memorization**  

- I only studied early **during exams**. The rest of the year, I didn’t cram.  

#### **20. Final Note**  

These methods helped me pass **10th grade over 20 years ago**. If you spot errors, kindly forgive and correct them.  

---

### **Key Principles**  

- **Spaced repetition** > Cramming.  

- **Active recall** > Passive reading.  

- **Consistency** > Last-minute effort.  

- **Understanding** > Memorization.