there are a few main ideas that this system goes by, and i mainly try to optimise the time i have and make sure the time i spend studying is focused
1. Treating school as a 9-5 - Compartmentalising my obligations
Having set boundaries between 'study/work' and 'play' allows more purposeful and intentional use of time. Boundaries like WHEN and WHERE helps to establish a clear work/play mode.
Together with the 4 hour rule, I will try to incorporate this into my days. On weekdays, I will work towards a total/maximum of 4 hours, in 1-2h blocks because it's difficult to have a solid block of time. Also because I think my attention span will fail me.
On weekends, I will try to keep it to 9-5, about an 8h day, where 4 hours are delegated to homework each day and the other 4 to revision.
Another thing with this time blocking system would be the website blocks I set. Instead of going with 24h blocks, I will try setting the block for that task I am doing. E.g. if I am doing math for 1.5h, I shall set the block for 1.5h
This is so that the time I block distractions for is intentional too, and not just a general 'no distractions' rule. It might also help with being more purposeful and having a clear goal in mind, to finish the task within that block.
I plan to use a time log, inspired by an article I read online, so that I have a even greater sense of officiality to this 'job'
2. Practice based revision
Content can be learnt through application, and I can become more familiar with it through applications. By doing application I will be sifting through what I know in my head and fitting it to the question - the exact skill that the exam tests. After doing many many times, the content just sticks and I will know how to apply content in different ways to different questions.
Lit, GP: Essay based subjects: Do many essay plans, at least 1-2 every 2 weeks, sometimes I could write the actual essay. Practice the PBQ/Essay/Compre
Other subjects Bio, Math, Chem: No more copied notes, rather, memory notes after going through the content, adding on things that I missed out in another colour. Anki flashcards too
3. Recap, beating the forgetting curve
The forgetting curve is quite well known but I think I haven't been making use of it very well, and I want to follow this even better so that my scheduled revision blocks are more effective and work more towards long term memory.
I plan to go by 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
Every day: recap what was learnt within 24 hours (but if it is too short, recap the next day instead)
Every week: Recap content learnt. Since we are going by the 9-5 system, maybe try to keep
Every month, every 3 months: schedule what's necessary by looking at the revision log and time log
On Sunday night every week, leave about 45min to an hour to schedule what is due for recap
This is an overall look into how I plan to revamp my study system, starting soon when I get back into the groove of doing work. In the meantime I will take the well deserved and necessary break, and go forth with this new study system with much enthusiasm. I don't know how well it will work, but I'm interested to find out. Overall, from this, I hope to enjoy studying a bit more, by having these boundaries and guidelines that I exert on myself. Hope it'll go well. Stay productive :)
