Undergrad Student - looking for best way to get studies done

[karkaremtg]

I'm a undergrad student (Comp Engg major). I'm always looking for ways to make my studies more effective. Any tips?
Specifically
1.Ways to grasp subject matter better and faster
2.How to commit stuff to long term memory?
3.Improve my practical tech skills

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by karkaremtg

I'm a undergrad student (Comp Engg major). I'm always looking for ways to make my studies more effective. Any tips?
Specifically
1.Ways to grasp subject matter better and faster
2.How to commit stuff to long term memory?
3.Improve my practical tech skills

Hi karkaremtg

I would suggest using Mind-Mapping techniques, either software or the old fashioned way of pen and paper.

The latter works best for me as the stuff goes in to the brain when I have to create the maps with my own brain and creativity.

I have been amazed at my mind map recall during exams where I have shut my eyes and seen my own maps in front of me with all my data!

[RT Wolf]

I second mindmaps. I've only been using them for a few weeks and I've started noticing differences in how I think. I've been much more highly visual, even picturing people's arguments and concepts in my mind as mind maps.

[thef0x]

This is good advice and I'll give it a try. Do any of you have any good articles on MindMapping for pen and paper?

[Zulu]

Start really liking what you're learning. Most powerful advice I can give you.

Only learn stuff if you plan on remembering it.

[Alvin]

Mindmaps are great. If you know someone who already mindmaps, have them show you (it's faster), if not, grab Tony Buzan's books.

He probably also has books on memory techniques you might be interested in.

Oh, and peripheral learning. Make mindmaps/notes and stick them around your room, leaving them on 24/7. Might not be pretty, but helps you absorb the info.

[karkaremtg]

ive tried mind maps.....somehow cant get them to work for technical subjects.....which are basically all the subjects i have to study. So any more advice.

[kmr321]

i find for myself that i only learn the stuff which i can apply.. otherwise whats the point of knowing something if you cant use, how are they gonna test you on it anyway..

If you study for marks - then you should only study the parts you think will be in the exam and fully be able to apply those parts you have learnt.

staying positive and truely interested in what your learning and just getting started is the biggest thing.

[sadavis00]

hi,

for memorizing information and processes I generally use a freeware flashcard program called Supermemo, it schedules repetitions so you will remember most the information with less time expenditure. To save time, it is best to first understand, then formulate mnemonics (preferably with peg words), then make flashcards in Supermemo that will help you remember these mnemonics.

with mathematical stuff, there is no substitute for just being able to do the problems. though learning this stuff should be done over a period of time. But by learning a bit every day, you may forget what you learned. So, I use supermemo to schedule problems for me to solve, as a kind of review.

hope this helps!