BorkedSystem32
Silver Coder
Hello there, programmers!
I think it would be helpful for many here - programmers, CS students, sysadmins, hobbyists, etc. - if there were some tips being thrown about on how to study any CS or math-related topic(I say math because of the important role it has played in computing). Feel free to share any tips and methods of studying that you believe others might find helpful - you may just help that struggling student get an A! If you have any questions in regards to studying, feel free to ask them too!
I'll start:
I hope you find this list useful. As stated, you can share any other tips or techniques for studying that you have - these are ones that I've found to be quite useful based on my own experience, but, rather than following them religiously, experiment and find the methods that work for you. Maybe you work best with a couple of methods and long study periods or maybe you work best with a wide variety of methods and frequent breaks.
I say this right now, however: You are never too young or old to learn something new. Don't believe me? Watch this TED talk from a neuroscientist who reveals to us from her own research, just how we can shape our brain to however we want it to be.
Good luck!
I think it would be helpful for many here - programmers, CS students, sysadmins, hobbyists, etc. - if there were some tips being thrown about on how to study any CS or math-related topic(I say math because of the important role it has played in computing). Feel free to share any tips and methods of studying that you believe others might find helpful - you may just help that struggling student get an A! If you have any questions in regards to studying, feel free to ask them too!
I'll start:
- Keep yourself fit and healthy - Eat a healthy and varied diet filled with fruit/veg, meat, dairy, and carbs to keep your stomache full and your brain active(your brain uses upwards to 20% of the total calories available in your body) - hunger will distract you. Do not forget to keep your body itself active: stretch, go for a walk, do an intensive exercise(jogging, weightlifting, etc.) - exercise has proven benefits in regards to concentration and happiness(plus, you prevent cardiovascular and other physical health problems)!
- Use a wide variety of study methods - Constantly reading over your own notes is ineffective. When studying/learning: include a wide variety of reading material(i.e. books written by professionals) and keep reading them until you understand them, create flashcards that ask questions, practice by applying your knowledge to as many problems as you can, explain concepts to others(this can be a family member, a friend, a fellow classmate, or perhaps even your dog or a rubber duck) or even find different ways of explaining it if you don't understand it, and make audio/video recordings where you explain the concept.
- Draw diagrams - This is particularly useful if you're trying to explain more difficult concepts(such as computer memory); they can be simple doodles or very detailed, you don't need to be a draftsman just to explain pointers in C. These are handy too, because you can label the diagram and attach notes to these labels.
- Don't study too hard - Many think you need to study hard, however, most end up burning themselves out within a few days. Instead, study smart: plan a timetable of what you're going to be studying for the week, take periodic breaks every so often as you study(e.g. every 45 minutes, take a 15 minute break), and...(read next point)
- Keep yourself motivated - With effective time planning, make time for relaxation: spend time with friends/family, go out for the day, play a game, or engage in a hobby. If you have goals in mind, ask yourself if you have reached those goals. If so, reward yourself. By holding goals and not burning yourself out, you will reach your goals much more effectively and you will maintain a constant level of happiness that will not hold you back from studying - compare this to somebody who has no goal to strive for, burned out, unhappy and miserable, and unable to focus. Be your best!
I hope you find this list useful. As stated, you can share any other tips or techniques for studying that you have - these are ones that I've found to be quite useful based on my own experience, but, rather than following them religiously, experiment and find the methods that work for you. Maybe you work best with a couple of methods and long study periods or maybe you work best with a wide variety of methods and frequent breaks.
I say this right now, however: You are never too young or old to learn something new. Don't believe me? Watch this TED talk from a neuroscientist who reveals to us from her own research, just how we can shape our brain to however we want it to be.
Good luck!