Study Obstacles: What to Do When Nothing Seems to Stick

Maybe you've dealt with all the issues I mentioned in my article on obstacles to studying effectively, namely fatigue, hastily prepared reviewers, lacking energy, or lousy revision space, but you're still struggling with remembering everything you study?

One of the worst feelings in the world is suspecting that you're wasting your time. This feeling might creep up to you one early morning study binge, and you might just thing "what am I doing?." It has happened to me, and it is scary.

If you have spent hours re-reading material, but nothing seems to stick, you may be revising for revision's sake. GOAL. Remember, the goal to reviewing is to re-learn something. At the very least, it's to find something you missed the first time.

Here is one thing you can do to overcome obstacles to studying effectively: add value to the things you memorize. Here are two strategies to do just that.

1. Never underestimate the idea of ENRICHMENT.

Enrichment means adding value to something. The idea is to take what you already know and enrich it. You don't need to keep repeating something over and over a.k.a. rote learning, though there is nothing wrong with that if it has worked for you thus far, but the problem is that memorization alone doesn't add value. Those are words related to your subject matter, but their meanings are vague.

Enriching what you already learned means finding examples that are relevant to the current times. If you're taking a refresher course and retaking an exam that you took a long, long time ago, the examples and nature of related cases may have changed in the last couple of years.

Read about them. Search examples on youtube. Interview people who you know have experienced this. Write to your professors and ask for anecdotes about the time they put theoretical knowledge into practice. Whatever examples you collect will only help you understand, ans most of all, REMEMBER the things you are reviewing.

This also applies to hard concepts that you don't udnerstand, which was probably why you simply resorted to memorization in the first place (again, no judgement here... i do that a lot).

2. Let the new ideas SIMMER

After you've collected your examples and related them to the theories you've been ruminating for a long time, you have to allot time to let everything blend together. You cannot skip this part, which is why applying time management concepts are crucial to revision and why putting off studying until the last minute could hurt your chances of ranking high.

Pacing up and down your hallway while you let your thoughts brew, taking a walk, lying in bed or the sofa just reflecting... these errands aren't lazy. They're for settling your mind, so that you can wrap your mental arms around the new ideas you just inputted.

The best thing to do would be to make notes regarding your realizations, which is why you must have a revision notebook. If you're like me, you probably have several notebooks that you're reserving for a special thing. THIS is that special thing. It's like creating a study diary.

Hope these work for you!

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Librarian Resources: Books on the Passion of Christ

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...

Do Small Libraries Need a Hard Copy of the Library Bibliographic Data?

Get your paperback copy of Library Bibliographic Data book from Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QBGNKR A hard copy of something is simply a physical ink-on-paper version of what is in the library database. Some librarians say it is cumbersome to keep a hard copy when the soft copy is already there, one simply has to log into the system. But the hard copy of library bibliographic data can be an essential resource for small libraries for several reasons: 1. Backup for Digital Records : While many libraries have digital systems for cataloging their collections, hardcopies serve as a reliable backup in case of digital data loss due to system failures, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. This ensures that the library's catalog remains accessible even in the face of technical difficulties. 2. Accessibility : Not all library patrons may be comfortable or familiar with digital search systems. Hardcopy bibliographies allow these patrons to access bibliograph...

Flash Fiction: The Librarian's Halloween Hexes

Every Halloween, when dusk began to settle over Willowdale, Eleanor Marwick closed the public library with a smile that was as much mischief as it was politeness. By day, Eleanor was the quintessential librarian: quiet, precise, and draped in an earthy cardigan. But as October 31st arrived, she was, for one night, something else entirely. Tonight, as soon as the clock chimed seven, she shed her librarian guise and stepped into her true role: the witch of Willowdale. Her cardigan transformed into a flowing cloak, her sensible shoes became lace-up boots that clicked against the cobblestone paths. A grimoire appeared in her hands, pages filled with spells in looping ink, all waiting to be unleashed. The first stop was Mrs. Haversham’s house. Sweet, gray-haired Mrs. Haversham never missed a due date and handled every book with reverence. Eleanor whispered a soft incantation, and immediately Mrs. Haversham’s garden burst into a spectacle of flowers that would bloom all winter. Mrs. Haversha...

10 Benefits of Becoming a Board Topnotcher in the Philippines

Becoming a board topnotcher in the Philippines is a highly esteemed achievement that can have significant benefits for an individual's professional and personal life. These benefits span across various aspects, including career opportunities, personal growth, and societal impact. 10 Reasons Board Topnotchers are a Big Deal in the Philippines 1. Enhanced Career Opportunities : Achieving topnotcher status in board exams in the Philippines often opens doors to a plethora of career opportunities. Many employers, particularly in competitive fields such as engineering, accountancy, and law, view topnotchers as individuals with exceptional capabilities and a strong work ethic. As a result, topnotchers often receive job offers from prestigious firms, government agencies, and private corporations. Additionally, they are frequently offered higher starting salaries, leadership roles, and opportunities for advanced training and education. 2. Professional Recognition and Credibility : Topnotche...

Why Choose Digital Humanities as an Extension Course for Librarians?

Pursuing an additional course as a librarian with a library science degree can help you enhance your skills, expand your knowledge base, and unlock new career paths. Here is a good extension career for a library science professional: digital humanities. Why Digital Humanities? Interdisciplinary Skills Digital humanities combine technology with humanities research, offering librarians new ways to manage and present digital collections. This interdisciplinary field bridges the gap between traditional humanities scholarship and modern digital tools, enabling librarians to create digital archives, databases, and research projects that are more accessible and interactive. By mastering these skills, you can contribute to innovative research methods and enhance the visibility of digital collections. Enhanced User Services Provide innovative services like digital exhibits and interactive archives. Digital humanities techniques allow you to create virtual exhibits, online databases,...

I Mistakenly Thought Lisbeth Salander was a Coming-of-age Heroine

Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo can be seen as a heroine, but she’s not a traditional coming-of-age character. Instead, she embodies elements of personal evolution and self-discovery, though in a much darker and unconventional context. Here’s why she fits, and why she doesn’t, into the coming-of-age mold. Why She Fits: 1. Self-Discovery and Growth : Like a coming-of-age protagonist, Lisbeth grapples with understanding her own identity and place in the world. Her journey involves reclaiming control over her life and confronting the traumas of her past, similar to how coming-of-age stories often depict a young person learning about themselves. 2. Emotional Evolution : Lisbeth starts off as a loner, distrustful of nearly everyone, but over time, we see her form complex relationships, particularly with Mikael Blomkvist. Though not sentimental or soft, she gradu...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog