All of us have one or more subjects that are either boring or difficult. But we do not have a choice, we have to study them. When we sit down to study, our tendency is to put off studying that subject, and when we finally get down to studying it, nothing seems to go into the head.
Let us change our approach. Every time you sit down to study, pick up the textbook of the most boring subject. Tell yourself that you will study it for only 15 minutes, not more. Set an alarm if need be. Then take up the book and focus on a particular topic, chapter, definition or calculation. Keep reading, analysing and understanding only that particular topic. When your time is up, jot down a few crucial points from what you have learnt. Keep that little note pinned on a notice board, or under a glass, and move on to more interesting subjects. When you finish your study session, or when you are through for the day, read what you had written on the note.
The next day start the same process again, and slowly start either increasing the time beyond 15 minutes, or give yourself more of the 15 minute slots. Every time that you comprehend even one small bit of the “boring” subject, it will start becoming interesting.
Dr AK
Thursday, May 11, 2006
