Studying is a unique process that varies depending on the student. There is no one right way to study. Most especially now that we are in the middle of a pandemic and the learning scenario has changed drastically. As a student during the coronavirus pandemic, I have tried multiple studying methods to maximize my learnings. Some worked out for me, and some did not. However, these are the ones that personally helped me a lot.

First is the classic ‘taking down notes.’ I know Microsoft Word or Google Documents exist, and it is far more convenient than writing in a notebook. But hear me out. Physically taking down notes helps give my brain a sense of familiarity. For the last ten or even more years of my life, I associated writing notes with the school. And I think it is essential to incorporate some sense of familiarity in your studying routine while in the middle of a pandemic. When I take down notes, my brain understands that I am in class, and I go full-on ‘student mode.’ Not to mention that I learn better when I write notes because of the way my memory works. This method is something I recommend.

The second is ‘self-reporting.’ This learning method is not something that I use a lot, but it does me wonders when I do use it. As the name suggests, you report to yourself. You discuss your lesson as if you are reporting in class. I would typically review my notes and then start talking to myself or the mirror as if I am teaching someone else the lesson. This is an effective learning method because you are testing your understanding of the lesson. If you understand the lesson, reporting it would be easy. And it will also help you find which parts of the lesson you do not understand. If you cannot explain a part well, you must focus on that part more while studying. This method is not for everyone, but it is useful, and I recommend it.

Last but definitely not least is what I would like to call ‘YouTube classes.’ Given the new learning scenario, discussions are limited to online meetings through Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any other similar platforms. However, it is not as regular as normal face-to-face discussions, especially if you are not an asynchronous learner. And sometimes, it is hard to learn from just reading a module by yourself with no instructor, which is why I always resort to YouTube. There are tons of teachers and/or instructors on the internet that do videos on various topics and lessons. Whenever I struggle to understand a module, I just search the lesson up on YouTube until I find a video that enlightens me. I pretend as if I am in a regular classroom discussion. I take down notes and even answer the activities given in the video. The internet is such a vast place, and there are so many resources even outside of YouTube that you can use to assist you in your studies.

As I have said, there is no one right way of learning. We all have different brains and capabilities, which is why these methods I mentioned may not work for everyone. You know yourself more than anyone else. So try different methods that you think may suit you, do not be afraid to ask your peers about how they study, and even research methods if you like. Do not be afraid to try different things while learning, and I am sure you will be able to find a learning method or routine that is completely tailored for you.