Oh wow, it has been three and a half weeks since my last post. I am right in the middle of doing the reading for my dissertation and my desk looks a bit burdened. There are papers, book chapters and notebooks piling up and to everyone who sees it it looks like pure chaos. To me, on the other hand, where the materials are lying makes complete sense. I am sure some of you experienced a similar situation throughout your studies. What was important to me then was to accept contructive criticism “It might work better if you use …”and delete destructive criticism like “The way you work, your project/essay will never be done” from my thoughts.
Especially when you start your studies, regardless which subject, you need to try out different working and study methods in order to find the one that fits you best. That does sometimes entail re-organising your desk, trying out different places for studying/writing as well as exchanging your learning experience with other students and hear how they do it. There are many books on the market on this subject if you need inspiration. It all can be quite confusing, but work your way through it, find out which learning method suits you best – it often includes a bit of trial and error and that’s the way it should be, don’t you think? 🙂
As a medical student I can realte to everything you’re saying. My work area is a mess of different text books – all things I need to learn for the exams. Trying to find a way to organise your studies is important. Out of interest has anyone been using any online study tools eg. http://www.studyblue.com, https://www.mem-note.com or http://www.goconqr.com ?
Personally, I have not used either of these online tools. I had a look at them and whereas http://www.studyblue.com applies the “classical” flashcard system it also allows for uploading your own materials and you can use materials from students at other universites. Mem-note.com also applies the flashcard system and further has a “remind-me” function telling you it’s time to review your flash cards. Goconqr.com has an additional study planner and you can create mind maps and flashcards you can share. So I guess it depends on what you want to do with the tools.
Did you use either of them yet? If so, what were your experiences?