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andrew300591
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Hi, I'm Andrew, a 2nd year Physics undergrad studying for my end of year exams. Currently I'm looking into new, perhaps unconventional ways of learning.
I have used conventional techniques to date, just reading, writing and doing problems to learn, and I have done quite well in all of my exams to date. I'm just looking for a way to further my learning ability, and increase my chance of getting a first class degree.
One thing I looked into was chemical enhancement/study drugs/whatever you would like to call it. I did some enquiry with regards to drugs that increase focus, such as Ritalin (a drug used to calm down hyperactive kids with ADHD, as far as I'm aware). After looking into that, and a few other 'sister' drugs, I soon realized that the risks of study drugs seem to outweight any benefits from increased learning, not to mention some questions about the legality of getting the drugs & pills.
So beyond taking Omega 3 fish oil, having a decent diet, not drinking alcohol in excess and perhaps a coffee to wake you up before an exam, I decided there wasn't much benefit to be gained from chemical aid.
What I am currently looking into is subliminal (I think this is the correct usage of the word) methods of learning, particularly the recording of orally dictated notes that you play back to yourself while you sleep in the hope of "learning in your sleep." I'm not sure if this is a myth or not, but I'm willing to try it.
So my questions are these:
a) Does anyone known of any legal ways to use (for lack of a better term) chemicals to increase learning ability for exams? or is this a futile endeavour.
b) Does anyone have any experiences/knowledge on "sleep learning" as I have described? is it complete tripe, or could it work?
c) Failing a) and b), does anybody know of any innovative, uncommon or unconventional ways of learning that are beneficial?
I am interested in any advice you have to give, apart from advice concerning my motivations for "getting that extra edge" for exams - that isn't what this thread is about.
I have used conventional techniques to date, just reading, writing and doing problems to learn, and I have done quite well in all of my exams to date. I'm just looking for a way to further my learning ability, and increase my chance of getting a first class degree.
One thing I looked into was chemical enhancement/study drugs/whatever you would like to call it. I did some enquiry with regards to drugs that increase focus, such as Ritalin (a drug used to calm down hyperactive kids with ADHD, as far as I'm aware). After looking into that, and a few other 'sister' drugs, I soon realized that the risks of study drugs seem to outweight any benefits from increased learning, not to mention some questions about the legality of getting the drugs & pills.
So beyond taking Omega 3 fish oil, having a decent diet, not drinking alcohol in excess and perhaps a coffee to wake you up before an exam, I decided there wasn't much benefit to be gained from chemical aid.
What I am currently looking into is subliminal (I think this is the correct usage of the word) methods of learning, particularly the recording of orally dictated notes that you play back to yourself while you sleep in the hope of "learning in your sleep." I'm not sure if this is a myth or not, but I'm willing to try it.
So my questions are these:
a) Does anyone known of any legal ways to use (for lack of a better term) chemicals to increase learning ability for exams? or is this a futile endeavour.
b) Does anyone have any experiences/knowledge on "sleep learning" as I have described? is it complete tripe, or could it work?
c) Failing a) and b), does anybody know of any innovative, uncommon or unconventional ways of learning that are beneficial?
I am interested in any advice you have to give, apart from advice concerning my motivations for "getting that extra edge" for exams - that isn't what this thread is about.