How I memorised 400 pages of notes in 24 hours using AI (ChatGPT)
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Introduction
Studying at university can sometimes lead to stressful situations, particularly when faced with the daunting task of memorizing extensive material before finals. As I experienced recently, with only one day left to study for our Immunology exam and nearly 400 pages of notes to cover, I decided to employ a strategic approach to maximize my study effectiveness. Here’s how my friend Saki and I tackled this challenge and my top tips for fast memorization.
The Study Strategy
First and foremost, understanding the material is key to effective memorization. When information goes "in one ear and out the other," it can be a sign that one hasn't fully grasped the content. To facilitate understanding while saving time, I created both questions and answers from my notes. This can be a time-consuming process, but with the help of AI—specifically ChatGPT—I was able to quickly generate questions that aligned with my notes.
Using ChatGPT
To leverage AI effectively, I visited chat.openai.com and input a prompt to generate questions based on my notes. This prompt can be found in the description of my study video for easier access. If necessary, I could ask the AI to provide more questions to cover any gaps in my understanding. I transferred the Q&A format into Google Docs, with questions on one side and answers hidden on the other, which allowed me to test myself conveniently.
Summary Pages
After getting through the initial material, Saki and I created concise summary pages for each lecture. These pages included the learning objectives at the top, followed by relevant information organized neatly. By limiting ourselves to one page per lecture, we learned to prioritize critical elements, which greatly facilitated quick revision.
Collaborative Study
Working with friends can significantly lighten the workload. Saki took charge of summarizing topics I struggled with, which helped reinforce my understanding, while I focused on other areas. We exchanged notes and collaborated to ensure we both were well-prepared.
The Power of Repetition
I found that revisiting material twice a day was incredibly beneficial. Studying a topic once in the morning and again in the evening capitalized on the principles of active recall and repetition. I utilized my notes during morning sessions and focused on summary pages at night, enhancing retention.
Mind Mapping
Creating mind maps proved to be a game changer, especially with complex topics. I dedicated five hours to this method, linking concepts visually. Apps like Prezi made it easy, or you could simply use paper. By color-coding essential elements, I was able to connect various topics quickly, reinforcing my understanding and aiding recall.
Scribbling for Memorization
An intriguing technique I discovered involved simply scribbling while studying. As I jotted down terms, diagrams, or phrases, the act of physically writing helped reinforce the information. This method may sound odd, but many have found it effective.
Testing Recall
To assess my memorization, I would conclude my study sessions by writing down everything I remembered about a topic. This brain dump highlighted gaps in my knowledge, allowing me to target areas needing further review.
Conclusion
Cramming is not ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. By using AI tools, collaborative study, effective note-taking, and engaging with the material through various means, I was able to efficiently memorize a substantial volume of information in only 24 hours.
Keyword
- Memorization
- AI
- ChatGPT
- Understanding
- Collaborative study
- Mind maps
- Active recall
- Repetition
- Brain dump
- Study techniques
FAQ
Q: How did you use AI to help with memorization?
A: I used ChatGPT to generate questions from my notes, which helped facilitate understanding and retention.
Q: What is the benefit of creating summary pages?
A: Summary pages help condense important information, making it easier to revise quickly.
Q: Why is collaborative studying effective?
A: Studying with friends allows for sharing knowledge, dividing the workload, and reinforcing understanding through explanation.
Q: What is active recall and how does it help?
A: Active recall involves retrieving information from memory, which enhances retention and understanding.
Q: Can you explain the concept of mind mapping?
A: Mind mapping visually organizes information, helping to connect related concepts and improve understanding.
Q: How does scribbling assist in memorization?
A: Scribbling while studying engages the brain physically, aiding in encoding the information more effectively.
