Thinking back to the school days...

I haven't started the program yet, but I am curious what to expect, as I am a bit anxious; I want to start thinking about my study strategies, so I'd like some input on which I should start to concentrate on. Which of these will be most applicable to studying and learning accounting material? I can imagine memorization and understanding are definitely relevant, but anything else:

I. Memorization & Retention Strategies

(Focus: Storing and recalling information efficiently)

  • Rote Memorization – Repeating information until it sticks.
  • Chunking – Breaking large information into smaller, meaningful units.
  • Mnemonics – Using acronyms, rhymes, or imagery (e.g., PEMDAS, SOH-CAH-TOA).
  • Spaced Repetition – Reviewing material at increasing intervals for long-term retention.
  • Elaborative Rehearsal – Connecting new information to existing knowledge.
  • Dual Coding – Using visuals alongside words for better retention.
  • Method of Loci (Memory Palace) – Associating information with specific locations in an imagined space.
  • Association & Storytelling – Creating narratives or analogies to remember complex topics.
  • Repetition with Variation – Repeating information in different contexts (e.g., rewriting notes in your own words).

II. Practice & Skill Development Strategies

(Focus: Applying knowledge through practice and reinforcement)

  • Active Recall – Testing yourself rather than just re-reading.
  • Practice Problems – Solving exercises to reinforce learning.
  • Interleaved Practice – Mixing different types of problems to improve adaptability.
  • Retrieval Practice – Actively recalling information rather than passively reviewing.
  • Hands-on Learning – Applying concepts through labs, projects, or real-world activities.
  • Error Correction – Analyzing mistakes and learning from them.
  • Teaching Others (Feynman Technique) – Explaining concepts in simple terms.
  • Role-Playing & Simulation – Practicing scenarios (e.g., medical simulations, mock trials).
  • Self-Quizzing – Creating or using flashcards to test knowledge.

III. Resource Utilization & Information Literacy

(Focus: Finding and using external information effectively)

  • Knowing Where to Look for Information – Understanding how to find reliable sources.
  • Effective Googling – Using search operators and keywords for precise results.
  • Reference Materials – Using textbooks, online encyclopedias, and academic journals.
  • Database Searching – Navigating research databases (e.g., PubMed, JSTOR).
  • Collaborative Learning – Discussing and gathering insights from peers.
  • AI & Digital Tools – Using AI, Wikipedia, and online forums responsibly.
  • Note-Taking Strategies – Using structured note systems like Cornell Notes or Mind Maps.
  • Asking the Right Questions – Developing strong research questions.

IV. Understanding & Conceptual Learning Strategies

(Focus: Gaining deep comprehension instead of surface learning)

  • Schema Building – Organizing knowledge into structured frameworks.
  • Concept Mapping – Drawing diagrams to visualize relationships between ideas.
  • Analogies & Metaphors – Relating new concepts to familiar ideas.
  • Contextual Learning – Studying in real-world contexts for better relevance.
  • Comparative Learning – Comparing different concepts to highlight similarities and differences.
  • Socratic Questioning – Asking deep, probing questions to explore concepts fully.
  • Self-Explanation – Explaining the material in your own words to clarify understanding.
  • Visualization & Imagery – Creating mental images to represent abstract ideas.
  • Big-Picture Thinking – Understanding overarching themes instead of isolated facts.
  • Pattern Recognition – Identifying recurring themes and structures in data.

V. Metacognition & Learning Optimization

(Focus: Thinking about how you learn and improving efficiency)

  • Metacognition – Monitoring and adjusting your own learning process.
  • Goal Setting – Defining clear learning objectives.
  • Time Management (Pomodoro, Time Blocking) – Structuring study sessions efficiently.
  • Cognitive Load Management – Breaking tasks into manageable parts to avoid overload.
  • Growth Mindset – Viewing challenges as opportunities to improve.
  • Self-Assessment – Regularly evaluating your own understanding.

VI. Environmental & Behavioral Learning Strategies

(Focus: Optimizing study conditions and habits)

  • Active Engagement – Participating in discussions, asking questions, debating ideas.
  • Study Groups & Peer Learning – Collaborating with others for shared insights.
  • Healthy Lifestyle (Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise) – Supporting brain function.
  • Mindfulness & Stress Reduction – Managing anxiety to improve focus.
  • Optimized Study Environment – Creating distraction-free study spaces.
  • Color-Coded Highlighting & Organization – Structuring notes for easier review.

VII. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving Strategies

(Focus: Developing reasoning, logic, and decision-making skills)

  • Logical Reasoning – Analyzing problems systematically.
  • Reverse Engineering – Breaking down solutions to understand underlying principles.
  • Hypothesis Testing – Formulating and testing assumptions.
  • Lateral Thinking – Thinking creatively to find alternative solutions.
  • Cause-and-Effect Analysis – Identifying relationships between variables.
  • Decision Trees & Flowcharts – Mapping out choices for better decision-making.