In the previous article, we delved into understanding the root causes for our dislike towards a particular subject that holds us back from giving it our best. Along with that, we also learned about some small but considerable mindset shifts and techniques to adapt towards the subjects you dislike. This is the second part of the series where I will share with you some more tips on how to study a subject you dislike for your 2024 board exams.

Studying a subject you dislike is a formidable challenge. There are several prejudices and obstacles that we need to overcome to start with a clean slate. However, no matter how difficult, studying a disliked subject is not impossible. We can surely conquer this challenge with the right approach. From breaking down the material into manageable chunks to finding personal connections and incorporating innovative study techniques, given below are some more basic but often overlooked study tips that students can practice to cultivate a more positive and productive learning experience with a subject they dislike : 

Change Your Mindset

Having to study something you dislike is a little tough. Students often view this as an impossible challenge or as a personal fault. However, you should immediately let go of such negative mindset. Start thinking of this as an opportunity for growth and development. Embrace a positive attitude. Study the subject with a mindset of getting to know it better rather than to score better marks at it (the latter is a by-product of the former which comes with time). By embracing a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and continuous improvement, even the most disliked subject can become a gateway to valuable skills and knowledge. 

Start Early

Starting early is a crucial step when it comes to studying a subject you dislike. Begin the learning process well in advance of a deadline, such as an examination or assignment due date. Starting early gives you ample time to become familiar with the course material, understand key concepts, strengthen your foundation, review the material multiple times, and spend sufficient time applying the knowledge with beginner or intermediate topics. By starting early, you can avoid last-minute cramming, which can be stressful and less effective for long-term retention. This is going to help you feel more prepared for all the important internal tests, projects, presentations, and examinations.

Understand the Importance

School curriculums are diverse to provide a well-rounded education to students that encompasses a wide range of subjects, including languages, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, as well as physical education. This is to cater to the varying needs, interests, and abilities of the students. This also helps you explore your potential in various fields to realize what suits you best. Diversity in the curriculum also reflects the changing needs of society and the workforce, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the modern world. Naturally, any subject that you dislike was included in your curriculum because it contributes to your overall education in some way or the other. Recognize the relevance of that subject in your academic and future career goals. This will help you to reduce your dislike against that subject.

Break it Down

Large amounts of material can be intimidating. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable sections makes it feel less overwhelming, thereby significantly improving your ability to study effectively. Breaking down the course material has multiple other advantages. It helps you define realistic and achievable goals for each study session. It also allows you to focus on one concept at a time, reducing cognitive overload. Segmenting the material also helps you organize your study plan. You can create a schedule to cover each part thoroughly, ensuring nothing is overlooked. You can also easily identify your weak areas, then focus more time and effort on these areas to improve your understanding. Breaking down the material also makes regular practice more feasible. This is quite important, especially with numericals or application oriented topics.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids such as flowcharts, graphs, diagrams, and flashcards are invaluable tools in navigating and understanding subjects we may initially dislike. They help simplify complex concepts, enhance comprehension, and improve memory retention. Visual aids break down dense material into digestible segments, making the learning process less overwhelming. They clarify abstract concepts and make studying more engaging and interactive, leading to increased interest and motivation. Whether it's a flowchart simplifying a process or a graph illustrating data trends, these aids transform abstract ideas into tangible, relatable images. They foster a deeper understanding and stimulate creativity, ultimately, making the disliked subject more approachable and even enjoyable to study. Make sure that you employ these powerful tools in your learning process.

Teach the Wall

Teaching the material can be a highly effective way to enhance your own learning. When you teach a concept to someone else, you need to understand it thoroughly yourself. Thereby, this process reveals knowledge gaps and forces you to clarify your own thoughts regarding the topic. You could be teaching a friend, an imaginary audience, even the bare wall. This makes the process more interactive, reinforces your own learning, and helps you strike up an active engagement with the course material. It will also prompt you to seek out more information to avoid misconceptions. Overall, teaching the material can be a powerful tool for enhancing your own learning and mastery of a subject.

Find Interesting Resources

Finding better and more interesting resources can enrich your learning experience, improve your understanding of the material, and enhance your overall academic performance. More interesting resources make the learning more enjoyable and engaging. Better resources provide you with different approaches to understanding the same topic, which leads to a better understanding of the material and encourages you to think critically about the material. 

Look for learning resources such as videos, documentaries, or podcasts related to the subject and its applications. Visit libraries or online platforms to obtain better workbooks or question banks for subjects involving problem-solving or application-oriented questions. Use these for regular practice. If you're struggling with specific concepts, don't hesitate to seek help from teachers, classmates, or online resources. Finding better and more interesting resources can significantly enhance your learning experiences with a disliked subject.

Change Study Environment

Studying in the same place every day can become monotonous. A strategic change of environment can break this monotony and make studying your disliked subject more enjoyable. It can have several other benefits as well. Choosing a new environment that has lesser distractions than your usual study space can help improve your focus on the material at hand. Sometimes a change of scenery, such as a park or a balcony, can make studying more enjoyable. A subject that makes you drowsy in your study room with its artificial light might be memorized better when you are walking in a park and explaining concepts to yourself with elaborate hand gestures. Overall, changing your study environment can provide a range of benefits that can help you study a tough subject or a subject you dislike more effectively.

Milestone-Centric Study Schedule 

Consistency is key when it comes to mastering a tough subject. This is where study schedules come in. A milestone-oriented study schedule can help you approach a tough subject in a systematic and manageable way, leading to a more effective and rewarding learning experience. It helps you break down the course material into smaller, manageable milestones, and it makes progress tracking more efficient. This method of tackling the subject also makes it easier to identify weak areas and address them effectively with focus, which protects you from feeling overwhelmed by the entire breadth of the subject. Moreover, each milestone achieved is a small victory that boosts your confidence and motivates you to continue studying. Celebrate small victories with a break, or a snack, or any other activity that you enjoy. 

Take it Easy

Taking it easy when learning a subject you dislike means approaching the subject with a relaxed and open mindset, without putting too much pressure on yourself. It involves acknowledging that you may not enjoy the subject as much as others, and that subject might never become your cup of tea, but recognizing that it's still important to try your best and make an effort to understand the material. Instead of expecting to master the subject overnight, set realistic and achievable goals for your learning progress. Look for aspects of the subject that you find interesting or relevant, and try to incorporate these into your learning to make it more enjoyable. Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or tutors if you're struggling with certain concepts. Give yourself regular breaks to rest and recharge, especially when studying a subject you dislike, to avoid burnout. 

Remember that a positive attitude and a proactive approach can make a significant difference in how you perceive and tackle a subject you don't particularly like. Remember that it's okay to find some subjects challenging or uninteresting. Be kind to yourself and don't be too hard on yourself for not enjoying every subject equally. That being said, I hope you enjoyed this article.