Subject: FMVA Learning and Recall Strategies
Hello everyone,
I’m currently enrolled in the FMVA program and I’m really enjoying the experience. My previous finance learning was back in college, where I struggled to grasp the concepts. However, finance has always intrigued me, so this year I decided to take action rather than just passively watching CNBC and flipping through annual reports without truly understanding them.
As we all know, hands-on practice is essential for mastery. I’m curious about your approaches to learning in this course.
Do you find it beneficial to practice with the Excel sheets provided before tackling the next module, or do you prefer to keep moving through the lessons?
I’m feeling a bit torn—my practical side pushes me to stick to the modules and make the best use of my time, while my instinct tells me that practicing first will deepen my understanding.
I want to avoid being another statistic of people who hold certifications but can’t apply the knowledge effectively. What do you all think?
One response
Hi there!
It’s great to hear you’re diving into the FMVA! It sounds like you’re really committed to not just completing the certification, but truly understanding the concepts behind finance.
Your instinct to practice before moving on to the next module is definitely a wise one. Here are a few strategies that might help you strike a balance between learning and retention:
Active Learning: Try applying what you’ve learned in practical scenarios. After finishing a module, take some time to work on relevant Excel exercises or even create your own models based on the concepts covered. This will cement your understanding and boost recall.
Chunking Information: Break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Focus on specific concepts and give yourself enough time to practice those before moving on. This helps prevent overwhelm and promotes better retention.
Use Real-World Examples: Try to relate what you learn to real-world scenarios or news articles. This will not only reinforce your understanding but also make the learning process more engaging.
Teach What You Learn: Explaining concepts to someone else (or even to yourself) can significantly increase your understanding. Consider forming a study group or discussing topics with a friend.
Regular Review: Schedule regular check-ins to review previous modules and the concepts you’ve covered. This spaced repetition is key for long-term retention.
Build Projects: As you progress, consider creating a comprehensive project that consolidates all your skills—like a complete financial model or valuation analysis for a company you’re interested in. This can serve as a great portfolio piece too!
Ultimately, it’s important to find a rhythm that works for you. If you find that you’re grasping the materials quickly, it could be fine to move on. But if you feel uncertain about a module, taking the time to practice is definitely worthwhile.
Best of luck with your studies! You’re on a great path to not just earning the certification but also truly mastering the content!