I really need some guidance. I excel in practical subjects, but when it comes to theory, I’m struggling. My law and Audit studies are taking up so much of my time. I try to memorize everything word for word—I’ll read a page until I can recite it without looking. However, I get anxious when I can’t recall it from memory, which sends me back to the beginning. This approach is really time-consuming, but I feel like I have no choice.
Can anyone offer advice on how to effectively study for these subjects? The ICAI seems to focus on details, and I want to improve my understanding. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
One response
It sounds like you’re really putting in a lot of effort to memorize your theory subjects, and I can definitely understand how overwhelming that can be. Here are some strategies that might help you study law and Audit more effectively:
Understand, Don’t Just Memorize: While it’s important to know the law and Audit concepts, focus on understanding the principles behind them. This way, even if you can’t recall the exact wording, you’ll still be able to explain your understanding.
Summarize Notes: After reading a page and understanding it, try to summarize it in your own words. This can help reinforce your understanding and make the information easier to recall later.
Mind Mapping: Create mind maps or flowcharts to visualize relationships between concepts. This can be a helpful way to see the bigger picture and understand how various parts connect.
Practice Questions: Work through past exam questions or practice scenarios. This not only helps reinforce your knowledge but also gets you used to the application of concepts.
Teach Someone Else: Explaining concepts to someone else can be a great way to solidify your understanding. If you can teach it, you really know it.
Use Mnemonics: Create acronyms or phrases to help you remember lists or complex concepts. This can make recall easier.
Break It Down: Instead of trying to memorize a whole page at once, break it down into smaller sections. Focus on one section at a time until you feel comfortable before moving on.
Regular Review: Set aside time to regularly review what you’ve learned rather than cramming right before an exam. Spacing out your study sessions can improve retention.
Stay Calm and Manage Anxiety: If you feel overwhelmed, take short breaks. Deep breathing or mindfulness practices can help reduce anxiety and increase focus.
Seek Help: If you’re really struggling, consider joining study groups, finding a mentor, or hiring a tutor for guidance.
Remember, it’s completely normal to struggle with theory subjects, especially in fields like law and Audit. With the right strategies, you can improve your study habits and feel more confident in your understanding. Good luck!