Studying Natural Sciences: Tips for Success

Natural sciences and mathematics are often challenging subjects where success requires a thorough understanding of theory and the completion of numerous hours of exercises. It can be particularly challenging if the language of instruction is not your native language, as the new vocabulary introduced in the natural sciences can increase the difficulty of studying the subject's theory. However, succeeding in natural sciences and mathematics is by no means impossible, regardless of your background; it simply requires discipline and effort. In this article, I will share tips for studying natural sciences that helped me succeed in my own studies and will assist you in achieving success in your studies.

A Tall Tower Requires a Strong Foundation

Studying natural sciences is like constructing a tower: the stronger the foundation you build, the higher you can go. In other words, focus on mastering the basics thoroughly before advancing in your studies. This may be time-consuming and frustrating at times, but it ensures that you have truly understood the subject and have the tools for more advanced tasks. However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't challenge yourself with more difficult exercises. Keep in mind that a strong foundation is the key to success.

Active Learning and the "Active Recall" Technique

Active learning in mathematical subjects and the “active recall” technique in natural sciences are magic spells for mastering these subjects. Active learning emphasizes not only learning theory and constantly moving on to new topics but also practicing what you have learned before. For example, solving exercises or revisiting old exams can be forms of active learning, ensuring that your study doesn't rely solely on listening to the teacher's explanations or browsing through the theory sections of a book.

The active recall technique, on the other hand, can be used in biology and geography by writing down revisiting questions in your notes and reviewing them regularly. This reinforces the information and transfers it to long-term memory. When taking notes, be careful not to mindlessly copy from the book but to understand what you're writing and connect it to the bigger picture. For instance, if you're studying mitochondria, understand its function as a cell organelle and explain how it is crucial for cell function and, consequently, human activity.

Regularly Test Yourself

Measure your progress regularly through tests and self-evaluations. You can ask the teacher for old exercises or find them online. When preparing for exams like the matriculation exams, the Abitreenit website is your best friend as it offers a vast collection of past exams with answers. Keep track of which topics and exercises have felt challenging and identify weak points that require extra attention.

Study with Peers and Maintain Interest

Find fellow students who share similar goals and study together with them. Collaborating with others enables support and solving challenging problems collectively. Studying often fails when self-imposed, so finding motivation is crucial. External motivation, such as obtaining a study place, might be sufficient, but the ideal situation is to discover internal motivation – a genuine interest in the subjects and a desire to learn more. Personally, I found internal motivation by exploring how natural sciences are applied in real life. Additionally, group studying can help to keep motivation high.

Sleep Is the Solution to Problems

When working on challenging and applied exercises, it's normal to get stuck. Learning doesn't happen unless you challenge yourself with sufficiently difficult tasks. If a task proves difficult, give yourself time. Consider the problem from different perspectives, use scratch paper, and take short breaks to help unravel the problem. If the task remains unsolvable, sleep on it and return to it with renewed energy the next day. If you know that you can't tackle the task on your own, use model answers or consult your teacher. Remember, don't give up too early!

Include Intermediary Steps

In mathematics, physics, and chemistry, it's essential to understand what you're doing and why you're doing it. Including intermediary steps ensures this, as these steps break down the task into small pieces, making it easy to follow the progress. Intermediary steps also help you quickly identify mistakes when reviewing your work.

Don't Fear New Vocabulary

If you are non-native in the language of instruction, be mindful of the vocabulary in natural sciences. New complex words may complicate your studies and hinder the understanding of theory. Therefore, allocate time to study these difficult words and understand their meanings. Especially in biology and geography, where essays are emphasized, response texts often need to include these complex and lengthy words to achieve the best grades.

Thoroughly Cover Theory Before Exercises

If you encounter a completely new topic about which you have limited knowledge, it's advisable to thoroughly go through the theory before diving into exercises. After teachers' explanations, basic exercises often go well, but difficulties can arise when dealing with applied exercises, which could be easily avoided by independently reviewing the theory. Self-guided theory reading allows you to spend time precisely on areas where you face challenges, compared to the teacher revisiting the entire topic. In summary, understand the theory first and then move on to exercises. This helps create a more lasting memory trace and generates a greater sense of accomplishment.

Always Ask for Help

Not everything is learned immediately, especially in the natural sciences. So, when something remains unclear, ask the teacher or a peer right away. Teachers are there to teach, and asking for help from the teacher can save a lot of time compared to pondering a problem for several days. Therefore, gather information immediately, allowing progress in the subject and studies to advance quickly.

These tips form a comprehensive guide to studying natural sciences. Remember that the keys to success are a strong foundation and regular active learning. Study efficiently and maintain your interest, and the natural sciences will be a breeze!

-Aayush Khadka