Understand what you are learning.

It’s important to understand how the knowledge in your subject of choice is structured. Concepts, facts and procedures all require different approaches to master, and breaking your subject down in this manner gives you more manageable goals to tackle, one at a time. It also helps you identify the areas you would need more help in early on, so you have enough time to make the necessary accommodations.

1. Grab a sheet of paper and draw three columns and title the first one “Concepts”, then write the relevant concepts down
   This category refers to things that need to be understood and not just memorized. For example, if you want to improve your math skills, a concept could be algebra - write this down.

2. Title the second column “Facts” and write all the relevant facts down
   This refers to anything you have to memorize. For example, if you want to learn programming, you will have to memorize the rules of coding languages. Write those rules down.

3. Title the third column “Procedures” and write all the relevant procedures down
   This refers to any activity you would perform without conscious thinking. For example, when learning a language, learning how to pronounce words requires practice but it is a largely unconscious activity - especially as you get better at it!

4. Underline the concepts, facts and procedures that are going to be the most challenging
   These are where your largest learning bottlenecks will be, so start preparing early and look for methods and resources to overcome those difficulties.