Become a Useful Idiot (and Why You Should Be One for Others)
A thorough study of a subject requires more than just reading or watching a video. It helps to discuss and apply new knowledge, which is why it makes sense to study with a classmate. What if you study on your own? It turns out that you don’t need your partner to understand the subject at all.
We love this tip from u / ElboMan Redditor, which helps his partner learn:
My girlfriend is preparing for the CPA exam and we recently developed a very effective teaching method for her. She asks practical questions, we both say what we think is right, we check, and then she explains to me in detail why I am wrong. 90% of it goes through my head completely, and to be honest, I guess most of the time, but it helps her a lot. And as a bonus, I learn a little about accounting.
Explaining something to another is a great way to test how well you know it. And even if you just learned a fact or concept a moment ago, verbalizing it can help cement it in your mind. Many of us did this on a one-off basis, such as explaining the concept to a friend the night before an exam. But joining forces for consistent practice is a great way to structure your learning.
However, if you are a buddy, remember that the idea here is to help the student, not to lead the conversation until you learn to do it to your satisfaction. “If I just don’t get it and she’s satisfied that she understands that we can move on without asking him,” ElboMan writes. And if you’re studying, make sure you have specific roles with your buddy. You are not teaching them , they are helping you .