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7 Chinese and Japanese studying techniques

·263 words·2 mins
Productivity Zettelkasten
Table of Contents

1. Pomodoro ritual #

25 minutes focus, 5 minutes break.

  • Close your eyes, take a breath and make a focus statement (what to accomplish in those 25 minutes). Declare out loud OR write down.
  • filters distractions
  • sharpens attention
  • mentally commits completion

2. The Kanji Recall method #

Kanji = visual memory / mental map.

  • Grid Recall (repetition)
  • Visualizing
    • Drawing along with saying / reading / writing words

3. Rewrite notes #

Rewriting notes stimulates active recall.

  • The basic definition
  • Reworded version
  • Diagram
  • Story or metaphor
  • In their own words like teaching a friend

4. Empty cup mindset #

This method originates from Zen Buddhism.

You can’t pour tea into a cup. Idea of dropping ego while learning and discover what student doesn’t know yet.

Approach learning with humility and curiosity, not pressure and ego (i.e. grades, etc…). Value is not in your score but in your growth.

5. Chain learning #

Study like everything is connected. Because in real world …it is.

6. Study like a Sensei that is teaching others #

Mastery is shown in clarity, when you can explain the subject. When you teach something, you truly learn it. Explain it like you were explaining it to a 10 year old.

This approach was first avowed by Richard Feynman, a Nobel winning physicist.

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

Richard Feynman
*although according to many sources this quote is attributed to Albert Einstein

7. The forbidden night school #

From 7pm to 9pm - no phones, no distractions, no background noise. Collaborate on reviewing, revising if and where possible. Mostly for students.