I am panicked that I can't learn or remember anything in college. What can I do to turn thing around?

Hi, I find myself struggling with this all the time and I have gone through undergraduate, graduate, and now medical school. To put it simply, the best way for retaining what we learn is through active recall and spaced repetition. These methods have been scientifically proven to work time and again, yet practiced by so few. In fact, surveys have found that students often rely on more passive studying strategies that they think are more effective. However, those strategies only make one feel productive and in reality, are not too effective. By passive studying, I mean simply just reading or highlighting. Active recall is basically testing oneself through practice questions, verbally or written. This could be practiced quetions at the end of the chapter or lesson, flashcards, or your own self-made practice questions. Do not worry if you do not know the answer. In fact, missed questions are your friend in helping you learn the material. Many students fall in the trap of first studying everything and then doing the practice questions or some form of active recall. However, this is not advised. Actice recall should be done throughout the study process. In fact, even while reading your textbook or going through lecture notes/slides, pause and ask your self what you just read and summarize in your own words. Also, are you are reading, come up with questions and jot them down and ask once you are done reading. You may also create a study group where you make questions and quiz one another. Spaced repetition is the antithesis of last-minute cramming and procrastination. It means to study the same concept over multiple sittings or days, which means to start early on. Also, it does not mean to study and learn everything in one sitting. It means to spread it out and revisit what you studied on multiple days. A related concept is interleaved practice. This is the opposite of block studying where you attempt to master a certain topic in one sitting. You may be able to achieve this goal but studies have shown that learning multiple concepts over multiple days is more effective that learning a single topic in one sitting. For example, you study a topic and when you have attained, say, 40% mastery, you move on to topic 2. Then topic 3. All in the same day or study session. The next day, you again do topics 1, 2, and 3. This will prove to be more effective. To conclude, I talked about active recall, spaced repetition, and interleaved practice. I tried to keep y response brief but I would suggest looking these terms up as there are a number of videos on youtube explaining these in much more detail. In fact, that is where I learned some of these strategies from. These days, a lot of successful people upload videos on youtube to explain their success and help others. I hope my response was somewhat helpful. Just remember, do not let this feeling get in the way of your success. You are more intelligent than you think and not remembering what you learned is very normal. There may be other stressors in your life that may be making more difficult to focus or retain what you learned. If that is the case, I would suggest reaching out to a counselor or someone who is qualified to assist. Also, since you are in college, look into the many resources at your disposal. Many colleges provide counseling services as well as access to learning specialists who are trained to help students.

Form new study habits and do not be afraid to try new things, even if you don't believe they'll work, you may learn new things about yourself along the way. Consider making yourself some "mock tests" and have someone verbally read questions to you while you have an answer sheet ready for them to guide you as well. Consider making your notes very vibrant and variously coloured so your mind is more stimulated during studying. Consider reading out loud so that you're not only reading, but auditory is involved also.

First don't be panicked You should come and read what you learnt the same day then revise it again and again

even though i'm studying in high school, i also have this struggle. and it's completely normal. many students have this huge struggle. how am i trying to do with it? internet provides many useful options how to learn something. like youtube lectures. they are very helpful by just presenting information in a more simple way. i know it's hard but maybe try finding new ways of learning? maybe if you have friends in college, you may ask them for help. these days there are many of ways how you can memorize information in a fun way. by the way. it is always important to take care of your brain by accomplishing simple things. getting enough sleep (i know it's hard, but remember that a good sleep will always have a positive impact on your brain's activity). be engaged in hobbies. and eat well. i hope you will be okay. but remember. you are not alone in that. :)

I think this is an experience that almost everyone in college has had once or twice. I think the best way to approach this is to find the source of the problem. Could this be from the stress of school itself hindering your memory? What about other stresses in your life? Could outside stressors inhibit your memory and focus in school? I think once you reflect on that then you can focus on how to turn it around because without knowing what is causing it, I think it would be hard to "fix". I think a great way to turn this around is talking to a mentor or a friend about what you can do to increase your grades or study strategies. Another thing you can do is study with a friend or a lot of colleges have free tutors that can work with you. I think the most important thing is changing your mindset. Believe in yourself that you can learn! Take time for yourself and find things that work for you.