To be frank, it’s not all the time that studying is fun. It can be challenging at times, especially when what you’re reading feels too complex or confusing.
This can happen whether you’re preparing for an exam, reading a new subject, or studying an unfamiliar course.
I have been in this situation before and it was one hell of an experience.
If you find yourself struggling to understand what you’re studying, here are strategies you can use to turn things around.
What to do when you can’t understand what you are studying
The moment you find it hard to grab what you’re reading, the first thing you need to know is to check where the problem is coming from.
1. Identify the problem
I understand this can sound crazy but before tackling the issue, you must figure out what’s causing the difficulty.
Ask yourself:
- Is the material too advanced for your current knowledge?
- Are the resources or explanations unclear?
- Do you lack focus or motivation?
Understanding the root of the problem will help you choose the most effective solution.
When I witnessed this, it was because I was entirely not motivated to take the course in question.
Each time I tried to read that particular course, I found it hard to understand.
It continued for a while until I figured out the reason which was lack of motivation.
2. Break down the material
When you understand the reason for the difficulty, it’s time to fix it. If it’s a full material, then you need to break it down.
If it’s an entire book, do the same thing. Complex topics often become manageable when broken into smaller, simpler parts.
- Focus on understanding one concept at a time.
- Look for connections between the smaller parts and the overall subject.
For example, if you’re studying math and can’t grasp a complex equation, try to understand the individual components of the equation first.
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If it’s an entire course, break it down into topics and focus on one topic at a time.
3. Change your study resources
I did this too and believe me, it works like magic. Sometimes, the problem lies in the way the material is presented.
- Switch to a different textbook or online resource.
- Watch YouTube tutorials or sign up for online courses.
- Use educational apps or tools like Quizlet, Khan Academy, or Coursera.
Alternative resources often present the same material in a way that’s easier to digest.
YouTube was helpful to me in taking the course I previously found hard to understand, if you can use it, try it.
4. Seek help from others
There is no shame in seeking help, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
- Ask your teacher or professor: Schedule a meeting to clarify your doubts.
- Form a study group: Collaborating with peers can provide new insights.
- Hire a tutor: A tutor can provide personalized help to address your specific struggles.
What you find difficult may be easy when you speak to someone with better knowledge of the problem.
5. Use active learning techniques
Passively reading or highlighting is not always effective if you don’t understand the material.
Instead, try:
- Teaching the topic to someone else: When you explain concepts to someone, it forces you to understand them better.
- Practising problems: Applying what you’ve learned helps reinforce understanding.
- Creating mind maps: Visualizing the connections between ideas can simplify complex topics.
6. Take breaks and manage stress
When you’re stressed, take a break. Sometimes, confusion arises because your mind is overloaded.
- Use the Pomodoro technique to study in short, focused intervals.
- Take breaks to relax, exercise, or meditate.
- Get enough sleep—your brain processes and retains information better when well-rested.
You don’t have to read when you’re tired and stressed out, rather, rest for a while and start reading later.
7. Build a strong foundation
If you’re struggling with advanced material, it might be because you lack a solid understanding of the basics.
To resolve this:
- make sure you understand the foundational concepts of what you’re reading before attempting more advanced ones.
- Use beginner-friendly resources to fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
For instance, if you’re learning calculus but struggle with algebra, spend time revisiting algebraic principles before going to calculus.
8. Adjust your study environment
While some can, not everyone can read in a nosy place. A cluttered or noisy study environment can hinder concentration.
If you’re reading in a nosy place and find it hard to understand, you should:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place to study.
- Eliminate distractions, like using your phone or social media.
- Organize your study materials for easy access.
9. Stay positive and persistent
Learning can be a slow process, but persistence is key.
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To keep going even when you’re tired or feel less motivated to continue:
- Celebrate small victories, like understanding a challenging concept.
- Remind yourself that struggle is a natural part of the learning process.
- Stay motivated by focusing on your long-term goals.
10. Seek professional support if you need it
If you consistently struggle to understand your studies and the methods in this guide fail to work for you, you should seek professional support.
- Talk to your academic advisors, they can guide you on course selection or study strategies.
- In addition, counsellors can help if stress, anxiety, or other issues are affecting your performance.
Conclusion
Frankly, it’s frustrating when you struggle to understand what you’re studying, but you can turn the table around.
First, try to understand what the problem is, then use these effective strategies to combat it.
In case, these strategies don’t work for you, then seek professional help.
Do not forget, that every student faces difficulties at some point – what matters is how you address them.
With the right approach, you’ll be back on track in no time.
