Summary of "Study Smarter, Not Harder | Kiki Fan | TEDxKerrisdaleLive"

Summary of "Study Smarter, Not Harder" by Kiki Fan (TEDxKerrisdaleLive)

This TEDx talk by Kiki Fan addresses common struggles with studying and offers practical strategies to study more efficiently, reduce study time, and improve both academic performance and overall well-being.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Common Challenges with Studying Many students dread homework and studying, often procrastinating or getting distracted by other tasks. This is a natural reaction but can negatively impact grades, sleep, mood, and motivation.
Studying Smarter, Not Harder The key is not to increase study time but to improve the quality and efficiency of study sessions through better habits and environment setup.
Benefits of Effective Study Techniques Learning how to study effectively can reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and lead to better test performance and a more positive attitude toward studying.

Methodology / List of Instructions to Study Smarter

Set a Consistent Focus Time
- Choose a regular time each day dedicated solely to studying (e.g., 7 p.m. after dinner).
- Treat this time as an appointment with yourself to build commitment and consistency.
- Inform family members to minimize interruptions during this period.
Organize Your Study Environment
- Study at a proper desk or table rather than in bed or on a sofa.
- Ensure the surface is flat and at a comfortable height.
- Clear the workspace of distractions: no dirty dishes, magazines, unrelated books, or mobile devices.
- Only keep necessary study materials nearby (books, stationery, computer).
- Prepare healthy snacks and drinks to avoid hunger and reduce the need for breaks.
Control Ambient Noise
- Use ambient sound apps to block out distracting noises from the household or surroundings.
- Experiment with different sounds (rain, campfire, birdsong) to find what helps you focus best.
- Consider listening to classical music, which can enhance attention and memory retention.
- Use headphones to minimize external distractions.
Develop a Routine
- Combine the above steps into a daily routine:
- This routine helps build study habits that lead to greater efficiency and less wasted time.

Outcomes and Reflections

By following these strategies, Kiki reduced her study time from over three hours to about one hour daily while completing all assignments effectively.
Although studying is not always enjoyable, having a structured approach makes it less stressful and more manageable.
Efficient studying frees up more time for enjoyable activities like socializing, gaming, or relaxation.
Developing good study habits is a lifelong skill that benefits beyond school.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Kiki Fan – Main speaker and presenter of the strategies and personal experiences shared in the talk.
Transcriber: Ruomiao Bi
Reviewer: AMINE HOUSNI

In essence, the talk encourages students to create a focused, distraction-free study environment, establish consistent study times, and use ambient sounds or music to enhance concentration, ultimately enabling smarter and less stressful studying.