Say goodbye to study stress with the ABC

Start the list on a specific topic:

• Write down the topic and date on the ABC list.
  • The date helps you to repeat the ABC list regularly to consolidate what you have learned.
  • The ABC list works virtually with all topics, for example, "qualitative research methods", "cardiovascular system", and many more.
• Look for terms that fit the topic and begin with A, B, C, etc...
  • You can fill out the ABC list in any order you like. You do not have to go through the list from A-Z. Whenever you think of something, write down a term.
  • You can also add to the list at any time.
  • A time limit of e.g. 60 sec. is helpful to be able to proceed in a more structured and focused way.
  • For successful learning, the terms should be repeated and narratively related to the content.
  • Start each learning unit with an empty list, even repeatedly on the same topic.

The ABC list is suitable as a so-called "knowledge activation"
(e.g. before a lecture, before reading a script etc.).
Previous knowledge is an important guarantee for successful learning.
We already know a lot about many topics and can "activate" existing knowledge both automatically and actively. Using an ABC list we can warm up our brain before active learning and thus activate and strengthen the existing connections of our knowledge network. In this way new knowledge can be attached much more easily to the nerve cells (Krause & strong, 2006). To get a better idea of what is meant, think of a fishing net. The more tightly knotted this is, the less can escape through the holes. Thus, during prior knowledge activation, the net is tightened and the knots are retightened. During the subsequent learning process, the meshes are pulled tighter. However, the meshes only remain tight if they are consolidated by regular recall and repetition of what has been learned.

The ABC list is suitable as an associative learning strategy & effective note-taking technique.
(e.g. while reading a script, during a lecture, during an explanatory video).
Actively use the ABC list to document input. In doing so, you learn to note only what is important and not to write down everything word for word. For example, watch a video, read through a text / script and fill in an ABC list with key terms for the topic shown / read. Practice this right away with the next Youtube video you are going to watch. Go through the key points again afterwards and tell yourself in your own words what the topic was and what it was about. In doing so, you will activate and consolidate what you have learned.

The ABC list is suitable as a "motivation booster". "Why am I actually doing this?"
Almost everyone sits frustrated in front of a task at some point and just can't get started. Analyse with the help of an ABC list what your actual motivation was at the beginning, e.g., for this course of studies, the job, course or hobby to decide. What motivated you at that time to make this decision and follow this path? What did you want to achieve with it? How did you find out about it? What all did you put into it? etc. Go through these questions for yourself and write down the key points that pop into your head in an ABC list.

The ABC list can also be used as a word game in a group. As many words as possible on a given topic are entered within a fixed time limit. Whoever has the most terms wins.

• Birkenbihl, V. F. (2018). Trotzdem lernen: Lernen lernen (9th ed.). mvg Verlag. (Available as an e-book free of charge through the HFU Bib).
• Krause, U.-M., & Stark, R. (2006). Vorwissen aktivieren. In H. Mandl & H.F. Friedrich (Eds.), Handbuch Lernstrategien (pp. 38-49). Hogrefe Publishers.