How to Study Difficult Subjects: A Step-by-Step Science-Based Guide

 

How to Study Difficult Subjects: A Step-by-Step Science-Based Guide

Who This Article Is For

This article is for students who try hard but still struggle with certain subjects.

It is for learners who:

• understand lessons in class but forget during tests
• avoid specific subjects because they feel overwhelming
• believe they are “not good” at mathematics, science, accounting, or similar courses
• study for long hours with little improvement

It is also for teachers and parents who want to help students study in ways that actually work.

If you have ever thought, “No matter how much I study, this subject just doesn’t make sense,” this guide is for you.

To study difficult subjects effectively, you must move from passive reading to active retrieval. This involves breaking topics into small units, understanding logic before memorizing, and using spaced repetition to ensure long-term retention.

Difficulty isn't a reflection of your intelligence; it’s a sign that your study method has reached its limit here is how to upgrade it

Why Some Subjects Feel Difficult (And Why It’s Not About Intelligence)

Difficult subjects are rarely difficult because of intelligence.

They feel difficult because they require structured thinking, application, and cumulative understanding, not memorization.

Subjects like:

• mathematics
• physics
• chemistry
• economics
• accounting
• programming
• grammar

are built in layers. Each topic depends on earlier ones. When those earlier layers are weak or skipped, everything above them feels confusing.

Many students study these subjects the same way they study simpler ones: by rereading notes or memorizing definitions. That approach creates familiarity, not mastery.

Difficulty usually means the study method does not match the subject, not that the student is incapable. This is one of the most common patterns discussed in learning mistakes students make without realizing.

A Short Note From Real Classroom Experience

As a teacher, I have watched students work extremely hard in subjects they consider difficult.

They attend lessons, copy notes carefully, and revise late into the night. Yet when exams come, their performance does not reflect the effort.

When those same students change how they study breaking topics into steps, focusing on understanding before memorizing, and practicing actively improvement follows.

Often faster than they expect.

Step 1: Identify What Makes the Subject Difficult for You

Before studying, you must diagnose the problem accurately.

Ask yourself:

• Do I struggle to understand concepts?
• Do I understand ideas but fail when solving questions?
• Is the language or notation confusing?
• Am I anxious because of past failure?
• Did I miss foundational topics earlier?

Different problems require different solutions.

Example

A student says, “I hate mathematics.”

After discussion, they admit they understand formulas but don’t know when to use them. The real issue is application, not mathematics.

Without this clarity, students waste time using the wrong strategies.

Step 2: Stop Trying to Learn Everything at Once

One of the most damaging habits is trying to “cover” a whole chapter in one sitting.

This usually leads to:

• mental overload
• shallow understanding
• quick forgetting

Difficult subjects cannot be rushed. They are built piece by piece.

The brain cannot process large amounts of complex information at once. When overwhelmed, it stores fragments instead of meaning.

Studying less but properly leads to more progress.

Step 3: Break Topics Into Small, Learnable Units

Once you stop rushing, the next step is breaking topics down.

Instead of saying:

“I will study chemistry tonight”

Say:

“I will understand acids and bases for 30 minutes.”

How to Break Topics Properly

• separate definitions from processes
• isolate formulas from applications
• divide chapters into sections
• identify common question types

Small units reduce fear, improve focus, and make progress visible.

Step 4: Understand Before Memorizing

Many students memorize because understanding feels risky.

Memorization feels safe. Understanding exposes confusion.

But in difficult subjects, memorization without understanding collapses quickly.

Why Understanding Comes First

Understanding creates:

• logical connections
• patterns
• confidence in unfamiliar questions

Example

In physics, students who understand relationships between variables adapt easily when questions change. Those who memorize formulas panic when problems look different.

Understanding makes memory easier, not harder.

Step 5: Move From Passive Reading to Active Study

Passive study feels productive but produces weak learning.

Passive methods include:

• rereading notes
• highlighting large sections
• copying notes neatly
• watching explanations without practice

Active study feels harder, but it works.

Active Study Methods That Work

• explain concepts aloud
• write steps from memory
• solve problems without examples
• teach the topic to someone else

If your brain is not working, learning is shallow.

Step 6: Learn Through Worked Examples (The Right Way)

Examples are essential in difficult subjects, but many students misuse them.

The Wrong Way

• memorize steps
• repeat patterns mechanically

The Right Way

1.    Study one example carefully

2.    Identify why each step exists

3.    Ask which rule or principle is applied

4.    Try a similar problem independently

Examples should teach thinking, not copying.

Step 7: Practice Retrieval, Not Recognition

Recognition is seeing information and thinking, “I know this.”

Retrieval is producing the answer from memory.

Exams test retrieval.

Practical Retrieval Techniques

• close notes and write what you remember
• answer questions without checking
• explain processes on a blank page

Struggling during recall strengthens memory. Ease is not the goal.

Step 8: Practice Slowly Before Increasing Speed

Many students rush practice because exams are timed.

This creates careless errors and weak reasoning.

Correct Practice Order

1.    solve slowly with full reasoning

2.    analyze mistakes

3.    repeat similar questions

4.    increase speed gradually

Speed follows understanding, not the other way around.

Step 9: Use Spaced Study Instead of Cramming

Cramming creates short-term recall that fades quickly.

This is why students forget after exams.

Spaced study spreads learning over time, reinforcing memory before it fades.

Figure 1: The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve. Adapted from Ebbinghaus (1885)

Figure 2: The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve. Adapted from Ebbinghaus (1885)

What the Forgetting Curve Shows

When students cram, memory rises quickly but drops just as fast.

The forgetting curve shows that the brain naturally forgets information unless it is revisited. Each time a topic is reviewed before forgetting, the memory becomes stronger and lasts longer.

Spaced study works because it reinforces memory at the right moment.

This is not about studying more.
It is about studying at the right time.

Simple Spaced Study Plan

• study today
• review briefly tomorrow
• review again after a few days
• revisit after one week

Step 10: Start With Weak Areas, Not Comfort Topics

Students naturally revise what feels easy.

This creates false progress.

Weak areas remain weak until exams expose them.

Better Approach

• start with the weakest topic
• work on it briefly but deeply
• move to stronger topics afterward

This builds real improvement while protecting motivation.

Step 11: Ask the Right Questions While Studying

Good questions guide learning.

Ask:

• Why does this method work?
• What happens if this value changes?
• How is this similar to another topic?
• Where do students usually make mistakes?

Questions turn confusion into understanding.

Step 12: Use Writing to Clarify Thinking

Writing is a thinking tool.

Instead of copying notes:

• summarize from memory
• explain processes in your own words
• write as if teaching

Writing exposes gaps that reading hides.

Step 13: Learn From Mistakes Instead of Avoiding Them

Mistakes are information.

Ignoring them wastes learning opportunities.

After every mistake, ask:

• Why did I choose this approach?
• Where did my logic fail?
• What should I do differently next time?

Improvement accelerates when mistakes are analyzed calmly.

Step 14: Manage Fear and Anxiety Around the Subject

Fear blocks learning.

Students who believe they are “bad” at a subject delay practice and panic during tests.

Confidence grows from:

• small wins
• clear steps
• consistent practice

Progress builds belief, not motivation speeches.

Step 15: Create a Focused Study Environment

Difficult subjects require deep thinking.

Distractions fragment attention.

Simple Improvements

• short sessions (30–45 minutes)
• phone away
• one topic per session
• clear workspace

Quality beats duration.

Step 16: Protect Sleep and Basic Health

Sleep consolidates learning.

Late-night studying often reduces retention.

Rest, hydration, and breaks are study tools, not luxuries.

Step 17: Build a Weekly Study Routine

Consistency beats intensity. A simple routine, supported by a realistic study timetable, can transform how difficult subjects feel.

A simple routine:

• daily short sessions
• weekly review of old topics
• regular practice questions

Routine reduces anxiety and builds momentum.

Problem Students Face	What They Usually Do	What Works Better	Why It Works
Feeling overwhelmed	Try to study everything	Break topics into small units	Reduces mental overload
Forgetting after studying	Reread notes	Active recall	Strengthens memory
Poor exam performance	Memorize formulas	Practice application	Exams test use, not recall
Panic during practice	Rush questions	Solve slowly first	Builds reasoning
Cramming	Study once	Spaced study	Reinforces memory
Avoiding weak topics	Revise easy areas	Start with weak areas	Fixes gaps
Repeating mistakes	Ignore errors	Analyze mistakes	Targets weaknesses
Long study hours	Multitask	Focused sessions	Improves depth

Changing just two or three habits from this table can noticeably improve results within weeks

The Biggest Mistake Students Make With Difficult Subjects

The biggest mistake is believing difficulty means inability.

Most difficult subjects become manageable when:

• broken into steps
• studied actively
• practiced consistently

Difficulty signals a need to change method — not to quit.

Final Thoughts

Difficult subjects are not meant to defeat you.

They are meant to develop thinking, patience, and problem-solving.

When students stop rushing, stop memorizing blindly, and start studying step by step, progress becomes visible. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in smart learning.

The goal is not to make the subject easy.

The goal is to make your approach effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a subject difficult for students?

Subjects feel difficult when they require structured thinking, application, and cumulative understanding. Most struggles come from weak foundations or using the wrong study method, not lack of intelligence.

Is memorization bad for difficult subjects?

Memorization alone is weak. Difficult subjects require understanding first. Once concepts are clear, memorization becomes easier and more reliable.

How many hours should I study difficult subjects?

Quality matters more than hours. Short, focused sessions with active practice and review are more effective than long, distracted study periods.

Does cramming ever work?

Cramming may help short-term recall but leads to fast forgetting. Spaced study builds long-term memory and better exam performance.

How can I stay motivated with hard subjects?

Motivation grows from progress. Breaking topics into small steps and fixing weak areas first builds confidence and reduces fear.

Are these methods suitable for secondary school and university students?

Yes. These strategies work across levels and subjects, especially for mathematics, science, accounting, economics, and technical courses.

 

Written by Maxwell M. Seshie
Teacher and Founder of SmartPickHub