This post is triggered by an article "How to memorize PMP formulas" by Richard Wheeler. Richard is a frequent blogger on project management forums, my G+ friend, and simply a nice fellow.
In his article, Richard suggests his approach to memorizing formulas. Thinking about his article I caught myself on the idea that I am doing it a little bit differently, and often suggesting my way to others.
Here are a few of my thoughts that I would like to share:
1. Determine why do you need this knowledge and where you are going to use it.
2. Do I needed to pass the PMP Certification? Well, if yes then you have to study quite deep.
3. Break the formulas down to pieces.
4. Understand each component of the formulas in depth.
5. Recombine each formula using simple algebra rules, and understand the meaning of a new view, like CPI=EV/AC to EV=PCI*AC.
6. Visualize each formula grafically. Figure out the behavour and meaning of the variables.
7. Summarize in you own words the meaning of the equation and its components in different applications.
8. Write an essay and share with others, encourage discussions, summarise them and share via your social network.
9. Help others, share your knowledge, it will help in memorising.
10. Use formulas in real-life applications and modeling.
Pros and Cons of that way of memorization.
Pros
* Training your brain capabilities and extending its limits. ;).
* Fixing your eep knowledge and deep understanding of the material.
* Getting new ideas from your network by sharing your owns.
* Fixing your attitude by erasing such bad ideas as "I know everything".
* Training personal positive attitude by removing rusted concepts that stack in your brain.
* Extending your social network.
Cons
* This is a quite shot way of memorizing; some people suggest memorizing formulas just by their look.
* This may lead to perfectionism and become a habit.
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