Head First EJB

Here’s what YOU can do to bend your brain into submission

cut this out and stick it on your refridgerator.

So, we did our part. The rest is up to you. These tips are a starting point; Listen to your brain and figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Try new things.

1. Slow down. The more you understand, the less you have to memorize.

   Don’t just read. Stop and think. When the book asks you a question, don’t just skip to the answer. Imagine that someone really is asking the question. The more deeply you force your brain to think, the better chance you have of learning and remembering.

2. Do the exercises. Write your own notes.

   We put them in, but if we did them for you, that would be like having someone else do your workouts for you. And don’t just look at the exercises. Use a pencil. There’s plenty of evidence that physical activity while learning can increase the learning.

3. Read the “There are No Dumb Questions”

   That means all of them. They’re not optional side-bars—they’re part of the core content! Don’t skip them.

4. Don’t do all your reading in one place.

   Stand-up, stretch, move around, change chairs, change rooms. It’ll help your brain feel something, and keeps your learning from being too connected to a particular place. Remember, you won’t be taking the exam in your bedroom.

5. Make this the last thing you read before bed. Or at least the last challenging thing.

   Part of the learning (especially ...