How to Simplify Concepts for Class 11

Concepts taught in class 11th  can be difficult, but they build a foundation upon which you build your goals. PU courses are a stepping stone in one’s life not only because they will signify academic achievements in the future, but also because they are one of the most important steps in deciding career paths for the future. They filter below-average students from good and students spend a lot of time studying the concepts in class 11. With CBSE introducing application-based questions from this year on, the search for good study material begins. A good textbook would not only simplify the concepts for you but would also help you learn a lot more.  

Founded in 1961, NCERT is the standard study material for CBSE students in the 11th and 12th standards. In the pulse of diverse countries like India, the textbooks address the needs of rural children as well. The textbooks are colourful and vibrant to enhance the learning experience. And they aren’t expensive. With no textbook costing more than Rs 70, they cater to all the students. One can also avail of the soft copy of NCERT textbooks if needed. Many suggest that studying books thoroughly from NCERT is more than enough to pass with flying colours and they aren’t wrong. Not only do these books understandably explain complex concepts making the learning process easier, but they also keep the learning requirements of students in mind. The textbook allows one to think, helping the students out in the long run. Use NCERT Books Class 11 Maths for an easy understanding of the interesting world of Maths. The textbooks are thematically arranged, organized and try their best to keep one engaged. So with all the hectic lessons that test your stress, anxieties and help you realize your level among others, trust NCERT.

This article talks about a few methods for simplifying the concepts for class 11.

1. Use visual representations

The human brain remembers information better when it’s in a visual format. For example, reading information from a textbook about the percentage of ownership doesn’t paint an image in mind immediately. But representing the same information in a pie chart immediately captures attention because the brain finds it easier to comprehend and digest. Hence, use visual tools for information retention in the long run. Watch the video demonstration to get a better idea of the concepts. Infographic is an example of one of the most powerful visual learning tools that blend text with images to reinforce key ideas and help one learn faster, smoother and better. 

2. Break it down

Attempting to analyze the whole scenario/concept at once is extremely difficult. Especially when there are multiple concepts (like the ones in the online training concepts), comprehending all the information at once is challenging. However, chunking a concept into smaller elements and gathering clues to understand the concept makes it easier to understand as your brain can analyze the situation better. Don’t study too much in one go but instead, take frequent breaks to refresh your mind and focus better on the crucial parts of the concept. Draw flowchart diagrams if needed to break down the concept and understand the connections. 

3. Prepare flashcards

Research has found that using flashcards to recall concepts leads to 150% better retention than passive studying. Use it for studying, memorizing, learning and revision formulae, equations, etc. Create your flashcards by entering one to two facts per flashcard. Break down the topics into smaller chunks so that they are easier to remember and store in mind. Insert pictures and use mnemonics too. There are apps on App Store and Google Play that allow you to create flashcards easily hence saving the wood used to make papers. 

4. Use online learning platforms

In the wake of COVID-19, there has been a massive rise in e-learning where teaching takes place remotely on digital platforms. Thanks to the rise in popularity of these online learning platforms, one now doesn’t have to depend a lot on the local resources but instead can access lessons from the other side of the world which many a time is super effective as they not only break it down for you in easy methods but they are also dedicated to making the concepts as engaging and easy as possible. So when a concept feels difficult to grasp, use the online learning platforms. However, when you are trying to do homework, don’t google the answers immediately. Try to solve it by yourself and google the answers only when you are stuck/ have no idea how to write. 

5. Use social question-and-answer website

This might be a bit conflicting from the previous point but when you don’t understand a concept/don’t know how to approach a math problem, use a social question and answer website. This would give you a tour of thinking into someone else’s mind who may have a better way to approach the problem and solve it in a shorter amount of time. There also might be multiple ways to solve the problem out of which, one could be the one that you were looking for. 

6. Use Virtual Labs and Simulation Tools

As mentioned in point 1, if you are having trouble understanding the concept, it might be because you are having a hard time visualizing the concept/ it doesn’t make sense. This can be helped to some extent by using virtual labs and simulation tools. Trying out an experiment by yourself to conclude would help retain information better. And not only are they designed to act as the real tools, but they also ensure the students’ safety and are engaging for many because they can try out the experiments at their own pace and repeat the experiments over and over until they perfectly understand the concepts. It offers instant feedback when you go wrong, allows learning flexibility, is an affordable alternative to physical labs, etc. 

7. Use NCERT textbooks

A stable internet may not be available at all times which requires one to have alternatives. NCERT textbooks are still widely used all across India to understand concepts simply and you can use them too.