Facing the Hard Stuff: How to Study What You Find Really Difficult (In Class and at Home)

Some subjects just feel impossible. Whether it's tricky maths problems, confusing science concepts, or that one language rule you never seem to remember, it's easy to avoid the hard stuff. You might find yourself zoning out in class, hoping the teacher moves on quickly, or filling your home study time with easier tasks to feel productive without actually tackling the tough topics.

Maybe you suddenly need to tidy your desk before studying. Maybe you spend ages rewriting your notes in perfect handwriting or highlighting everything in different colours. Or perhaps you convince yourself that chatting about the subject is the same as actually doing the work. These are classic avoidance techniques—they make you feel busy, but they don’t help you learn.

The truth? Avoiding difficult subjects now only makes them harder later. Instead of dodging the challenge, here’s how to face it—both in class and at home.

1. Don’t Zone Out in Class—Engage Instead

When a topic is confusing, it’s tempting to switch off and hope you’ll figure it out later. But class time is your best opportunity to get help on the spot. Here’s how to stay engaged:

✅ Listen actively – Focus on the explanation, even if it’s tough.

✅ Ask questions – If something doesn’t make sense, don’t wait until later.

✅ Make quick notes – Even if you don’t fully understand, jot down key points to review later.

✅ Look for patterns – Often, difficult topics build on what you already know. Find connections to things you do understand.

💡 Tip: If you feel lost, write a small “?” in your notes next to tricky parts. This reminds you to go back and review them later.

2. Review at Home Before the Knowledge Fades

Class moves quickly, and if you don’t go over tricky topics soon, they become even harder to grasp. Try this:

🔁 Spend 5–10 minutes reviewing your notes the same day – This helps cement the information before you forget it.

✏️ Rewrite or summarise in your own words – If you can explain it simply, you understand it.

📖 Use different resources – Sometimes a different explanation (like a YouTube video or revision guide) makes things clearer.

If a topic still feels confusing, make it a priority in your next study session at home.

3. Avoid “Fake Studying” at Home

Ever sat down to study but ended up doing everything except the hard stuff? Maybe you copied notes neatly, highlighted a textbook, or even talked about studying without actually doing it. That’s called fake studying. It feels productive, but it doesn’t help.

Instead, try active learning:

✅ Tackle practice questions first – Even if you get them wrong, it shows you where the gaps are.

✅ Explain it out loud – Pretend you’re teaching it to someone else.

✅ Use flashcards or mind maps – These help with recall, especially for tricky subjects.

📌 Rule of Thumb: If your brain feels like it’s working hard, you’re studying properly. If it feels easy, you might just be going through the motions!

4. Make the Most of Class Time—Even When It’s Tough

Some students think, I’ll just figure this out at home. But if you don’t understand something in class, it won’t magically make sense later! Instead:

👀 Watch how your teacher explains it – Their methods are designed to help

🙋 Ask for clarification – Even if it’s just, “Can you explain that in a different way?”

🤝 Work with classmates – Group discussions can help you see the topic differently.

📝 Write down key examples – Teachers often highlight the most important points—make sure you’ve got them in your notes!

If a topic still doesn’t make sense, make a plan to work on it at home that same week.

5. At Home: Work on the Hard Stuff First

It’s easy to start with the subjects you enjoy, but if you leave the hardest topics until last, you’ll be tired and less motivated. Instead:

🔹 Start your study session with the tricky subject – When your brain is fresh, it’s easier to focus.

🔹 Use the Pomodoro technique – 25 minutes of focused study, then a 5-minute break.

🔹 Reward yourself – After completing a difficult task, take a short break or enjoy a snack.

💡 Think of your brain like a muscle—pushing through challenges makes it stronger. The more you tackle hard topics, the easier they become!

6. Get Help Before You Fall Behind

Struggling for too long without support can make a subject feel impossible. If you’ve tried reviewing at home but still don’t get it:

📌 Speak to your teacher – They might suggest extra resources or explain it differently.

📌 Ask classmates – Sometimes a friend’s explanation makes more sense than a teacher’s.

📌 Use online resources – GCSE Bitesize, YouTube, Seneca, and revision guides can all help.

The key is to seek help early—don’t wait until the night before an exam!

7. Track Your Progress (Even Small Wins Matter!)

Difficult subjects can feel frustrating, but progress happens in small steps. Keep track of what you’re improving on:

✅ Keep a checklist of tricky topics and tick them off as you get better.

✅ Note down questions you can answer now that you struggled with before.

✅ Look back at past work—you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve learned!

Final Thoughts: The Hard Stuff Won’t Get Easier If You Avoid It

It’s normal to struggle with certain subjects, but avoiding them only makes them harder. Instead, use class time wisely, study actively at home, and tackle the difficult stuff first.

The more you push through challenges, the stronger your brain gets. One day, the topics that feel impossible now will just be another thing you used to find hard.

So, next time you feel like avoiding that difficult subject? Face it head-on. Your future self will thank you. 💪📚