As social science student, we all agree that social science is not as simple as we used to think. In fact, learning that is needed persistence and hard work. Conceive that we have to comprehend the concept one by one, elaborate the theory, operating Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS), learning many fields in society, speak with “aliens’s words” (words that normal people would not understand). I know it’s hard. So here I will give you tips how to build good habit that will enrich your knowledge and foster your skill in social science.

First, read. Read anything (re: all medium). In my perspective, read has a lot of meaning. It’s just not about read book but something that you can absorb many information. I divide “read” into two types, material and non-material. For material, You can read books, watch videos, and maybe listen podcast. Be careful, you don’t have to “read” it all. Choose based on what you like, what is most recommended, what you need, what you think is important. For non material, try to walk around and find a phenomenon that disturbs your mind. It is because you think it will be interesting to explain “why”. Also, you can try to look around and find a new reality in society.  Something that is different, weird, strange, beyond normal, or difficult to understand to you. Read non material things will lead you from sympathy to empathy level. Also, you will cultivate your sensitive feelings to catch problems.

When I mentioned "Reading skill", It does not mean that you are just capable to read. But also, you have to comprehend. Earn something from what you have red. Then process it in your mind and don’t forget to click save it lol.

Reading as a habit has function to input new information. Collect as many as you can. I mean good information though.

Second, discussion. It has a function to train your dialectical thinking and foster your critical thinking. Also, it will exercise your logical thinking from making arguments. Discussion will bump your ideas and make it stronger than before. Such a “sharpening a knife”. Discussion is a process of digesting ideas or information that you get from “reading”. As the result, you will get many choices of steps and plans to take.

The obstacle for doing this is to find a person who likes to discuss about same topic that you interest.

Third, action. Action also has a lot of meaning to me. I suggest two choices. First, writing (article, journals, research, report, etc). Writing is an indirect action that will change people mind. Second,  movement or social action. It is a direct action that will change people (overall). Action is the way to output ideas into something beneficial for society. It is actually need a big intention. Also, need a good skill to do. That is why, always try to evaluate this habit to make proper action and get impact.

Closing statement, these are the way that I thought is the proper habit for being social science student. I actually late to realize, that these things are very important to do balance. I always have many excuses to not do these habits when I was being collage student. And now I’m a bit regret it. I hope all these things will help you to learn social science effectively. These all are learning process, so don’t get tired or surrender. Remember! Learning does not have a finish, but it always goes on.

Writer: Oktavimega Yoga Guntaradewa

IG: @Yogantarawa