What are the most effective ways to learn and retain complex scientific concepts for someone like me who has been out of school for a while?

Welcome back to the world of learning science. It's great that you're eager to dive back into biology and chemistry, despite the initial overwhelm. You're right to question your learning methods, as there are indeed more effective ways to grasp complex scientific concepts. Let's break it down and explore some helpful techniques and resources.

Firstly, active learning is an excellent approach, as you've mentioned. This involves engaging with the material by taking notes, summarizing information in your own words, and creating concept maps or flashcards. For instance, you can use mind mapping tools like MindMeister or Coggle to visualize relationships between concepts. Additionally, self-testing is a powerful technique to reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you need more practice.

Since you've tried watching online lectures and reading textbooks, you might want to supplement these with interactive resources. Websites like Khan Academy, Crash Course, and 3Blue1Brown offer engaging video content, quizzes, and exercises to help you learn and retain complex concepts. You can also explore online forums and communities, such as Reddit's r/learnscience, r/biology, and r/chemistry, where you can connect with others who share your interests and ask questions.

Joining a study group or finding a tutor can be beneficial, but it may not be feasible for everyone. However, you can still find study buddies online through social media groups, online forums, or dedicated platforms like StudyGroup.it. This way, you can collaborate with others, discuss challenging topics, and learn from one another's strengths and weaknesses.

To further support your learning journey, consider using spaced repetition apps like Anki or Quizlet