Why the present is most important:
* Focus and Attention: Successful studying requires focused attention on the material *right now*. Daydreaming about the future (e.g., the job you'll get) or dwelling on past failures will significantly hinder present learning. The present moment is where the actual cognitive work of understanding and memorizing happens.
* Active Recall and Application: Effective studying involves actively recalling information and applying it. This happens in the present. You can't recall something from the past effectively if you're not actively trying to do so *now*.
* Immediate Feedback: The present is where you receive immediate feedback on your understanding. Whether you're working through practice problems, taking quizzes, or discussing concepts with others, immediate feedback allows for course correction and reinforces learning.
Why the past is next in importance:
* Building a Foundation: Prior knowledge and understanding form the foundation upon which new learning is built. Reviewing previous material, identifying weak areas, and solidifying concepts from the past is crucial for building a strong understanding.
* Identifying Learning Patterns: Reflecting on past study habits and their effectiveness helps refine your approach for future learning. What worked well? What didn't? This analysis is done in the present, but it uses information from the past.
Why the future is least important (in the immediate context of studying):
* Distraction: Worrying excessively about future tests or career prospects can be a major distraction. It can create anxiety that hampers focus and concentration during study sessions.
* Premature Optimization: Over-planning for the future (e.g., meticulously planning your study schedule months in advance) can be counterproductive. Flexibility is key, and circumstances change.
* Motivation is Present-Focused: While long-term goals are important for motivation, the motivation *to study* needs to be focused on the present task. The reward of finishing a chapter, understanding a concept, or completing a practice test is more immediately satisfying and motivating than a distant future outcome.
However, the future IS important in the broader context of education:
The professor's statement is primarily concerned with the *process* of studying at a given moment. Long-term goals (future career, graduation) are crucial for *maintaining* motivation and providing context for the present studying. Ignoring the future entirely would make studying feel pointless. It’s a matter of balance. The future informs the "why" but the present is the "how."
In conclusion, while the present is paramount during the act of studying, the past and future play vital supporting roles. The emphasis should be on utilizing the past effectively and keeping the future in mind as a motivator, but not letting either distract from the present task of learning.