If you’ve heard of the DiSSS method, it’s probably in the context of learning a new skill, like a hobby or a new skill at work. The process, from productivity and learning guru Tim Ferriss, is all about breaking things down so you can learn them quickly — and it applies well to studying, too. Here’s what you need to know about DiSSS and how to incorporate it into your study routine.

DiSSS is an acronym, but it’s not perfect. That little “i” in it is just so you can pronounce it better. What you really care about is the D and three S’s, which stand for:

When learning a new skill or delving into a new subject during your studies, follow these four steps to simplify, shorten, and improve the process. You’ll make it go faster and get more out of it.

First, deconstruct the material you have on hand. As always, it’s best to do this in chunks. Instead of looking at a semester’s worth of information, make sure you go through it chapter by chapter, unit by unit, or whatever format makes sense for what you’re studying. You deconstruct by finding the smallest, most useful bits of information. Use a method like SQ3R to do this, where you scan your material to focus on key elements like chapter titles, headings, image captions, and vocabulary words. Highlight anything in your material that looks like a basic, important piece of information.