Top 10: Study Tips
The exams are coming! So much to do! So much to remember!
Lucky for you these ten tips are all great ways of improving this stressful time, and getting through what needs to be done!
10. Be an active learner
This means not just reading your textbook, or just listening to the teacher during class. It is proven that if you manipulate the information in different ways it will be more likely that you will be able to recall it at the exam. For example putting things in your own words and writing it down, and saying it aloud to yourself from memory. Creating study groups and studying with other people is also beneficial. In the case of a sequence of words you must remember you could take the first letter from each one and make a sentence that will help you remember the sequence. i.e. In maths the rule of sin=opposite/hypotenuse c=adjacent/hypotenuse t=opposite/adjacent for finding angles can be remembered by the sentence: Some Old Hags, Cant Always Hide, Their Old Age
9. Set practical goals
It is always good to be optimistic when it comes to studying, and set high goals, but too high goals can create stress and feelings of failure if they are not achieved. If you get in a habit of setting achievable goals, even if they seem simple, you will find that you will feel good about yourself, and get used to meeting your own deadlines. Then you can find out how much is too much and work to your optimum level, without the stress of trying to do too much at once. Everyone works and studies differently, because our minds have different ways of remembering information, however remember that an all-nighter is never the way to prepare well for an exam! Bottom line: find out what fits you best!
8. Get the right attitude towards studying
Studying should be thought of as a lesson at school, or a doctor’s appointment; something you just have to attend and make time for! Make a specific study timetable and tell yourself it is nonnegotiable. Work yourself into the right mood, and turn off/silent distractions such as a cell phone, or Facebook. Surely people can wait 30-45 minutes to talk to you. Be the boss of yourself.
7. Short studying intervals
When you want to spend a day studying, the best way to manage to stay motivated is to create a reward system for yourself. You should never study for more than an hour without a break because you will find that you won’t absorb as much information as you could, had you taken regular breaks. You will probably also find you can work for much longer and more consistently if you work for shorter studying intervals of 30-45 minutes with a 10-15 minute break in between each stretch where you can do whatever you like. It is also a good idea to perhaps have about three or four intervals of 30-45 minutes with breaks in-between, and then to take a large break of 1-2 hours before continuing with another three to four intervals and so on. You will find that a lot more will be remembered using this method, rather than attempting to study for 3 hours straight. Also, taking a whole day of rest is not terrible; as long as you make sure it does not turn into a week of rest. Make sure during this day of rest you do not spend the time feeling guilty about not studying, and same goes for your breaks!
6. Studying and stressing don’t mix!
This is self explanatory, you can not be in a distressed emotional state while trying to study as your brain will not be able to handle the information. If you have a personal issue that is bothering you, don’t try and study while stressing about it, as it probably won’t work.
5. Make your own study space
Create an environment that helps you concentrate. Do you study well with music? With good lights? A spacious desk? Snacks? Tea? If you have a relaxing study space you are more likely to feel better about studying.
4. Variety
Variety in what you study during a day can help you retain information. If you study maths for a whole day, it may not be as beneficial as studying another subject as well, which will give your brain a chance to think in different ways and absorb the information better.
3. Review
After you study something, try and go back and review briefly after a period of time that same day. This will most certainly help you remember what you have studied.
2. Talk to your teachers
Yes, your teachers are there to help and guide you, no matter what it seems like they want you to do as well as you can. They should have a good idea of what you need to study and should be willing to help you if you cannot grasp a particular idea.
1. Remember to look after yourself!
This includes a number of things. You should get good amounts of sleep; a tired mind will be a pain when trying to study. Eating healthy foods will also aid your thinking abilities; however do not attempt to start a diet during studying as you do not need more things to worry about! Drink a lot of fluid, water especially. Regular exercise will help calm your nerves, and also boost your energy so that studying will become easier. Stay positive, and tell yourself it will all be okay so long as you continue to do what you planned. Confidence will help boost your self esteem, and in turn help you feel better when the day of the exam comes! Studying is never fun, but you can make it as good as its going to get by going about it in the right way!
Good luck!
By Shalini Rachel Gautam
Sources
College of DuPage – Tips for Effective Study
SoundFeelings – Improve Studying Results
Hi Shalini Rachel Gautam,
Thanks a lot for these tips they have greatly helped me in my studying efforts!! I am now the boss of myself! And I who knew that my teachers where there to help and guide me!
But seriously its really well written!
Good stuff girl
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