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Student Life
Shake things up: find a new study spot, listen to music, and more.
Kathryn Knight Randolph
October 07, 2022
These simple methods will teach you how to effectively study.
Preparing for class and exams doesn't have to be hard. In fact, there are plenty of simple methods that teach you how to effectively study. Though not all methods work for every person, a little bit of trial-and-error can help you find the methods that work for you. While nothing replaces good old fashioned hard work, every little bit helps when it comes to increasing your efficiency in college. The following study hacks make student life simpler by helping to increase productivity levels, boost focus, help concentration and eliminate distractions.
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How to Study in College and High School
Chew gum.
The act of chewing gum is actually a brain booster. Scientists aren’t exactly certain why chewing gum helps you focus, but they think it’s based on the act of chewing, which keeps you awake and focused.Since there aren’t severe side effects, like there can be with caffeine, chomping on your favorite flavor is a great study aid. The only downside is that it doesn’t last. Save this hack for the harder parts of your material.
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Control your focus.
Sometimes, your attention span is the problem. You can literally block yourself from getting distracted by websites, email, or anything else computer-related with the apps like, SelfControl.Download study apps.
You’re probably aware that there are more student apps than you could ever need or want. Choose one or two that suit your study needs and utilize them. If you feel they aren’t working for you, try out a different type.
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Eat.
Sometimes students need to be reminded to meet their body’s basic needs. Eat healthy, nutritious meals before study sessions. Also, bring along a study snack. Like chewing gum, eating anything can keep you awake and help you focus more.Search online.
Search outside study resources via the web. You can actually utilize study resources from other colleges on the same subject. If you enter “site:edu [your subject] exam” into Google, you will be able to access exams at different colleges with questions pertaining to your subject for study practice. Or, YouTube may have someone explaining topics you’re studying in layman’s terms. There are endless channels offering free tutorials, like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, Brightstorm, Bozeman Science - just to name a few. A quick search will likely lead you to a wealth of resources! Jazz up your notes.
Add visual prompts and colors to your notes to help you recall important details, both of which can aid in your memory recall. This idea stems from mind mapping concepts, or thought diagrams, said to be much more effective in terms of learning than text-based notes. There are even mind mapping programs for those interested, but creativity, pens, and paper, work just fine, too! Memory aids.
Try using different memory aids, like notecards, etc. These aids come in handy for memorization techniques. You may find it helpful to repetitively quiz yourself on the key aspects, facts, or data you’re trying to memorize. Mnemonic Devices.
Circa grade and middle school, you’ll likely recall learning the order of operations through mnemonic devices, like the planets (My Very Earnest Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles), the great lakes (HOMES) and so on. If you didn’t learn those exact variations, it was probably something similar. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your own to help you remember the material for your advanced chemistry test. You can easily remember key concepts, sequences and whatever else you need to learn by creating your very own relatable story. Come up with something you know you can remember and stick with it. Organize your materials by subject or chapter.
This will help you sort the material by subject matter, visualizing which aspects belong together. Believe it or not, it helps you understand the scope of the topics you’re learning and categorizing them allows you to see how everything fits together as a whole. Rewrite your notes by hand.
Go old school and rewrite your notes by hand. Studies show that when you take the time to rewrite them by hand, you learn more effectively than when using your computer, tablet, or laptop. Listen to music.
Choosing the right type of music to listen to while studying can enhance your productivity, motivation, and focus levels. Certain genres of music, like classical or electronic, are recommended for studying. Study music should enhance concentration, focus, and allow you to work for longer periods. It should never be counterproductive or distracting – no matter what genre you decide on. Make a cheat sheet you’ll never use.
Though you’ll obviously never use a cheat sheet during an exam or quiz, it can help to create one. In doing so, you’ll need to sift through all of your notes and materials to find the key items and rewrite them on your sheet. This helps you recognize what you need to learn, and rewriting helps you remember it. Sleep.
Again, another basic human need that, unfortunately, needs to be stated. Get plenty of rest while studying as well as before your test or quiz. Your body needs sleep to think properly. A good night’s rest is one of the most basic ways you can improve your score because it will help improve your ability to think logically. Sleep affects your cognitive function, thus, your test-taking abilities. Study early.
Start studying early, instead of cramming the night before. Nobody ever sets out to cram because it’s a great idea – they do it because of poor planning. Poor planning tends to cause a domino effect. Other bad habits, like forgetting to eat, start to follow suit because of time constraints, convenience, necessity, etc. Switch settings.
Vary your study settings. Studies show having a dedicated study area no longer works in your favor. When you gravitate toward the same spot each time, your mind makes subconscious pairing between your atmosphere and the material. This means, if you are constantly in the same space, you would perform best taking the exam in that space. If you change up your space, your mind will adapt more easily to your test-taking surroundings. Teach.
Teach someone else the material you’re trying to learn. Teaching someone else is such an effective way for you to better understand the material, Plus, you’ll earn karma points for helping out a classmate! Teaching is the best test to learn whether you know the concepts. Why do you learn through teaching? If you're teaching someone the material and you find you cannot answer basic questions about it, then you know you need to go back to square one. Turn on the lights.
Light helps your brain focus, and the wrong lighting can contribute to off task behavior. The best type of lighting for maximum productivity, which you obviously want for studying, is soft and natural, though still as bright as possible so you can see clearly. If your lighting is too dim, it will affect focus and visual clarity. Lighting that is too bright –like fluorescent lighting, for example – can contribute to getting off task.
FAQs
How do high school and college students study suggestions? ›
- Don't Cram. While it may seem like a good idea to learn an entire semester's worth of information in one night, it's not an effective study habit, and it can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. ...
- Memorize vs. Understand. ...
- Review and Reorganize Your Notes. ...
- Study Smarter, Not Harder.
- Know what your lecturers want. Before you start studying a topic, write down your lecturer's learning objectives for that topic. ...
- Make a study plan. Many people waste time when they study because they don't have a plan. ...
- Use effective study techniques.
- Find a Go-To Study Location. For starters, find a quiet, well-lit area that is available to you whenever you need to study. ...
- Avoid the Stress of Cramming by Using a Spaced Study Session Method. ...
- M N E M O N I C S. ...
- Simple Self-Testing Practice. ...
- Learn, Relearn, and Learn Again.
- Find a study space. ...
- Short study sessions. ...
- Put music on. ...
- Explain the subject to someone. ...
- Deeply question your subject. ...
- Create concept or mind maps. ...
- Beat procrastination in just five minutes. ...
- Practice mindfulness or meditation.
- Read more than once.
- Highlight and take notes.
- Make margin notes.
- Don't put off reading assignments until the last minute!
- Review after reading.
- Keep from dozing off: don't read right before going to bed, and don't read in bed.
- Read and understand captions and figures.
- Make a glossary of terms.
- Set study goals. First things first; start with the basics and set your study goals. ...
- Make a study timetable. Once you know what you want, the next step is to prepare a weekly study timetable. ...
- Learn to say no. ...
- Stay focused on your priorities.
...
Six Steps to Smarter Studying
- Pay attention in class.
- Take good notes.
- Plan ahead for tests and projects.
- Break it down. (If you have a bunch of stuff to learn, break it into smaller chunks.)
- Ask for help if you get stuck.
- Get a good night's sleep!
Study frequently.
Studying hard for only a few hours the night before the test isn't going to help ensure perfect scores. If you really want to ace those exams, study old and new material every day, or at least several times a week. This will make test-taking a breeze. Take study breaks.
Go to bed earlier or wake up later in the days before you know you're going to have to study all night. Just an extra hour or two can help you stay up all night. This extra time can cue your body to the all-nighter as well as give you some extra hours of sleep reserve on which to draw when the night comes.
How can I study and never forget? ›- Aim for mastery, not relative performance. ...
- Eliminate multiple choice questions. ...
- Use contextual clues. ...
- Work digitally and save often. ...
- Quiz instead of review to enhance memory for lists. ...
- To prevent forgetting, ask “why.”
How can I study faster without forgetting? ›
- Drink coffee to improve memory consolidation. ...
- Meditate to improve working memory.
- Eat berries for better long-term memory.
- Exercise to improve memory recall.
- Chew gum to make stronger memories.
- Sleep more to consolidate memories.
- Prioritize your schedule: take up difficult topics early in the day. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Steal a nap. ...
- Eat to maintain energy levels. ...
- Conserve your mental energy. ...
- Take regular breaks. ...
- If possible, study/work in daylight.
Morning timetable for 15 hours study :
Lets assume you wake up at 4 am and finish your morning fresh up by 4.30 am the time table will be, 04.30 – 06.30 : SLOT 1 – For numeral subjects like Maths or Physics. 06.30 – 07.00 : Break for Fresh Up. 07.00 – 09.00 : SLOT 2 – For conceptual subjects like Chemistry or Biology.
- Find a Quiet Study Space.
- Review Your Study Guide.
- Crack Open the Textbook.
- Review Notes, Quizzes and Assignments.
- Quiz Yourself.
- Write Down Your Mnemonic Devices.
- Ask the Teacher for Help.
- Reading is not studying. Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. ...
- Understand the Study Cycle. ...
- Spacing out is good. ...
- It's good to be intense. ...
- Silence isn't golden. ...
- Problems are your friend. ...
- Reconsider multitasking. ...
- Switch up your setting.
- Make a schedule. Number one on any list of study habits has to be making a schedule. ...
- Create your environment. This one is so important while we're on lockdown. ...
- Study in bursts. Treat your brain like a muscle. ...
- Find a study group.
An effective way to study is to study before and while you do the homework. A little amount of homework may help elementary school students build study habits. Being organized and having homework routines are the most important things in helping your child develop good study habits for life.
Is it OK to study on bed? ›Studying in bed decreases productivity.
Even if you can manage to focus in your bed, it's not a productive place to get work done. First, the lack of space to spread out your research for a paper or study material for an exam is a concern.
Study Skills Resources by Subject
While both subjects require good study habits, effective listening, and reading comprehension skills, each requires a different approach to learning.
- Behavior modification can work for you. ...
- Do not study more than an hour at a time without taking a break. ...
- Separate the study of subjects that are alike. ...
- Do not study when you are tired. ...
- Prepare for your class at the best time. ...
- Use the best note-taking system for you.
What is the best time to study? ›
Most of the students prefer to study in the early morning, generally from 4 or 5 AM in the morning as the brain is more likely to concentrate. It could be the best option for students who have more stamina early in the day.
What is the fastest way to study? ›- Never Cram. There is no such thing as an effective cramming. ...
- Manage your time. Why do you cram? ...
- Practice Interlinking Ideas. Impossible you say? ...
- Make Diagrams. ...
- Set up your own Mnemonics. ...
- Learn to Visualize. ...
- Retell the Story. ...
- Take notes.
- Distract yourself. ...
- Plan to take action. ...
- Take action. ...
- Question your thoughts. ...
- Readjust your life's goals. ...
- Work on enhancing your self-esteem. ...
- Try meditation. ...
- Understand your triggers.
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
Study for quizzes and tests early.
If you have a big test coming up, start studying a few days to a week before the test. Make a study schedule, breaking up your time into sections, and stick to it. Don't wait until the night before because cramming doesn't allow your brain time to fully absorb information.
#1: Psychology
Psychology majors study the inner workings of the human psyche. You'll learn how individuals behave within certain situations and figure out how to understand people's motivations and desires. As a psychology major, you'll learn a number of useful skills, like analysis and communication.
- 1 Review your notes from class immediately after.
- 2 Do the bulk of your studying during the day.
- 3 Try to read ahead rather than play catch-up.
- 4 Teach the material to someone else.
- 5 Create a study schedule from day one.
- 6 Organize your books and materials.
The problem: You procrastinate studying, not leaving yourself enough time to absorb the material before test day. The solution: Create a routine that involves reviewing your notes regularly. Each night, take a few minutes to go over your notes from class.
How do I get A+ on every test? ›- Never Cram. ...
- Manage your time. ...
- Practice Interlinking Ideas. ...
- Make Diagrams. ...
- Set up your own Mnemonics. ...
- Learn to Visualize. ...
- Retell the Story. ...
- Take notes.
Scores of studies conclude that students really do better when they sleep. Sleeping poorly (or not at all) leads to worse test results and poorer ability to learn new things. In fact, an all nighter hurts your ability to think, reason, and understand to the same degree as if you were taking your test drunk.
Is it okay to study with music? ›
It enhances your attention. Having background music can help you focus. Studies have shown that listening to music improves your memory and this phenomenon is called the 'Mozart Effect'. It is seen that listening to music also improves your ability to do mental maths.
Which time is best to study maths? ›A new research study has found that students perform better in math classes held in the morning than those held in the afternoon.
How can I learn 10x faster? ›- Take notes with pen and paper. ...
- Have effective note-taking skills. ...
- Distributed practice. ...
- Study, sleep, more study. ...
- Modify your practice. ...
- Try a mnemonic device. ...
- Use brain breaks to restore focus.
- Try to understand the information first. Information that is organized and makes sense to you is easier to memorize. ...
- Link it. ...
- Sleep on it. ...
- Self-test. ...
- Use distributed practice. ...
- Write it out. ...
- Create meaningful groups. ...
- Use mnemonics.
The human brain occupies a fascinating evolutionary in-between of remembering and forgetting. In many cases, we keep only the gist of our experiences...at the expense of holding onto specific details. In fact, forgetting can be attributed to the presence of interfering memories and the fading of memories.
Is it OK to study slowly? ›Done effectively, slow learning can help you focus better, understand more and stack knowledge for life. It's a better approach to move knowledge from your working memory to your long-term memory bank. Over the long term, slow learners retain more than faster learners.
What to drink to avoid sleep while studying? ›Drink water often
The students should have their water bottles and fill them up every time they consume them. They can keep the bottle near their study table and should drink it every 30 minutes. Moreover, water helps them stay hydrated, especially while doing intense tasks.
While you're studying, your neurons are making new connections, and they might still be a little wobbly. While you're sleeping, those connections get stronger. Thinking back to your brain as a huge company, imagine the office needs construction done to make room for new computer servers.
How many hours can your brain study? ›This is due to the fact that the brain is only able to maintain true focus for around 45 minutes before it begins to lose steam. Therefore it would be wise practice to study diligently for up to an hour and then take a break.
Is studying 5 hours a day enough? ›Study Every Day: Establish a daily routine where you study in one place a minimum of 4 -5 hours each day. There are different kinds and 'levels' of study discussed below. What is important is that study becomes the centerpiece of your day and the continuous element in your work week. Do not wait for exam-time to study.
What is the maximum hours to study? ›
What needs to be kept in mind to avoid stress? The students should study a maximum of 10 hours a day and a minimum of 7 hours of study is enough for them to pass. We tell them to practice as much as they can through sample papers, and solving them in 3 hours by keeping a watch beside.
What should I drink before an exam? ›Water is ideal, but healthy drinks such as milk and small amounts of fruit juice count. Tea and coffee count too, but are high in caffeine. It's best to avoid sweet fizzy and energy drinks, which are high in sugar, as they'll lead to energy peaks and troughs.
What should I do 1 hour before an exam? ›- Use your moments wisely. The few minutes before you switch off the light is a fantastic time for memorisation. ...
- Eat a great meal. Make a special effort to cook yourself a decent meal. ...
- Laugh. ...
- Make sure you wake up. ...
- Know when to stop. ...
- Use the space. ...
- Don't drink too much. ...
- Do what works for you.
- Time Management.
- Consider the Hardest Questions.
- Conceptualize the Answer Before You Write.
- Draw a Diagram, Wherever Possible.
- Think About the Logic of Your Solution.
- Be Wary of Rounding and Units.
- Check your Work Towards the End.
- Be enthusiastic. ...
- Ask questions. ...
- Avoid distractions. ...
- Set clear goals and plan how to reach them. ...
- Network with people. ...
- Don't compare yourself with others. ...
- Search for a way to help the world. ...
- Don't rely on your diploma too much.
- College counseling. ...
- Emphasis on — and access to — advanced academics. ...
- Reaching out to at-risk students. ...
- Having high expectations for all students. ...
- Encouraging all postsecondary tracks without hierarchy or stigma. ...
- Closely linked middle and high schools.
Ask students to share information about each other's backgrounds and academic interests. Encourage students to prepare together for classes or exams. Create study groups within your course. Ask students to give constructive feedback on each other's work and to explain difficult ideas to each other.
Which time is best for study? ›Most of the students prefer to study in the early morning, generally from 4 or 5 AM in the morning as the brain is more likely to concentrate. It could be the best option for students who have more stamina early in the day.
How do I study like a top student? ›- Reading is not studying. Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. ...
- Understand the Study Cycle. ...
- Spacing out is good. ...
- It's good to be intense. ...
- Silence isn't golden. ...
- Problems are your friend. ...
- Reconsider multitasking. ...
- Switch up your setting.
Study Every Day: Establish a daily routine where you study in one place a minimum of 4 -5 hours each day. There are different kinds and 'levels' of study discussed below. What is important is that study becomes the centerpiece of your day and the continuous element in your work week.
How can I study 15 hours effectively? ›
- Prioritize your schedule: take up difficult topics early in the day. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Steal a nap. ...
- Eat to maintain energy levels. ...
- Conserve your mental energy. ...
- Take regular breaks. ...
- If possible, study/work in daylight.
With a weighted GPA, a student can earn higher than a 4.0 by performing well in AP or honors classes. A student's GPA is calculated by dividing grades earned across the total number of courses taken.
What are 5 tips that a high school student could use to preparing for? ›- Time Management. There are just 24 hours in each day. ...
- Good Study Habits. Good study habits include these basics: ...
- The Ability to Set Attainable Goals. It's important to set goals, as long as they're attainable. ...
- Concentration. ...
- Good Note-Taking. ...
- Completion of Assignments. ...
- Review of Daily Notes. ...
- Organizational Skills.
Schools focus on academic knowledge and teach students to memorize information, and gives them extremely low chances to learn critical life skills. Schools focus on preparing them for universities, but not for jobs and real life.
What are the 5 learning strategies? ›- The 5 Families – Teaching Strategies. Teaching Strategies are used to create learning environments and to assist students in reaching predetermined learning outcomes. ...
- Experiential Learning. ...
- Direct Instruction. ...
- Indirect Instruction. ...
- Interactive Instruction. ...
- Independent Study.
The most effective strategy according to Dunlosky's research is practice testing. It consists of studying and reviewing by answering questions and actively bringing information back to mind. When this is done, information is reconsolidated, new connections are created, and memory and understanding are strengthened.