It is a common problem for students to study their lessons effectively and to retain information better. There is also no single fool-proof study habit that would be applicable to every student. Each has his own way of processing information as well as the attitude toward studying. However, there are tips that anyone can apply to aid them in studying more effectively.
1. Determine a time that you find more suitable for studying.
It is true that every student has a different study pattern. Even a time for effective studying can vary. Some are accustomed to studying right after class. This enables them to continue their momentum to study. Others are more comfortable to study during the night, before going to sleep. For some, the best time would be the early morning around 3am to 5am. This is the time the brain is least stressed, thus it can absorb information better. So find a time that you find most effective for your study.
2. Study in advance. The brain works better with information it is familiar with.
The brain works well with familiarity. It tends to easily process information that it is familiar with. To aid the brain, study in advance and study often. When it is nearly the time for your examination; study ahead of time – a week or so in advance will do the trick. This works best for people who do not want to cram. Cramming can shut down the brain. However, there are also people who work well with pressure. So, determine which you prefer better, cramming or preparation?
3. Allot a time for each of your subjects according to importance or difficulty.
Identify which lessons are difficult to study and spend more time on them. Spend 10 minutes or so for minor subjects or those you find easy. Do practice tests for difficult subjects. They can help you familiarize with the subject better. When you do things often, they tend to get easier. That’s the essence of taking practice tests on subjects you find challenging.
4. Study at your best.
Make sure that you study with a good mood. For instance, if something is bothering you, your mind will not focus if you study. So it is better that you resolve whatever it is that bothers you then you can move on to studying. The same applies when you are not feeling well or too tired to study.
5. Take breaks when you study.
It is also very important that you take a rest when you study. Say, for every 30-50 minutes of studying, you can take a 5-10 minute break to drink or do anything. This will relax your brain and be prepared for another bout of studying.
6. Work on your memory.
It is expected that you memorize when you study especially when you are preparing for an exam. You need to remember formulas and concepts and you can only do this when you have great memory. If you don't, you might as well try to work on your memory to improve your study skills and academic results.
1. Determine a time that you find more suitable for studying.
It is true that every student has a different study pattern. Even a time for effective studying can vary. Some are accustomed to studying right after class. This enables them to continue their momentum to study. Others are more comfortable to study during the night, before going to sleep. For some, the best time would be the early morning around 3am to 5am. This is the time the brain is least stressed, thus it can absorb information better. So find a time that you find most effective for your study.
2. Study in advance. The brain works better with information it is familiar with.
The brain works well with familiarity. It tends to easily process information that it is familiar with. To aid the brain, study in advance and study often. When it is nearly the time for your examination; study ahead of time – a week or so in advance will do the trick. This works best for people who do not want to cram. Cramming can shut down the brain. However, there are also people who work well with pressure. So, determine which you prefer better, cramming or preparation?
3. Allot a time for each of your subjects according to importance or difficulty.
Identify which lessons are difficult to study and spend more time on them. Spend 10 minutes or so for minor subjects or those you find easy. Do practice tests for difficult subjects. They can help you familiarize with the subject better. When you do things often, they tend to get easier. That’s the essence of taking practice tests on subjects you find challenging.
4. Study at your best.
Make sure that you study with a good mood. For instance, if something is bothering you, your mind will not focus if you study. So it is better that you resolve whatever it is that bothers you then you can move on to studying. The same applies when you are not feeling well or too tired to study.
5. Take breaks when you study.
It is also very important that you take a rest when you study. Say, for every 30-50 minutes of studying, you can take a 5-10 minute break to drink or do anything. This will relax your brain and be prepared for another bout of studying.
6. Work on your memory.
It is expected that you memorize when you study especially when you are preparing for an exam. You need to remember formulas and concepts and you can only do this when you have great memory. If you don't, you might as well try to work on your memory to improve your study skills and academic results.