Tips for Studying? Share Them Here!
Hello, fellow students! Since the decade+ of me being a student on various levels, I found out there are certain ways of studying that suit me better than others. However, I'm always open to any tips and suggestions to make the exam period less torturous :P Also, I think knowing what studying methods other people use might serve as an inspiration to the rest of us :)
How do you like to study?
Are there any things that work great for you and you'd like to share them with others?
Thanks for sharing!
@Barush I like to set a certain time during the day to study, like every TTH3-5pm. I find if I set a specific schedule, it really helps me do more productive work.
These might not be the most normal methods, but I like the challenge of makingstudyingfun:
-I?m an audio/kinaestheticlearner, so if I have to memorize something, I?ll speak it out loud (in a private space) so I can hear it, or practice writing it out so my hands know how it feels to be writing that sequence of letters (this is probably not scientifically valid at all, but it?s fun!)
-I think in general, keeping organized in other aspects of life helps me study so my mind doesn?t start to wander in page 86 of readings and wonder if I have enough food in the fridge for dinner!
-Teach it to someone else-I?ve heard of stats that say you can retain around 90% of what you?ve learnt if you relay the information to others
-"50 minute hours", with 10 minutes of break in between to stretch, get hydrated, etc.
-Reading, and then taking a walk and thinking about what I've read -something about thinking thoughts while there is an ongoinga steady pace of movement helps!
-I?ve heard that listening to any kind ofmusic 10-15 minutes before a study session can help activate the brain and prepare it for focus. It doesn?t work for me, but it?s worth a try!
@Jadie, nice tips!
I'm also akinaesthetic learner! I also learn by observation the most.
But until not too long ago, I always thought I was just bad atconcentration and disinterested,but it's not necessarily the case. I just can't sit still and do something for a very long time.
I actually have to have the TV on whilst I study too (but it can never be something I haven't seen more than once because otherwise I might get too distracted!), as it gives me opportunities to sit and relax if my mind wanders for a moment, without - as you said - thinking about the fridge! =P
I find taking care of myself physically is really important too. It's crazy what an extra hour of sleep can do for you!:)
My finals week is coming up soon and I would like to say thanks for all the tips so far. Personally I practice practice practice. I will write a step by step guide of how do do every type of problem and then work through examples. this mostly works well with math or math based classes.
I sit down with a cup of tea, some biscuits, my pajamas on and all distractions switched off. I go onto GCSE Bitesize and read what I need to know and maybe watch a few videos. I turn my revision notes into a song and even just some silly rhymes. It helps! :)
I go into the test panicking, but not too panicky, and answer every single question in case I can pick up some extra marks. Even if my final answer is wrong, my working out maybe right!
If you answer every question, even if it's just the wildest guess ever, you could still get it right. I guessed on a few questions on my science test, and this mark is going on my school report, so I was freaking out but in the end I got 66% and that's a B! (My target for the end of year is a C)
A large cup of tea makes late night study sessions go so much easier.
Are you sure? Instead of just one cup, 7 cups of tea would be better.
Hey everyone :) i close my eyes and focus on my breath for 5 minutes before starting to study.. also i take a break of 10 mins after every 40 minutes... that helps me relax a little bit...
Here are two techniques that I love to use:
1. Sit someone down that doesn't know the subject, and teach it to them! 90% of knowledge can be retained through teaching!
2. Go to a place that is free of most noise and other distractions, look at your textbook, notes, and other resources, and rewrite them!
This post was one of the informational posts that o read today...thanks each one of you for your tips..:)
A few other tips, I usually put on music that does not have lyrics so that I don't attempt to sing along and distract myself. Usually this equates to techno dance music. I also use over the ear noise cancelling headphones to try and block out the world.
I also try to remember to eat dinner/lunch before I start studying because otherwise once I get up to go eat it is unlikely I will be able to return to my original work ethic. Which brings me to the idea of taking short breaks every hour. I find once I start breaking, I don't have the willpower to stop so instead of ceasing to work altogether, I will change to a different subject. This week especially, I will be alternating between Differential Equations and Statics.
on a side note, pandora.com has gotfree streamed radio channels such as classical and electronic music for the purpose of studying
My best advice to students is to find the specifications of the subjects you're doing. You can find them on the exam board website as a pdf, and they tell you everything you need to know - the exam setters can't ask you anything that isn't there! These can form the basis for your revision, as you can go through them topic by topic. Closer to the exams, past papers and sample questions help you practice your timing and techniques, as well as flag up any areas you're still shaky on. Also, plan your time - draw yourself a timetable or a checklist to make sure you don't just ignore some topics entirely. Websites like getrevising have some good (and free!) software for this. But most importantly, believe in yourself - you remember way more than you think you do and it will soon be over.
