Difference between revisions of "Study Well"
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| − | The main thing about studying well is to first study smart.<ref>http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/2012/how-to-study-smart-not-hard/</ref> Preparing for a test shouldn't involve staying up all night before an exam. Studying well requires preparation ahead of time. The trick to studying well is learning a few tricks as well as your own preferences. Studying depends on your commitment and what type of environment you strive in. | + | The main thing about studying well is to first study smart.<ref name="rf17029">http://www.planetofsuccess.com/blog/2012/how-to-study-smart-not-hard/</ref> Preparing for a test shouldn't involve staying up all night before an exam. Studying well requires preparation ahead of time. The trick to studying well is learning a few tricks as well as your own preferences. Studying depends on your commitment and what type of environment you strive in. |
[[Category:Learning Techniques and Student Skills]] | [[Category:Learning Techniques and Student Skills]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Taking Care of Yourself === | === Taking Care of Yourself === | ||
#Drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of our bodies. Having a glass of water available while studying will help fuel your concentration during studying. Staying hydrated can benefit your memory as well. | #Drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of our bodies. Having a glass of water available while studying will help fuel your concentration during studying. Staying hydrated can benefit your memory as well. | ||
| − | #Eat well. Treating your body well is half the battle of entering the right mindset. There are certain foods you can eat that will improve your focus and your general well-being. Studies show that eating high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods like oatmeal are best for the morning of a test. The food you consume the two weeks leading up to the exam are just as important and effect how you study. Eat a well balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.<ref>http://blog.suny.edu/2013/12/scientifically-the-best-ways-to-prepare-for-final-exams/</ref> | + | #Eat well. Treating your body well is half the battle of entering the right mindset. There are certain foods you can eat that will improve your focus and your general well-being. Studies show that eating high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods like oatmeal are best for the morning of a test. The food you consume the two weeks leading up to the exam are just as important and effect how you study. Eat a well balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.<ref name="rf17030">http://blog.suny.edu/2013/12/scientifically-the-best-ways-to-prepare-for-final-exams/</ref> |
#*Incorporate superfoods into your diet like blueberries and almonds. | #*Incorporate superfoods into your diet like blueberries and almonds. | ||
| − | #Stimulate your circulatory system. This system controls your heart and blood path. Part of healthy studying is a healthy flow of blood to your brain. Studies have proved that 20 minutes stimulating this system improves your memory. Don't feel obliged to go on a run if you don't want to. Bust a move in your living room to your favorite dance track. Let this be your time to unwind and alleviate stress during your study break.<ref | + | #Stimulate your circulatory system. This system controls your heart and blood path. Part of healthy studying is a healthy flow of blood to your brain. Studies have proved that 20 minutes stimulating this system improves your memory. Don't feel obliged to go on a run if you don't want to. Bust a move in your living room to your favorite dance track. Let this be your time to unwind and alleviate stress during your study break.<ref name="rf17030" /> |
#*The main thing is get your heart rate up. Once it is faster continue doing an exercise for at least twenty minutes. | #*The main thing is get your heart rate up. Once it is faster continue doing an exercise for at least twenty minutes. | ||
#Sleep well. Getting a full nights rest, between 7-8 hours, helps motivate you to study. If you are sleep deprived, studying will feel like a chore. You won't learn nearly as much information sleepy as you will after a good night's rest. | #Sleep well. Getting a full nights rest, between 7-8 hours, helps motivate you to study. If you are sleep deprived, studying will feel like a chore. You won't learn nearly as much information sleepy as you will after a good night's rest. | ||
=== Studying Smart === | === Studying Smart === | ||
#Stick to a schedule. After planning out when the best time for you to work, follow through. Set aside a chunk of time every day for studying. Even if your exam or presentation is two weeks away, a little each day goes a long way. | #Stick to a schedule. After planning out when the best time for you to work, follow through. Set aside a chunk of time every day for studying. Even if your exam or presentation is two weeks away, a little each day goes a long way. | ||
| − | #Understand what you're learning. It's common for students to memorize what they know they'll be tested on, but it's not as efficient. Understanding what you study increases your chances of retaining it. You might not care to retain trigonometry past your final exam, but in the long run, you will.<ref | + | #Understand what you're learning. It's common for students to memorize what they know they'll be tested on, but it's not as efficient. Understanding what you study increases your chances of retaining it. You might not care to retain trigonometry past your final exam, but in the long run, you will.<ref name="rf17029" /> |
| − | #*Create links to what you are studying. Establishing connections to what you are studying to your everyday life is not always the easy. This is a skill that you can improve over time. Spend extra time using your imagination to draw links from what you're studying to aspects of your life.<ref | + | #*Create links to what you are studying. Establishing connections to what you are studying to your everyday life is not always the easy. This is a skill that you can improve over time. Spend extra time using your imagination to draw links from what you're studying to aspects of your life.<ref name="rf17029" /> |
#Use flash cards. This is one of the best techniques you can use in studying that stretches across almost every subject. The act of writing out the information onto the card begins your brain's focus onto the subject. Once you've finished you can test yourself for an extended period of time, and then let others test you. | #Use flash cards. This is one of the best techniques you can use in studying that stretches across almost every subject. The act of writing out the information onto the card begins your brain's focus onto the subject. Once you've finished you can test yourself for an extended period of time, and then let others test you. | ||
#*If you read the definition side of the card and quiz yourself on the term, switch sides. Force yourself to give the definition or formula to the word or concept. | #*If you read the definition side of the card and quiz yourself on the term, switch sides. Force yourself to give the definition or formula to the word or concept. | ||
| − | #Rewrite your notes. Some people may find this excruciating because they already spent a fair amount of time creating the notes in class. Rewrite your notes by adding more information to them. Don't just sift through your notes mindlessly transcribing them. Use external sources like a textbook or an assigned essay.<ref>https://student.unsw.edu.au/studying-exams</ref> | + | #Rewrite your notes. Some people may find this excruciating because they already spent a fair amount of time creating the notes in class. Rewrite your notes by adding more information to them. Don't just sift through your notes mindlessly transcribing them. Use external sources like a textbook or an assigned essay.<ref name="rf17031">https://student.unsw.edu.au/studying-exams</ref> |
#*This is a good way to study because it requires you to take an extra step past reading your notes and textbook. Reading, thinking, and writing are all ingredients to an efficient study session. | #*This is a good way to study because it requires you to take an extra step past reading your notes and textbook. Reading, thinking, and writing are all ingredients to an efficient study session. | ||
| − | #Take breaks. After spending a decent amount of time studying, between 45 minutes to an hour, take a quick break, 10-15 minutes. This is a tried and true learning method. After your break revisit what you were previously working on as a test. Revisiting subjects after distancing yourself will reinforce the materials into your brain.<ref>http://psychcentral.com/lib/top-10-most-effective-study-habits/?all=1</ref> | + | #Take breaks. After spending a decent amount of time studying, between 45 minutes to an hour, take a quick break, 10-15 minutes. This is a tried and true learning method. After your break revisit what you were previously working on as a test. Revisiting subjects after distancing yourself will reinforce the materials into your brain.<ref name="rf17032">http://psychcentral.com/lib/top-10-most-effective-study-habits/?all=1</ref> |
#*Don't watch a television program or play a video game on your break. You might become too engaged and distracted to go back to work. Try walking the dog or go out for a quick run. | #*Don't watch a television program or play a video game on your break. You might become too engaged and distracted to go back to work. Try walking the dog or go out for a quick run. | ||
| − | #Test yourself. After studying for your allotted chunk of time, test yourself during the last 20 or 30 minutes. This is a good way of reviewing everything you just went over and will cause the concepts you've learned to sink deeper into your brain. Textbooks often have practice tests at the end of a chapter. Try your best to go through one of these even if it isn't assigned.<ref>https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-hacks/</ref> | + | #Test yourself. After studying for your allotted chunk of time, test yourself during the last 20 or 30 minutes. This is a good way of reviewing everything you just went over and will cause the concepts you've learned to sink deeper into your brain. Textbooks often have practice tests at the end of a chapter. Try your best to go through one of these even if it isn't assigned.<ref name="rf17033">https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-hacks/</ref> |
#*You don't need practice tests to test yourself. You can always use your hand to cover up definitions or parts of your notes. Then say the idea of what you've covered up out loud. | #*You don't need practice tests to test yourself. You can always use your hand to cover up definitions or parts of your notes. Then say the idea of what you've covered up out loud. | ||
#*If you're wrong, go through the correct answers. | #*If you're wrong, go through the correct answers. | ||
| − | #Avoid cramming. Cramming, or studying extensively the night before, doesn't work. Most people need a few days to review their notes for the information to really sink in.<ref | + | #Avoid cramming. Cramming, or studying extensively the night before, doesn't work. Most people need a few days to review their notes for the information to really sink in.<ref name="rf17030" /> By cramming, the information you're memorizing will not be retained. Ignore those who claim to cram for everything. Sometimes people are freakishly good at testing and school. Don't compare yourself to them! Everyone is different and you'll need to do whatever fits your needs. |
=== Preparing for Your Studies === | === Preparing for Your Studies === | ||
| − | #Keep an agenda. In class it's important to write your assignments down.<ref | + | #Keep an agenda. In class it's important to write your assignments down.<ref name="rf17029" /> When your teacher tells you about an exam next Friday, write it down. Place a note about the exam for each day until the exam. Writing down your assignments will reinforce homework into your mental to do list. |
#*An organized schedule for your school work prevents you from being overwhelmed. | #*An organized schedule for your school work prevents you from being overwhelmed. | ||
#*For it to work, you need to use it everyday and look at it every time you sit down for homework. | #*For it to work, you need to use it everyday and look at it every time you sit down for homework. | ||
| − | #Plan your study time. Different people like to work and read at different parts of the day. Try out a few time slots to figure out when you're most productive. It's common for students to take a small break after school and then study. Take time to have a quick snack and then sit down to study. If you finish your work in the afternoon, you can relax in the evening.<ref | + | #Plan your study time. Different people like to work and read at different parts of the day. Try out a few time slots to figure out when you're most productive. It's common for students to take a small break after school and then study. Take time to have a quick snack and then sit down to study. If you finish your work in the afternoon, you can relax in the evening.<ref name="rf17032" /> |
#*Some people find it more beneficial to work on homework and study at night or early in the morning. This all depends on your schedule and habits. | #*Some people find it more beneficial to work on homework and study at night or early in the morning. This all depends on your schedule and habits. | ||
#*If you're committed to sports or an after school activity, you'll need designate your time to study carefully. It's easy to blow off studying after an intense training, so be aware. | #*If you're committed to sports or an after school activity, you'll need designate your time to study carefully. It's easy to blow off studying after an intense training, so be aware. | ||
#Have a good space to study. You need a desk or a table with a decent amount of space. You will also need good lighting. Students will often say that listening to music, having the TV on, or keeping their phone out helps, but these are all distractions. If you can't work in silence, listen to ambient music instead of music that's lyric driven. | #Have a good space to study. You need a desk or a table with a decent amount of space. You will also need good lighting. Students will often say that listening to music, having the TV on, or keeping their phone out helps, but these are all distractions. If you can't work in silence, listen to ambient music instead of music that's lyric driven. | ||
#*Avoid reading textbooks on your bed. The temptation to sleep is too great. | #*Avoid reading textbooks on your bed. The temptation to sleep is too great. | ||
| − | #*Studying outside of your house can help you focus. Changing the literal room of where you study can improve your retention rate.<ref | + | #*Studying outside of your house can help you focus. Changing the literal room of where you study can improve your retention rate.<ref name="rf17029" /> Try visiting a local coffee shop or a nearby library. It depends on your preferences. |
#Plan a study group. A lot of people benefit from participating in study groups. These can be extremely informal and are usually very effective. You don't need to be a lone wolf when it comes to academics. Humans are social creatures. Even if you feel that you don't know as much as these other students, you should still try it. You'll find that you do have something to contribute to the group. | #Plan a study group. A lot of people benefit from participating in study groups. These can be extremely informal and are usually very effective. You don't need to be a lone wolf when it comes to academics. Humans are social creatures. Even if you feel that you don't know as much as these other students, you should still try it. You'll find that you do have something to contribute to the group. | ||
#*Studies show that those who prepare for exams studying in a group have higher passing rates. | #*Studies show that those who prepare for exams studying in a group have higher passing rates. | ||
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#*You need to at least study 2 and half hours everyday. So you need to study 30 minutes for each subject you have. | #*You need to at least study 2 and half hours everyday. So you need to study 30 minutes for each subject you have. | ||
=== Setting the Right Mindset === | === Setting the Right Mindset === | ||
| − | #Give your full attention. In the classroom, you should be ready to learn and not view it as a time to clown off. Sit in the front row, if you don't have assigned seating. Avoid classmates who like to joke around in class. This attitude will sink into your study time.<ref | + | #Give your full attention. In the classroom, you should be ready to learn and not view it as a time to clown off. Sit in the front row, if you don't have assigned seating. Avoid classmates who like to joke around in class. This attitude will sink into your study time.<ref name="rf17029" /> |
| − | #Change topics. Concentrating on one subject for an entire study session can be counter-productive. If you can do it, power to you. Vary what subject you are studying. This will freshen your concentration by fixing your eyes onto a new topic.<ref | + | #Change topics. Concentrating on one subject for an entire study session can be counter-productive. If you can do it, power to you. Vary what subject you are studying. This will freshen your concentration by fixing your eyes onto a new topic.<ref name="rf6034" /> |
| − | #Be here now. It can be the hardest thing to do in today's world of distractions. If you begin to feel like you're not being as productive, say to yourself, "be here now." Then slowly focus back to what you were studying. It might sound gimmicky, but reminding yourself in this way could help. It doesn't work for everyone.<ref | + | #Be here now. It can be the hardest thing to do in today's world of distractions. If you begin to feel like you're not being as productive, say to yourself, "be here now." Then slowly focus back to what you were studying. It might sound gimmicky, but reminding yourself in this way could help. It doesn't work for everyone.<ref name="rf6034" /> |
#*Say this with a deep breathe while your eyes are closed for a deeper calming effect. | #*Say this with a deep breathe while your eyes are closed for a deeper calming effect. | ||
== Video == | == Video == | ||
