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How to Study More Effectively
People often ask me what I see others doing that helps support them be able to be successful with coursework and school. Here is a list of some of the keys that I’ve found successful students do.
Attend Classes
Don’t make the mistake of skipping class and trying to teach yourself. Since the information that your teacher thinks is important will likely be what you go over in class and more likely to show up on an exam. You’ll also be more likely to remember something from class because you are more involved. Try to get involved and ask and answer questions.
Know your Teacher
Take time to learn what’s needed to get through each subject you are taking. Study the course outline and refer to it periodically to make sure you’re on track. Find out your teacher’s marking scheme and requirements for the class. You’ll be able to tailor your work to meet their requirements.
Schedule Regular Study Periods
If you don’t set aside a specific time to review, chances are you won’t review. The most effective way to learn anything is to rehearse it regularly. Be realistic as well. It’s better to spend half an hour on each subject than to plan one hour for each one and not follow through.
Establish a Regular Study Area.
When you study in the same place every time, you become conditioned to study there. Your mind will automatically kick into gear, even when you don’t feel like studying.
Shut Yourself Away from Noise and Other Distractions
TV, Phones, and nearby distractions hamper your concentration. If this is difficult, try to do some meditation or deep breathing to help you get your focus back.
Study Short and Often
Your brain takes in information faster and retains it better if you don’t try to overload it. Four short study periods a week are more effective than two long ones.
Study When you are Wide Awake
Decide what your best time is and try to schedule your study time accordingly
Study your Most Difficult Subjects First
You’re most alert when you first sit down to study, so you’ll be in the best shape to tackle the tough stuff. You’ll also feel better getting the worst out of the way, and you won’t be tempted to spend all of your time on easier or favourite subjects.
Be Selective
No one is able to retain everything they ever read or hear and it is not necessary to do so.
Get Organized
Usually categorizing the material will make it more meaningful. You may wish to use diagrams, charts, lists, cue cards, etc. Pictures can be especially effective.
Find Meaning
Information that is meaningful is learned more quickly and remembered longer. When you are trying to learn something you don’t understand or is unrelated to anything you know, it’s very difficult to retain. If you can associate it with something you’re familiar with, you will have a much easier time memorizing it.
Take Good Notes and Review Them Regularly
The best way to learn anything is to review the information often
Reward Yourself
When you complete one of the goals you set for yourself, give yourself a reward. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Try some timed phone time, TV or going for a walk. The reward system gives you an incentive to reach your goals and a pat of the back for achieving them.
Start Assignments as Soon as they are Given
A little work on an assignment each week will allow you time to give attention to its quality. Your workload will be spread out, so you’ll avoid an overload near the end of the classes.
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