Q&A for How to Improve Your Study Skills

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  • Question
    Which time is best for study?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    How can I love studying?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Think about what you are passionate about. Aside from your classes, what do you love? Take that answer and try to see how your classes are relevant to that. For example, let's say you love history but don't like math. In terms of history, where do you think humans would be if they never figured out math? Try to wrap what you like into all of your subjects like that.
  • Question
    I'm pretty good about studying, but I forget the material at exam time. How can I change that?
    Community Answer
    If you have prepared well for your exam, just do a simple revision the night before the test. Don't study too much the night before as that can make you so nervous and blank your mind in the middle of the exam. When in the exam, relax and remind yourself that you've done the work, you know it, and that you'll be fine.
  • Question
    How can I focus when I have so many things on my mind that I cannot focus or study at all?
    Community Answer
    Keep a diary with you. Whenever something comes in mind, just write it down and tell yourself you will do this once you are done with studying. It will be tough in beginning, but will be worth it. Be patient.
  • Question
    How can I improve my study habits?
    Community Answer
    Try to write down whatever you are studying or if you don't want to write just record your voice when you are studying and when you get some time listen to it via headphones just like you do while listening to music. This will help to review your information more thoroughly if you listen to your own voice recording and read your own handwriting.
  • Question
    How can I stop being lazy?
    Community Answer
    Find things to do make yourself busier so that you won't have time to stare at entertaining websites.
  • Question
    How can I find more time to study?
    Community Answer
    Set aside anything that isn't a priority, from TV and texting to hobbies and unnecessary after-school activities. Make the most of weekends, including Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
  • Question
    How can I get more interested in the topics I am studying?
    Community Answer
    Look for aspects that interest you or ways to connect what you're learning to your own interests. If you don't like your English class, but you love history, try to focus on the historical aspects of the literature. Every topic will have at least one interesting aspect to it. All you have to do is find those parts.
  • Question
    How can I concentrate in a distracting environment?
    Community Answer
    Focus on what is before you, leaving all distractions aside. Put noise-canceling earphones on if it is too noisy. Focus a lamp over the texts you're working with. Turn off all digital devices not being used directly for studies. Ask siblings and others to be quieter or to play somewhere away from you. Find a quiet place if your usual study area isn't quiet.
  • Question
    I studied for four hours but I forgot everything. Is there anything you can do to help me?
    Community Answer
    Next time, take more time to relax your mind. Take a 30 minute break for each hour of studying to refresh your mind so it will better retain new information.
  • Question
    How can I be less fearful when I don't understand a topic?
    Community Answer
    Don't be scared to ask for help. You can ask your friends, teacher or parents. Most people are happy to help.
  • Question
    Is it better to study at night or in the morning?
    Community Answer
    It is better to study in the morning, as your brain is rested and your mind is fresh.
  • Question
    Where is it best to study?
    Community Answer
    You can study at home or in school or at the library -- wherever you choose, make sure that place is quiet and as close to distraction-free as possible.
  • Question
    How can I improve my reading comprehension?
    Community Answer
    Start with simple, short story books and keep a dictionary beside you. After you have read the whole book, start with more difficult books and work your way up to educational books. Your reading comprehension should get stronger after you finish each new book.
  • Question
    What's the best way to study for an exam?
    Community Answer
    Begin studying two weeks before the week of your exam. Review the things you have learned, organize your time on when you're going to study, re-write your notes, sort out what you don't really understand, review past exam papers and have a good study environment. Study hard but set limits. Have study periods and have breaks in between. Let your brain rest for a while then you can continue studying more refreshed.
  • Question
    How can I store the information in my mind for a longer time?
    Community Answer
    Use spaced revision technique. Study the material until you completely understand it, and review it once every three or four days. Make use of flash cards, and frequently refer to them to make key concepts sink in.
  • Question
    How do I prevent myself from falling asleep while studying?
    Community Answer
    Try having a healthy snack while you're studying.
  • Question
    How can I reduce my time on electronic devices like mobiles and laptops?
    Community Answer
    Place them in an area where you won't see or hear them. Set a timer as you study and only look at your phone once the timer goes off, like once every two hours.
  • Question
    How can I improve in speaking the English language?
    Community Answer
    Watching English-language TV shows and movies can help you with pronunciation, proper usage, and vocabulary.
  • Question
    What can I do to not go blank during a test?
    Community Answer
    Don't panic before your exam. This can build up stress in your mind and make you forget everything. Try meditation to avoid the stress. Also, be prepared. Start studying at least three days before the test. The day before the test, go over everything one more time, then get a good night's sleep.
  • Question
    Is learning more important than understanding?
    Community Answer
    No. Learning something is useless if you don't truly understand it.
  • Question
    How can I convince myself I want to study?
    Community Answer
    Just get in a consistent daily habit of studying. Make it a part of your life. Create a studying timetable and follow it. If you need motivation, set up a reward system. Give yourself a piece of candy every time you focus on something for an hour, etc. If you make it a habit, you won't find it so unpleasant.
  • Question
    How do I increase concentration levels while I study?
    Community Answer
    Make sure there are no distractions around you, and put on some soft music to drown out any ambient noise.
  • Question
    How can I get good marks in math?
    Community Answer
    How to Get Good Grades in Math is the article you want!
  • Question
    How do I improve my reading comprehension?
    Community Answer
    Continue to practice reading as much as you can (preferably daily).
  • Question
    Whenever I have a math exam there are 40 questions and I have to complete it in one hour. I completed one in 45 minutes, but I answered most of it wrong. What should I do to finish the questions in one hour and answer it correctly?
    Community Answer
    Be patient when you are solving the questions. Go slow and step by step. Even if you finish it early, check it or go through it again.
  • Question
    How can I be good in math and science? I am perfect in other subjects.
    Community Answer
    Don't worry. Science is all about facts. Understand and study. If you can't memorize certain topics, then try to do so in a creative way, like memorizing through a song's tune. Math is all about practice, so work out sums whenever you get time.
  • Question
    How can I overcome my fear of being called a failure?
    Community Answer
    Become friends with your classmates, and they will support you instead of calling you names. Moreover, you should pay attention in class and study more. You can even ask your friends if they'd like to study together!
  • Question
    What do I do if I used to be good at learning but now I can't remember things that I study?
    Community Answer
    Take your own time to study and learn thoroughly. Don't panic for exams and learn to find easy ways for studying.
  • Question
    I have a habit of postponing my study plans to the last day. How can I overcome this?
    Community Answer
    Set a schedule for yourself to work a little each day. If you stick to it you should develop a good habit of studying.
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