So, you’ve got a big test coming up or need to boost your grade in class. You’ve been told to study, but how do you do that? We get it! Studying can seem boring, but it’s actually not as tedious as it’s made out to be. If you make a conscious effort and use the right studying techniques, you can improve your memory retention and become a studying pro! We interviewed a tutoring expert to bring you the best advice, so read on to learn how to study effectively so you can be the best student possible.
Things You Should Know
- Make a study schedule and stick to it so you retain information in a timely manner.
- Remove distractions (like your phone and TV) from your study space.
- Find a study buddy or group to help you stay accountable and have fun while studying.
Steps
Sample Study Schedules
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I teach myself to study?Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.Use studying as a self-knowledge exercise to see what works and what doesn't. For example, a very common practice is creating flashcards. Some people jump to it and love the idea of flashcards as a practical study tool. Others resist flashcards and may prefer typing out or rereading their notes. It's all a lesson in what works for you.
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QuestionDo you have any tips on memorizing every lesson?Community AnswerPay attention in class. Sit near the front and avoid getting distracted. Try to follow each lesson carefully, and learn in class. Take quick notes every class, and make sure that they are short and to the point. At the end of the class, read back over your notes to see if they all make sense, and try to memorise and learn them.
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QuestionThe article says to turn off all devices, but also to play background music. Which one should I do?Community AnswerIt depends on if you see the device as a distraction, or if music helps you concentrate. If music and the device will distract you, keep it off. If music helps you study, play it. You can also take small breaks to listen to music if you get stressed out by studying.
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- If you struggle with focusing, try the pomodoro method. Work for 25 minutes and take a 5 to 15 minute break, repeat this four times before taking a longer break.Thanks
- Quickly skim through your study guide the morning of the test so you feel confident in your knowledge and your ability to perform well.Thanks
- If you need to memorize any equations, facts, or definitions listen to an audio of the content on your way to school.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Do not expect yourself to understand everything about whatever subject or topic you're learning. Learn at your own pace, and don't expect to know everything.
- It may help to take a bath or shower before you start to study. This can help limit distractions, re-energize you, and make you feel more relaxed.
- When you study, chew gum or have a mint. Then, use the same gum or mint flavor while taking the test. It sounds strange, but it may work!
- If you're struggling with a particular topic, try reciting your notes or passages to help retain the information.
- If you are struggling with studying, consider hiring an online tutor.
- Try to join study groups or invite friends over to study together.
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about studying, check out our in-depth interview with Jai Flicker .
References
- ↑ Bryce Warwick, JD. Test Prep Tutor, Warwick Strategies. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
- ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html
- ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-study-in-six-simple-steps.html
- ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
- ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
- ↑ http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html
- ↑ https://www.thethinkingkid.org/post/the-importance-of-hands-on-learning
- ↑ http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html
- ↑ http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150429-how-to-learn-with-zero-effort
- ↑ http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/~rapaport/howtostudy.html
- ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ Jai Flicker. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
- ↑ https://www.yc.edu/v6/learning-center/docs/study-group-student-benefits.pdf
- ↑ Bryce Warwick, JD. Test Prep Tutor, Warwick Strategies. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
- ↑ Bryce Warwick, JD. Test Prep Tutor, Warwick Strategies. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/testing-tips.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower
- ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.examtime.com/blog/music-for-studying/
- ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
About This Article
To study effectively, start by minimizing distractions. Try silencing your phone and logging out of your social media accounts, so you can completely focus on your study materials. However, you should take a 10-minute break every hour so you can recharge and refocus. As you study, stop every once in a while to summarize the material you’re reviewing in your own words, since doing this will help you remember it better. When you're nearly done with your study session, spend some time condensing all the material you're studying into 1 or 2 sheets of notes so you have it all in one place. That way, you'll be able to squeeze in a quick review right before the test.
Reader Success Stories
- "Well it's basically all commonsense we all know what we have to do in order to be good in studying. But some people's lives are hard to fit in studying, not all of us have the time or anywhere to be at peace and learn. So in all, very powerful and very easy, thanks." ..." more