23 SECRETS OF STUDYING

Everyone is different. Different methods work for different people; the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current study techniques.

The more you teach others the more you retain. Those who study with the intention to teach others retain more than those who study for themselves alone.

Reading is important but studying is deeper. Studying involves reading and finding out deeper meaning; finding out deeper layers of knowledge and research. Studying is the key! So study and study!

Don't use any substance or drug to prevent you from sleeping while reading. Also, don’t put your legs in water to prevent sleep as some people believe. If you feel sleepy, go to sleep. Obey the call of nature to avoid health implications for yourself.

Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams.

It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory.

Don't try to do all your study the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.

Have all of your study material in front of you: lecture notes, course textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material.

Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).

Start out by studying the most important information.

Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.

Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.

Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.

Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget.

Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.

If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.

Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter, practice tests that the teacher may give out or other pertinent materials.

Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the boredom of studying.

Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.

  

Don't miss class. Listening to lectures and participating in discussions is much more effective than reading someone else's notes. Active participation will help you retain what your are learning.

  

 If a concept gives you trouble, do additional reading or problem solving beyond what has been assigned. And if you still have trouble, ask for help: you surely can find friends, colleagues, or teachers who will be glad to help you learn.

Working together with friends can be valuable in helping you to solve difficult problems. However, be sure that you learn with your friends and do not become dependent on them.

When studying your text: Don't highlight – underline instead! Using a pen or pencil to underline material requires greater care than highlighting, and therefore helps to keep you alert as you study.