8 Highly Effective Study Habits
1. How you approach studying matters (yes, I know studying is not your favourite thing!)
- Think positively and practice mindfulness. This will help you calm down and focus on the task at hand,
- Instead of thinking “I always mess things up,” the more objective view is, “I didn’t do so well that time, what can I do to improve?”
- Avoid comparing yourself with others, because you usually just end up feeling bad about yourself.
2. Where you study is important
Find a comfy spot with NO distractions (or as few as possible). If this is difficult, ask your teacher for suggestions.
Find a comfy spot with NO distractions (or as few as possible). If this is difficult, ask your teacher for suggestions.
3. Bring everything you need, nothing you don’t
This includes cellphones, IPads and other personal devices offer distractions (you know what I'm talking about). Make sure that you do bring what you truly need so that you are not interrupting your studying to get something you forgot, some papers or a book, for example.
This includes cellphones, IPads and other personal devices offer distractions (you know what I'm talking about). Make sure that you do bring what you truly need so that you are not interrupting your studying to get something you forgot, some papers or a book, for example.
4. Outline and rewrite your notes
Make an outline of the basic information you must know, along with important vocabulary. There is SO MUCH information out there - you must put it in note form, no one expects you to remember every single thing! Use a highlighter as well to help focus your attention.
Make an outline of the basic information you must know, along with important vocabulary. There is SO MUCH information out there - you must put it in note form, no one expects you to remember every single thing! Use a highlighter as well to help focus your attention.
5. Use memory games (mnemonic devices)
The most common mnemonic device example is “BEDMAS.” Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction - order of operations.
Mnemonic devices are helpful because you use more of your brain to remember visual and active images than you do to remember just a list of items. Using more of your brain means better memory.
The most common mnemonic device example is “BEDMAS.” Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction - order of operations.
Mnemonic devices are helpful because you use more of your brain to remember visual and active images than you do to remember just a list of items. Using more of your brain means better memory.
6. Practice by yourself or with friends
The old age saying, practice makes perfect, is true. You can practice by yourself by testing yourself with either practice exams, past quizzes, or flash cards. You and your friends can also make Kahoots for each other!
The old age saying, practice makes perfect, is true. You can practice by yourself by testing yourself with either practice exams, past quizzes, or flash cards. You and your friends can also make Kahoots for each other!
7. Make a schedule you can stick to
Too many people treat studying as the thing to do when you get around to it or have some spare time. But if you schedule study time just as your class time is scheduled, you’ll find it becomes much less of a hassle in the long run.
Too many people treat studying as the thing to do when you get around to it or have some spare time. But if you schedule study time just as your class time is scheduled, you’ll find it becomes much less of a hassle in the long run.
8. Take breaks (and rewards!)
Because so many people view studying as a chore or task, it’s human nature to avoid it. If, however, you find rewards to help reinforce what you’re doing, you may be pleasantly surprised by the change you may find in your attitude over time.
For example, study for 30 to 60 minutes, then plan a five to ten minute reward/break, whether it is fun YouTube videos, a snack, music, chatting with a friend, or, best idea yet, physical activity!
Because so many people view studying as a chore or task, it’s human nature to avoid it. If, however, you find rewards to help reinforce what you’re doing, you may be pleasantly surprised by the change you may find in your attitude over time.
For example, study for 30 to 60 minutes, then plan a five to ten minute reward/break, whether it is fun YouTube videos, a snack, music, chatting with a friend, or, best idea yet, physical activity!