Like learning to ride a bike, you can develop study skills. Good studying habits can help you do well in school and throughout your life.
Cramming the night before a test might give you some temporary knowledge, but it won’t let you learn the material. Try spacing out your studies.
Make a study schedule.
When you plan your study time, think about your learning style and what works best for you. Teachers often give estimates on how much time you might need to cover a certain subject, but your study habits will probably vary from that. For example, some students learn well by listening to recorded lectures or other audio study materials while driving or working out at the gym. Others need to be in the classroom to learn the material, so they should attend every class and review their notes. Whatever your learning style, plan for quality over quantity. A focused, intense 20 minutes of study is likely to be more productive than an unfocused two-hour session.
During your study blocks, try to eliminate distractions like TV and social media. You can even use the Pomodoro technique to help you stay on task, as it allows for short, focused study sessions followed by a brief break. It’s important to stick to the schedule that you create. This will require discipline, so it’s a good idea to make studying a priority by adjusting your daily routine or postponing or canceling extracurricular activities.
Make a list of your classes and subjects you need to study, then determine the amount of time you have available per week for each subject. Once you’ve done this, fill in the study blocks on your calendar or planner and write down what subjects you are going to cover during each session. If you are struggling to find enough time, try to work in study sessions before and after your regular classes. This will allow you to cover more subjects and avoid the stress of cramming right before an exam.
Focus on one thing at a time.
You probably know that studying hard is important, but you may not know how to make it work for you. The key is to focus on smarter ways of studying, not just harder ones. Studies in psychology show that tapping into willpower alone rarely works and can decrease your productivity. Instead, putting in place supportive structures and habits can help you achieve great grades without a lot of effort.
For example, one of the best things you can do when studying is to read out loud. This helps you see the words and hear them, which makes it easier to remember. Another study-tested tip is to review your notes immediately after a class or lecture, while the information is still fresh in your mind. You can even write them down if that helps you remember the material.
Another study-backed technique is to teach others what you’ve learned. This not only reinforces the information but also allows you to identify any gaps in your understanding. For example, if you find yourself struggling to explain what you’ve studied, you likely haven’t grasped the material well enough.
Students who achieve high grades often have mastery goals rather than just performance goals (a desire to perform well). This approach can help you stay focused on the process of studying and not just on the final result.
Try to treat your study sessions like a paid job with clear objectives and deadlines. This will help you be more productive and will give you a sense of achievement as you tick off tasks. It can also be helpful to use a to-do list so that you can break down the tasks you need to do into smaller steps and see how much you’ve accomplished by the end of each session.
Break down the material
By breaking down the material into manageable chunks, you’re able to better retain the information. For example, if you’re studying for a science or math class, it’s helpful to make connections between the new concepts you’re learning and the knowledge you already have. This will help you grasp the subject and reduce study stress. Another great tip is to try explaining the material in your own words as if you’re teaching it to someone else. This will help you pinpoint areas of confusion and gaps in knowledge. It’s also a good idea to read key information out loud. Studies show that it helps to retain information better than reading it silently.
Don’t overdo it.
Studying hard is a great way to prepare for the future, but it’s important not to overdo it. If you try to study too much, you can burn yourself out. This can lead to frustration and a loss of interest in the subject. If you need to study a lot for an exam or project, break it up into smaller chunks and take breaks between each block of study.
It’s also important to get enough sleep and rest. Studies have shown that students who get enough sleep and rest do better in school. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques or talk to a friend about your problems. A problem shared is a problem halved!
If you’re studying at home or in the library, it’s a good idea to bring snacks and drinks. This will keep you fueled and awake while you’re studying. Avoid caffeine, though, as it can interfere with your ability to concentrate. You can try a cup of green tea or herbal tea instead.
Make sure to use a planner to track all your homework and projects and make a note of any due dates. Keeping track of these things will ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or forget about any assignments.
A good night’s sleep is essential for studying, so try to stick to a regular schedule and prioritize getting quality rest. It’s also a good idea to make time for naps and to read books in print rather than on screens. Research has shown that students who read printed material remember more of what they’ve studied than those who read from a screen. You can find many interesting books and magazines at the library or online, so don’t be afraid to explore different genres.
Listen to quiet music.
Listening to the right kind of music can help boost your mood and lead to more conscientious study. It can also help keep you calm and focused during a long study session. However, listening to music that is too intense or loud can have the opposite effect and be distracting. So be careful when creating your study playlist!
If you are looking for music to study, try to find something that can fade into the background. This could be movie scores, acoustic or ambient music, or light classical music. Avoid music with lyrics or anything with a strong uptempo beat.
Try to keep your playlist at a low volume or use noise-canceling headphones to create a silent space for study. Studies show that random background noises like vacuuming, sneezing, roadwork, or children’s yelling can be more disruptive than music. However, if you live in a noisy environment, playing soothing music can help mask the noise and help you concentrate.
While music can be a helpful way to study, it is important to turn it off when you are taking an exam or writing an essay. It can reduce the capacity of your working memory, which is a limited cognitive system that helps you take in and manage new information. It’s also a good idea to stop listening to music when you are tired or hungry, as this can affect your focus.
Quiet Music is a series of soft electronic ambient compositions created by Steve Roach between 1983 and 1986 in respect of silence. This collection reflects the evolution of Roach’s musical journey, from his invigorating sequencer-percussive-driven work through weightless drifts and contemplative spaces.