Students need to develop and implement smart study techniques to improve their learning. Those studying tips will help them become more productive during their study hours.
Everyone learns differently, so it is important to find what works for you. For example, some people prefer to take handwritten notes rather than typing them. This helps to increase retention.
Set goals.
Setting goals is a great way to encourage students to become more self-directed and responsible learners. It is important to help students create goals that are realistic and will work with their personal lives.
Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited. Students should also identify why they want to achieve each goal. This will give them a sense of ownership and increase their motivation.
A good place to start is by helping students set short-term study goals for themselves, such as reading one chapter each night or taking handwritten notes instead of typing. These goals will allow students to see the benefits of their hard work and celebrate little victories along the way. Students should also think about what might stop them from achieving their goals and find ways to overcome them. For example, if they cannot concentrate in the evenings, they should try studying earlier or during their lunch break.
Make a study schedule.
Having an organized plan can help you stay on track with studying for exams and other assignments. You can use a weekly planner or calendar app to make a schedule of available study time each week.
When making a schedule, try to set aside consistent times each day or week for studying. This will help you get into a study mindset more quickly. Having a set routine also helps you focus and avoid distractions such as your phone or social media.
When setting aside study time, it is important to commit to it. You can’t make an effective study schedule if you keep blowing it off in favor of entertainment or other activities. Also, it’s helpful to change up your study location or technique periodically. For example, switching from a desk to the couch or vice versa can help you focus.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Students often fear that asking for help will make them look incompetent or weak. However, it is important to recognize that everyone needs help sometimes.
Teachers want to help their students learn as much as possible. They may not always be able to give students exactly what they need at the moment, but they can provide guidance and encouragement as needed.
To do this, students must learn to identify their struggles and take control of their learning. This means overcoming obstacles such as distractions and limiting time spent on activities that hamper study time, like socializing or watching TV. It is also helpful to have a system in place for asking questions when needed, such as by writing questions on sticky notes and leaving them at the teacher’s desk or using a virtual meeting program.
Take breaks.
Students often feel stressed out when they need to study for an upcoming test or project. While cramming and staying up all night might seem like the best way to get ready for an exam, it can hinder learning. Taking frequent breaks to relax and recharge is more beneficial.
Breaks can help you focus more and increase your productivity. You can take a nap, walk around the house, exercise, or have a conversation with someone. The key is to find an activity that will give you the energy you need so you can return to studying feeling accomplished.
Taking breaks can also help you remember what you have studied. Studies show that long periods spent studying can lead to a loss of memory. However, if you study in short sessions with breaks in between, you can avoid this problem.
Don’t think in black-and-white terms.
The problem with black-and-white thinking is that it often involves an all-or-nothing attitude. This can cause problems in relationships and lead to negative emotions like anxiety and depression. Sometimes it can even be a sign of mental illness, so it’s important to talk to a therapist or counselor about how you’re feeling.
Nebel recommends trying to get students to “think in gray terms.” This means asking questions about the material, such as how it relates to other things they’ve learned. This is called elaboration, and it helps make the information more memorable.
Another way to think in gray terms is to eliminate distractions during study sessions, especially when preparing for exams. Studies show that multitasking decreases learning and productivity. This is why it’s so important to space out study sessions and quiz yourself regularly.
Take notes by hand.
Taking notes by hand is a great way to stay focused on the material and make it easier to study later. It also allows you to avoid distractions that can cause problems in the classroom, such as looking at your phone.
Another helpful way to improve your study is to use a technique called concept maps. These are graphic ways to show relationships between ideas and can help you learn new information more quickly.
Regardless of the note-taking method you choose, it’s important to review your notes soon after class. It’s better to do this before you forget any important details. During your review, consider any questions you have and how you’ll get the answers (by studying with a friend, going over your textbook, or asking the teacher). Also, read key information out loud. This helps you hear and see the information simultaneously, improving your learning.
Don’t spend too much time on one topic.
There’s a point where studying for one subject can start to see diminishing returns. That’s why it’s good to alternate study topics throughout your self-study sessions. For example, you might spend a few minutes quizzing yourself with flashcards and then move on to making a diagram.
Interleaving can also help your working memory, which helps you keep track of what you’re reading or learning. This is especially important for subjects like history and science, where the information is often complex and difficult to retain.
To make your study time more productive, you should also try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. This means not checking your phone, watching TV, or surfing the web during your study session. Moreover, avoid taking frequent breaks during your study time, as it will hamper your productivity.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
When students explore a topic that piques their curiosity, they make stronger connections with it and are more likely to remember it. Self-studying allows students to find resources such as books and educational videos that can complement their classroom learning.
For example, one study found that when students reread material before taking a test, the results were similar to those of students who simply read the text once. Rereading can be superficial, like looking at a puzzle without putting the pieces together, researchers say.
Similarly, students can use apps such as Scanner Pro to scan their handwritten notes into digital form, which makes them easier to organize and search. They can also practice quizzes and flashcards on their mobile devices with Quizlet Go, which lets them learn anywhere. By using different methods, they will find which ones work best for them.
Don’t get too comfortable.
Students often find it difficult to concentrate and focus when they are uncomfortable. This is especially true when they are sitting in a chair that is too soft or on a bed where it is easy to fall asleep.
For this reason, schools need to pay attention to student comfort. They should provide comfortable seats in cafeterias, study nooks, and even auditoriums so that students can stay focused on their work.
In addition, it is a good idea for students to listen to background music when studying. This helps them tune out external distractions and can improve memory. If possible, students should try to keep their workspace clean and free of clutter. They should also make sure to complete any chores before starting their studies. This will help them avoid getting distracted by unfinished tasks and will allow them to focus better on their study time.
Don’t get anxious.
Anxiety can be a real problem for students. It can cause them to get distracted, or even worse, it can cause them to shut down completely. A good way to combat anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or visualizing a positive outcome.
It’s also important to help them understand that it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes. It’s just a natural response to uncertainty. However, it’s important to teach them that avoiding their anxious feelings only makes them more upset.
If they know how to handle their anxiety, it can make them more confident and better prepared for exams. While these smart study tips won’t eliminate their anxiety, they can make a difference. And if the anxiety persists, it may be time to talk to a medical professional. This is especially true for kids who have trouble speaking up in class.