10 Tips for Studying

Since we’re in the season of exams, here are some tips for studying.

1. Keep Track of Assignments

Try writing down your assignments in a planner or a to-do list in a simple notebook or even in your cell phone. It doesn't really matter what tool you use, just as long as you write down every single assignment, due date, test date, and task. It will help you stay on top of your game.

2.) Have the Right Attitude

Researchers have found that how you approach studying matters as much as what you’re studying. Being in the right mindset is important in order to study smarter. Sometimes you can’t force yourself to be in the right mindset, and it is during those times you should just simply stop studying. If you’re distracted by a relationship problems, an upcoming game, or finishing an important project, then you’re not going to be focused on what you’re studying. Come back to it when you’re not focused on something else going on. Also try to stay positive when you study.

3. Communicate With Your Professor

Every successful relationship is built upon clear communication. A student-professor relationship is no different. Miscommunication is a factor that can cause bad grades, despite your good efforts. At the end of the day, make sure you understand every assignment that's expected of you. Imagine getting a bad grade on a 10-page paper because you didn't understand the difference between an expository essay and a personal essay. Also, be sure to ask questions and find out all the details of your assignments. The more questions you ask, the more prepared you'll be.

4. Organize With Color

Try making your own color-coding system to keep your notes and thoughts organized. Use a single color for each category (like people or concepts) and use that color for everything related to that subject. You'll be surprised to discover how much strong organizational skills can change your life!

5. Establish a Study Area

Take some time to assess your individual style and needs to help plan for your perfect study place. After all, if you can’t concentrate, you can’t expect to learn anything. Everyone is different. Some people need a completely quiet room free from interruptions when they study, but others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background or taking several small breaks.

6. Prepare Yourself for Test Days

Of course everyone knows that it's important to study for the test, but there are other things to consider. What if you show up for the test one day and the room is freezing cold (like most rooms at SFA)? For some students, this would cause enough of a distraction to interrupt concentration. That leads to bad choices and bad answers. Plan ahead for heat or cold by layering your clothing. Also try using a stopwatch to help you with time management if you have to do timed essays.

7. Know Your Dominant Learning Style

Many students will struggle in a subject without understanding why. Sometimes this is because students don't understand how to study in a way that matches their brain style.

Auditory learners are people who learn best through hearing things. Visual learners learn better when they use visual aids, and tactile learners benefit by doing hands-on projects.

Everyone should examine and evaluate their habits and natural tendencies to decide which way works better for them.

8. Take Great Notes

There are a few tricks to taking great notes that really help when it comes to studying. If you’re a visual person, you should try to make as many doodles on your paper as you can (useful ones). As soon as you realize a topic has any kind of connection to another, draw a picture that makes sense to you. Sometimes the information will not sink in until you see it in an image.

There are also certain code words to look out for in a lecture that can indicate that your professor is giving you the context of an event. Learn to recognize key words and phrases that your professor deems important.

9. Conquer Procrastination

When you procrastinate, you take the chance that nothing will go wrong at the last minute, but in the  college world (or real world), things can and do go wrong. Make sure you have enough time to learn what you need to or completely the project.

So how can you battle the urge to put things off? Don’t listen to the little voice that tells you it would be more fun to play a video game, eat, or watch TV when we know better. It’s a trap!

10. Take Care of Yourself

Some of your personal habits might be affecting your grades. Are you always feeling tired, achy, or bored when it comes to homework time? You can change your grades by practicing a few healthy homework habits. Change the way you feel by taking better care of your mind and your body.

Find out how to avoid pain in your hands and neck by changing the way you sit at your computer. Also try nap times. Sometimes a good nap can refresh your body. Besides nap, you can also try working out before studying. It can boost your circulation in your brain and increase your energy level.

 -The News Reel from yo boy D.Hill

 

Resource: 

By Grace Fleming, About.com Guide

http://homeworktips.about.com/od/studymethods/tp/studyhabits.htm