How to Study Smarter
Most students have a similar image in their minds when they think about studying: hunched over reading books and notes, underlining important words and sections, taking notes, and editing them. However some people may find this method tedious, and not every student may get the intended outcome. Sometimes, traditional forms of studying can be effective for students, however, there are also other ways for students to study and study the smart way.
Table of Contents
How to study smarter?
But how precisely does one study more intelligently is the question. Students can accomplish this in a variety of ways, but fear not—we’ve compiled a list of the top methods for studying more effectively that will put them on the path to success.
1. Prepare well ahead for exams
Exam preparation is something that many students do the night before. While we’ve all been guilty of putting things off occasionally, consistently doing so can make it harder for students to give their all. Exam preparation offers significant advantages. Students are better able to focus and feel more assured when responding to test questions. But, if a student just has the night before’s study material to draw from for the exam, they could run into a number of additional issues. Using efficient study methods is one of the finest strategies to make sure students don’t experience this.
Students may prevent missing anything by using a planner to organize and schedule their study and homework routines. They can also alter their planner to display the amount of time they can set aside for studying and to balance their social and academic lives. They can even set out a specific amount of time to study each subject that they must.
Students can use the same planner to manage their time if they participate in extracurricular activities. Make a strategy that breaks down the tasks you must complete before moving on to the next one, along with the deadline for completion. To ensure that nothing goes unfinished that requires immediate attention, arrange the tasks in order of importance, starting with the most crucial ones.
Because of this, when creating your study timetable, remember to allot more time for studying as opposed to other activities, such as extracurriculars. This is particularly true in the lead-up to exams. In this manner, you’ll have plenty of time to study before you actually have to take the test. Furthermore, adhere rigorously to the timetable you have created for yourself.
2. Incorporate various learning strategies
There are many different approaches to studying and learning, just as there are different learning styles among students. Furthermore, there are no strict guidelines that one must adhere to when studying. While some people only learn visually, others can blend their auditory and visual senses. To add some spice to your studies, consider implementing these suggestions.
- Reading and writing
- Going through notes as many times as possible and using paraphrasing techniques
- Take down notes of ideas and important concepts
- Use Post-it or sticky notes and post them in areas where they are most likely to be seen all the time
- Visual learners
- Use colored pens or highlighters to underline or highlight important key points
- Make use of visual aids like flashcards, flowcharts, and graphs
- Watch videos explaining the areas related to the topic you are studying
- Kinesthetic learners
- Use a standing or walking desk when studying
- Use a fidget toy when studying
- Make small steps or walk around while studying
- Auditory learners
- Engage in group study sessions so you can participate in discussions while studying
- Reading notes aloud
- Record lessons and listen to them as you revise
3. Use the power of good note-taking strategies
One of the most effective strategies for students to study more effectively is to take good notes. Writing your notes as neatly as possible is a bonus, but good notes come from how you organize them. In order to draw attention to and highlight significant aspects, many students use different colored pens, which also help them recall these crucial concepts.
In addition to helping students retain what their teacher has taught them, having well-structured and ordered notes can also improve their understanding of the subject and help them acquire useful learning skills. Because they demonstrate that you have paid attention in class, taking into account what you are writing, connecting the topics discussed, and—most importantly—having the best review notes for studying after school, well-organized notes enhance understanding and memory. Since they can recall the majority of the subjects and ideas they have studied for the test, many students swear by efficient note-taking strategies.
4. Test yourself
Testing oneself is one approach to getting ready for an impending exam as well. Why not give yourself a test after you are comfortable enough with a particular subject to determine if you have grasped all the concepts or if there are still some you may need to work on? Using assessment books or previous exam papers that have the same questions you’ll probably see on the real test is the most effective method of self-evaluation. Make sure to devote a little more time to reviewing the topics you haven’t mastered yet, and take note of your areas of weakness and what you have already mastered.
5. Get enough sleep
This is a quite typical situation. The night before the test, you have used every study strategy you know how to employ, but all of a sudden, you find it difficult to recall the material. Prior to tests, students frequently stay up late, which may backfire if they forget what they have studied due to sleep deprivation. Students who get a good night’s sleep on exam day are more likely to remember most of the material. Sleep deprivation impairs a person’s ability to think clearly, be creative, and remember things.
Students who are well-rested and have slept well will find they can concentrate better during the exam, which will help them recall what they have studied and thus, contribute to getting good grades.
6. Ask for help when needed
When you don’t comprehend the topic that’s in front of you, it is always hard to study efficiently. While some students may find it difficult to ask questions, you should never hesitate to speak with your teachers if there is anything you don’t understand. Even reading one’s own notes can be rather perplexing at times. Ask your teacher to go over the notes with you if you are looking over them and anything doesn’t seem right.
You can also use the services of a home tutor if you are struggling in a certain subject and you want to get better even after school. In addition to having extensive training in teaching, a home tutor specializes in the subjects you may be struggling with. They will aid in your improved understanding and eventual mastery of the subject. Learning at your own pace, receiving individualized instruction from your home tutor, studying the subject in the comforts of your own home or even online, and having the tutor of your choice are just a few of the main advantages of engaging in home tuition.
7. Breakdown topics into manageable chunks
Many students find that studying all at once can be confusing and intimidating. It’s possible that retention may be low because there will be so much information flowing at once. This is why when there are a lot of topics to learn, breaking up the material into smaller chunks and studying in sections can be helpful. If you have ten chapters to study, divide them up into manageable chunks and spend about five nights going over each one rather than reading them all at once. Remember that you may always revisit the material the next night before beginning to study for the next section if you feel that you won’t be able to understand something right away.
8. Practice what you learned
Practice is one of the best ways to effectively learn as it helps with memory retention, facilitates recall, and also speeds up the learning process. During a group discussion, you can have everyone ask questions and take turns explaining the answers to the questions of each person. If you can’t give the answer, don’t fret. It just means you need a little more time. Allow your brain to thoroughly process the information to also retain the learning. As such, when you practice what you learn, you will master it through time.
Conclusion
Having effective study techniques will improve your academic performance and quality of education. It will lessen the likelihood of exam stress and boost one’s sense of competence, confidence, and self-worth. You’ll be more successful if you use study strategies that make you a more intelligent learner.
Carelle
Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.
