As a student myself, it can be tough on trying to be more productive and managing one’s time better. Especially with all the distractions around us or when we have so many things to do that we don’t know where to even begin. And that is why I am sharing these tips with you that are effective and will help you be efficient in studying.
1. Pay Attention In Class
I know how hard it is to pay attention in class since I have a short span of attention and no matter how hard I try, I tend to fall asleep easily. And doing that didn’t help me in learning the subject. That is why it’s important to concentrate and listen to what the professor is saying. It will make your life easier since you already have a grasp on what the topic is about and you don’t have to procrastinate in self-studying before a test.
2. Be Organized
It is super important to be organized since it will help you have a clear mind. Instead of worrying and looking for your important files when you need it the most. To prevent that, keep your important files in a single file folder rather than placing your files everywhere.
Also, don’t forget to carry a planner. It will help you remember all the things that you need to do.
3. Take Notes
Taking notes in class is important. Always take note of the important details of what your professor is saying. Sometimes, the prof would only give out important details during lectures and would not include it in the presentation, and not all professors would give you a copy of the presentation nor study guides.
4. Watch Tutorials
Watching YouTube videos for the topics that I don’t get helped me a lot. You can try khan academy; they provide great explanations and it helps a lot especially when you want to understand the subject better.
5. Have A Study Buddy
Having a study buddy can help you in studying effectively because you can teach each other if one of you doesn’t understand the topic and you can also quiz each other. I found that having a study buddy is fun. Since we can do the task together and share the workload. Also, having someone to share your sentiments with someone who understands can be comforting.
6. Reread Notes
After school, review your notes for the day. It will help you easily prepare for the next big test since you don’t have to cram all information in your brain in one go. I know how time-consuming homework or projects are but at least spend 30 minutes reviewing your notes. It will help.
7. Make A Reviewer
Making your reviewer is helpful before an exam. It will help you understand the lesson much better since you’re the one who is summarizing and identifying all the important parts.
8. Quiz Yourself
Reading your notes over and over again is not enough, because sometimes you’re just reading it and not understanding it properly. Which is why you have to quiz yourself if you understand the lesson properly.
You can ask help from other people to quiz you but you can also quiz yourself by making worksheets.
9. Remove All Distractions
This is where a lot of people struggle with, because of how tempting it is to just use your phone while studying. It’s hard to avoid distractions especially if your phone lights up, alerting you with a new message.
In order to avoid distractions, shut down your phone, and put it away. While using a laptop, you can use a study app like forest. It blocks websites like Facebook and YouTube until the timer is over.
10. Take A Break
Always remember to take a break, don’t force yourself in studying for a long time because it can be overwhelming. You can accomplish a lot in a short period as long as you truly focus.
11. Make Sure Your Notes Are Complete
Before a test, check if your notes are complete because your notes will be your study guide and if it’s incomplete you might not know what to answer for a specific question during the test. You can talk to your friends and look at their notes to ensure your notes are complete.
12. Have A Schedule
Make a study schedule and see what needs to be accomplished. Also, set specific goals for each study session like the topics that you will study or what task are you going to do. This will help you focus because you know what needs to be done.
13. Have A Study Area
It is important to find a spot that works for you. Your study area must be quiet, well lit, and only the necessary things must be placed in your workplace to avoid distractions.
14. Stop Multitasking
Some people, including me, like to multitask. However, multitasking is not effective when your studying. Such as texting and studying at the same time. This will only extend your study time and will develop poor study habits. It’s better to do things one at a time, you can text after you are done studying.
15. Simplify Your Notes
To make your studying less overwhelming. You can try to underline or highlight important keywords that you need to remember. You also can make visual aids that you think will work for you. A great example of this is by making mind maps or outlines to help you simplify the information.
For me, mind maps are effective since before I took college entrance exams, I also attended a review class, and each day the teacher would always give us a task to make our own mind maps regarding the topic. I can say that It is effective in helping you to remember better.
16. Eat First
Concentrating is hard especially when you’re hungry. This is why you need to have fulfilling food first before studying, or you can bring snacks and water while your studying.
I heard that eating dark chocolate could improve brain function. Hence I bring dark chocolate as snacks whenever we have them.
17. Plan Ahead
We all have a busy life that it’s hard to cope up. To help yourself cope up, you need to plan ahead to remember important dates such as due dates. Planning ahead is effective especially when you have an upcoming test, you can start studying for it instead of cramming the day before the test.
18. Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination can be overwhelming and frustrating especially if it’s a big project. What I do is that if it’s a big project, I would break it into smaller tasks and start it weeks before the deadline. I suggest trying to do it step by step, to not feel overwhelmed with each task that was given.
19. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your professors because it’s their job to help you understand the topics better. If you’re shy, you can ask questions when the class ends, and If it’s a terror professor don’t be afraid to approach him/her, they like it if a student is eager enough to learn by asking questions.
20. Review Your Worksheets
You can review your worksheets such as quizzes and homework. Try solving it again because, during an exam, professors might use a similar problem in your worksheets. Remember that It’s better to prepare for it rather than wishing for it not to appear on the exams.
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