Studying is something students usually do because they have to, not because they want to.
That’s why so many people cram. They figure if they just attempt to absorb as much information as possible right before a test, they can save time and still do well.
But cramming isn’t very effective. Even if the information does stick with you long enough to take a test, all of it will be forgot shortly after. Last minute studying rarely allows information to enter your long term memory.
That means come finals, you’ll have to relearn everything.
And once the class is over, you’ll probably forgot most everything you learned. What’s the point in going to school if you don’t actually get educated? If you don’t truly learn anything?
By studying better, you can actually retain information not just for a test, but for your life. That can save you considerable time and energy in the long run. Even in the short term, but studying more efficiently, you can cut out a lot of stress and wasted time.
Here are some easy tips to study better.
Effective Study Habits
1. Pay Attention in Class
It’s crazy, I know, but if you actually pay attention in class and take notes, it makes studying so much easier. Why? Because when study time comes around, you’ll reminding yourself of information you already know instead of learning it for the first time.
Studying starts IN the classroom, not outside of it. (By classroom, we don’t necessarily mean a “physical classroom” of course)
2. Set a Time
It’s scary how easy it is to push study time aside. A person keeps telling themselves they’ll study later until time has run out and the day of the test has arrived. Instead of waiting till a gap opens up your schedule, make studying a part of your schedule.
Set a time and hold to it.
Don’t just set one single time either….
3. Spread it Out
Rather than having one giant study session before the test, break it up into small sessions spread out over multiple days. Break the subject up into different units of information, and focus on just one of them per study session.
Because they’re shorter, it’s much easier to fit studying into your regular schedule.
Since you’re trying to learn less at one time, you’ll retain more information.
Not only will it be much easier to learn the information, but this will actually leave you feeling like you have more time.
4. Choose the Right Environment
Some people study best at home. Others need to get out to break away from the distractions.
You need to find the place that works for you, wherever that may be. If you don’t need to be online, try to stay off the internet as we all know that’s filled with distraction. This can be hard in today’s world, especially for students attending online high school.
The best way to figure out how effective your study session is, is to evaluate it when you’re done. After a round of studying, take a moment to check how long it lasted and how much you actually covered. This can help you figure out what, works and what does not work.
5. Take Breaks. Get Rest.
You can only learn so much at a given time. Try as you might, your brain can only process so fast. After you’ve made some solid progress, take a break. Relax. Maybe take a nap.
After all, your brain doesn’t work very well when it’s tired. If you’re practically falling asleep every time you study, you’re probably not learning too much. Get rest. It’s incredibly important.
