Become more effective in your studying!
Many articles and science research has grouped our study methods into 3 categories:
Many articles and science research has grouped our study methods into 3 categories:
Slightly Effective
1. Highlighting & Underlining 2. Rereading 3. Summarizing 4. Mental Images & Visuals 5. Using keywords and mnemonics ** many of these helpful in the initial stages of learning but you should move onto other techniques when studying ** |
Moderately Effective
1. Using "why" type questions to make connections between old and new material 2. Self - explanation - using your own explanations to explain new material 3. Mixing different kinds of problems and materials in one study session |
Highly Effective
1. Practice testing: questions, quizzes, tests, flashcards 2. Distributed practice & Repetition: studying material in a number of short sessions over a period of time (moves material from short term to long term) ** these two strategies have by far had the best results for being effective and producing results ** |
Some other strategies to consider:
creating crazy tales/stories, reading information out loud, making up songs, giving examples, having friends quiz/question each other, using related apps to practice
creating crazy tales/stories, reading information out loud, making up songs, giving examples, having friends quiz/question each other, using related apps to practice
Also, many studies claim that....
- You must create a study plan that breaks your unit into smaller tasks and set study goals for each session
- Stay positive even if you have a big task and focus on reaching your goal for the 1 hour study session
- The best time to study is before bed because sleep can help with memory retention
- You should study 45 minutes to an 1 hour and then take a short break
- Changing rooms/locations can help with memory retention + associations
- Use different colors for different parts of notes i.e. vocabulary in blue, main points in green etc..
- Study breaks are necessary (10 - 15 minutes is a recommended time)
- You should give yourself rewards for good behavior
- You must avoid too much multitasking: texting, tv, music, snacks, friends, the internet which can then be distracting
Websites that support these ideas:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/08/27/study-techniques-that-work-and-surprisingly-dont/
http://archive-e.blogspot.hk/2013/08/psychologists-identify-best-ways-to.html
http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/09/highlighting-is-a-waste-of-time-the-best-and-worst-learning-techniques/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/for-young-and-old-the-best-ways-to-study/?_r=0
http://www.fortunepick.com/blog-article/how-to-hack-your-willpower-and-why-willpower-doesnt-work
http://voices.yahoo.com/effective-ways-improve-vocabulary-ten-tips-for-38926.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/08/27/study-techniques-that-work-and-surprisingly-dont/
http://archive-e.blogspot.hk/2013/08/psychologists-identify-best-ways-to.html
http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/09/highlighting-is-a-waste-of-time-the-best-and-worst-learning-techniques/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/for-young-and-old-the-best-ways-to-study/?_r=0
http://www.fortunepick.com/blog-article/how-to-hack-your-willpower-and-why-willpower-doesnt-work
http://voices.yahoo.com/effective-ways-improve-vocabulary-ten-tips-for-38926.html