These study tips work for any age of student!
You first need to know what kind of learner you are:
visual,
auditory, or
physical.
A visual learner understands what they see - this means reading, looking at pictures or diagrams, or watching videos. If you are a visual learner, you should try to make sure that most of your studying uses these techniques. If you are trying to study something that isn't visual, try writing it out or drawing a picture to help you remember. An auditory learner understands what they hear. If you are an auditory learner, you will probably want to use a recorder to help you learn - reading the text aloud, or having someone tell the information to you will help you to study. A physical learner understands information better if they actually do the skill - either practicing or hands-on activities. Physical learners have a harder time studying because modern schools are based on visual and auditory learning. You might ask your teachers if you can actually do some of the work yourself to help you learn better. Next, you'll need a quiet place and time.
Set one specific time each day for studying, and treat it as if it were a job - show up and do the work whether you feel like it or not. Having a set study time every day helps because you have a regular schedule, and the daily practice means that you are much more likely to remember material from day to day.
Keep an assignment notebook. Write down all of your homework, projects, test dates, and anything else you have to do for school in this notebook and keep it with you at all times. An assignment notebook means that you never have to wonder what to study.
A
calendar is also a useful study tool - use one of those with large squares so that you can write down due dates for all of your assignments and tests. This gives you a visual reminder of what is due on which date, and makes it harder for things to "sneak up on you."
When studying from your textbook, concentrate on anything in
bold-face. These are the important points in the text, and are things you will usually need to know. Use your notebook, too - copy important information, definitions, and facts from your text into your notes. Writing the information down helps you to remember it!
Study with someone. Quiz each other on facts, dates, and definitions. Ask each other the questions from your textbook. Pretend that you are the teacher and explain one section to the other person (or people, if you have a study group). Explaining something to someone else helps you to understand it better!
Find a quiet place to study. ?
Study Tips The best technique is to have a set time to study and not skip! Here are some more Study Tips - click on the related link for even more.
- Take responsibility for yourself
Studying isn't something that anyone else can do for you. You should recognize that you are responsible for your own success. - Center yourself around your values and principles
Don't let friends or peers tell you what is important in your life. If you want to improve your grades, don't let anyone talk you out of it or distract you. - Put first things first
Follow up on your goals; don't let others, or other interests, distract you. - Discover your best periods and places for study
Do you learn better in morning, afternoon, or evening? Do you like total quiet, or do you study better with soft music in the background? Is the library better for you, or a private room?
Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive. Make sure you use this information to study to your best. - Consider yourself in a win-win situation
When you contribute your best to a class, you, your fellow students, and even your teacher will benefit. Even if you don't make as good a grade as you hoped for, you have dont your best and learned from it. Your grade can then be one additional check on your performance - First understand others, then attempt to be understood
When you have an issue with an instructor (a questionable grade, an assignment deadline, etc.) put yourself in the instructor's place. Now ask yourself how you can best make your point given his/her situation. Use "I" statements instead of arguing ("I am frustrated because I studied really hard," "I don't understand why this answer was wrong," "I really feel I need a little more time on this assignment.") The best statement to make to any teacher is "I really want to do my best on this work - how do you suggest I can do that?" - Look for better solutions to problems
For example, if you don't understand the course material, don't just re-read it. Try something else! Consult with the professor, a tutor, an academic advisor, a classmate, a study group, or your school's study skills center
1. Get organized Develop a system that works for you to make sure you're on top of everything that needs to be done. Try a "To Do" list or a folder for important papers and worksheets.
2. Manage your time wisely Get that homework done
before turning on the television. Develop a schedule to make sure you have time for everything you want to get done.
3. Listen carefully in class Paying attention in class is very important. Listen to your teachers and pay attention to the questions other students ask - all of this can help you understand the material.
4. Read, read, read Read your textbook closely and carefully, and reread it if you don't understand.
5. Take good notes If it's important enough for your teacher to write it down, you should write it down, too. Hint: it will probably be on the test.
6. Ask questions If you don't understand, you're probably not alone. Don't be afraid to ask.
7. Review. Your brain remembers something for about 10 minutes after you hear it - take advantage of this fact by reviewing what you have learned! After a lecture, or after reading something, go back over the highlights within the 10 minutes - this only works if you do it right away, because after that 10 minutes, you're starting over.
8. Know your study style
Figure out how
you study best: with music or in silence, alone or with classmates, then study that way!
9. Be a smart test taker- If a test is multiple choice, try to eliminate the answers you know are wrong.
- When facing an essay test, plan ahead for what you're going to write to make sure you haven't left anything out.
- Pay attention to your teacher's style of testing. Look at past tests to figure out what you missed and why.
10. Look into getting a tutor Hire one or just ask a friend to help you out. Good grades can really pay off!