For example, if you are studying the early English colonization of the Americas, consider what you’d encounter as a colonist. How would you respond to your surroundings? It’s important to note, however, that putting yourself in someone else’s shoes doesn’t have to mean completely agreeing with their lifestyle or perspective. It’s more about understanding the past than forgiving it. You might also ask yourself why it is important to study history? How am I learning about the past? Who recorded these stories? Whose voices are missing from the picture? These questions will help you to delve deeper into the concepts of bias and conflicting sources in history texts.

For example, if you search for the “1920s” in images, then you’ll see lots of art deco buildings.

You may have to learn words about government, geography, economics, history, and culture. Keep a list of new terms, and add the words you learn to it. [3] X Research source

Set a timer on your phone to start each session and then put it away.

Don’t wait to study your notecards until right before a test or they won’t be as effective. Some students find it helpful to color-code their notecards. Using pink notecards for places or green ones for people.

For example, if you are studying WWII, start by determining if you need to focus on just the U. S. or the entire globe.

“Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492,” is a great example of a memory rhyme in action.

Sending a quick email to your teacher to let them know you’ll be absent is also a good idea. Never ask your teacher, “Did I miss anything?” Instead, ask them to point out what you missed.

For example, if you want an A for the semester, you’ll probably need an A for the major tests as well.

In some cases, your teacher might be willing to provide you with extra study materials. Some teachers will even meet with you after class to go over recent lectures.

If you don’t mesh well with a certain tutor, go ahead and meet with another one on a trial basis.

Some people can find studying in a group to be distracting. If this is the case with you, try studying with only one other person to see if that works.

For example, if your teacher only briefed discussed Reconstruction, then it’s a good idea to ask them that period will play a large part in your future exam.