Students who spend time struggling to find a space to study often waste valuable time. Having a space you go every day to study is helpful. [1] X Research source Choose a study space that is free of distractions. Find a space away from television and other noises. You should not study in bed or on the couch. Choose a place with a desk where you can sit upright to work. [2] X Research source Make sure the space is set up for what you need. If you need to prepare a class project with lots of small pieces that must be arranged, a large, uncluttered space with a worktable will be best. If you just need to read your textbook, a cozy chair and a cup of tea may be just fine. The best study space for you will depend in part on your learning style. For example, if you’re a visual learner, working in a bright, colorful space might be helpful. [3] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
You should strive to prioritize studying. Place study time ahead of extracurricular or social activities. Try to study shortly after class or school each day. [4] X Research source Schedule study sessions at roughly the same time each day. Having a regular schedule can help you stick to studying on a regular basis. Put these sessions into your calendar, just as you would a dentist appointment or soccer practice. [5] X Research source Start slow. At first, keep your study sessions between 30 and 50 minutes. After you’ve gotten used to this duration, push yourself to study for longer periods. Stop to take short breaks occasionally. [6] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. Studying for hours on end can cause stress. Take 10 minute breaks as you study. [7] X Research source Don’t go longer than 2 hours without a break.
Keep your overall academic goal in mind. Branching off of that goal, break it down into manageable chunks and focus on each chunk per session. [8] X Research source For example, say you have to memorize 100 vocabulary words for your Spanish final. Aim to memorize 20 words per session over the course of 5 study sessions. Make sure to review old words at the beginning of each new study session to make sure the information stays fresh in your mind.
Try to make your own practice tests. Review the types of question your teacher asked on quizzes and try to replicate them in your own words. Make a test for yourself, containing 10 to 20 questions, and then complete the test. If your teacher provides practice tests to help you study, take them home and do them on your own time. Start well ahead of time and bring in your practice test to show your teacher. Ask her something like, “I’ve gone through my notes and made this practice exam to help me study for the test next week. Could you tell me if it’s on the right track?” Your teacher isn’t likely to tell you whether or not specific things will be on the test, but she will probably be happy to tell you whether you’re studying the right areas. And your hard work and preparation are sure to impress!
You should structure study groups as you would an individual study session. Choose which materials to focus on and have set timeframes and breaks. It’s easy to get distracted if you’re working with groups of people. A schedule can help you stay on task. [11] X Research source Work with people who you know are hard workers. Even the best planned study groups can fall apart if you choose to work with people who are distracting and procrastinate.
Go for a short walk before beginning to study. Stretching by walking can help your body loosen up and clear your mind in preparation of studying. [14] X Research source If you’re hungry, eat before studying but stick to a light snack or a small meal. Eating a heavy meal before studying can result in sleepiness. This can make it difficult to concentrate on studying. [15] X Research source
Think positively when you study. Remind yourself that you are building new skills and abilities. Do not get discouraged if you struggle with something. Remind yourself you’re studying because you need to improve so it’s okay if you don’t understand some material. [16] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Do not engage in catastrophic or absolute thinking. Catastrophic thoughts include things like, “If I don’t get this now, I never will. " Absolute thoughts are things like, “I always do poorly on these exams. " Instead, try to be realistic. Think to yourself, “I’m struggling with this information at the moment, but if I’m persistent I’m sure it will come to me. “[17] X Research source Do not compare yourself to others. You’re focused on doing well on this assignment for yourself. Other people’s success or failure should not matter. [18] X Research source
Many people remember subjects by stringing words together to form sentences, the first letter of each word signifying part of a topic that requires memorization. For example, the sentence “Kings play cards on fat green stools” can be used to help remember the taxonomy ranking for animals: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. Make sure you use mnemonic devices that are easy to remember. If you’re creating your own mnemonic device, pick words and sentences that have personal meaning to you and that you will easily remember later.
Don’t just copy out the material over and over again. Instead, try to condense it to the most basic points. Then, try to condense it again, until you have gotten to the most essential points.
Organize your notes by date and subject. Write the date on the top corner of the page at the beginning of class. Then, write headings and subheadings regarding the subject being taught. If you’re searching for notes on a particular subject, it’ll be easier to find later. [21] X Research source Use your best handwriting. You want to make sure you can read your notes later on. [22] X Research source Compare notes with other classmates. If you missed one class session or missed a few words here and there when taking notes, another classmate can help you fill in what you missed. [23] X Research source
Pay attention to chapter titles and subheadings. These often offer clues as to the main point of a text. It indicates what material you should pay closest attention to while reading. [24] X Research source You should also reread the first sentence of each paragraph once. This sentence usually offers a summary of key information you’ll need. Pay attention to concluding sections as well, as they summarize key materials. [25] X Research source If permitted, underline passages and write notes in margins summarizing key points. This can help you find important information later when studying. [26] X Research source Alternatively, you can use sticky notes to write notes down and mark important passages. [27] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
Do yourself a favor and make it a habit to visit your teacher’s office hours starting at the beginning of the semester. Waiting to ask questions until the day before the test makes it seem like you haven’t been preparing. Making a habit of dropping in once a week or so encourages your teacher to see you as a student who works hard and prepares in advance – she’ll be more likely to want to help you.
