Studying can be a tedious task and something that many people find difficult to do. From an early age, we are taught different techniques to learn new things, hoping they will stick in our minds for that important exam. As different people learn in various ways, it can be challenging to pinpoint specific methods for each person in a classroom environment, so researching your learning style is a great way to identify what will work best for you. To get to grips with the basics, there are some areas that most people find useful when tackling their study time.
Look at some simple hacks to improve your study habits and make learning information for exams and tests a little easier.
Learn from past experiences
Studying and exam taking are a part of life from an early age, so remembering the methods you used during the early stages of your education can help improve future ones. In the UK, educational establishments often incorporate learning through reflection, as it plays a critical role in revising for examinations. Understanding the options out there, depending on where you live, is worth considering. Institutions offering such an outlook are not only restricted to cities. Popular and renowned schools provide education, such as Cumnor House Private School in Surrey, promoting interactive learning and collaborative study, so recalling your own experiences of classroom techniques can build a study method that is right for you.
Use past exams papers
One of the best ways to try and determine what will feature on an exam is to put yourself in the shoes of the tester. The subjects and topics you have learned can only be examined in many ways, so looking back at old papers can help you understand the questions that may be asked. There will be some cases where elements have changed slightly due to testing standards and possible regulation changes if you are studying areas such as law, but this will give you a better idea of how the test will be laid out to prepare you for the final sitting.
Study with others
Studying can be lonely, and if you’re the type of person that thrives being around people, get others involved to help you out. Learning in study groups allows you to discuss ideas and work through answers together. This type of peer interaction is also great if you struggle to understand how your teacher explained something and need it communicated in a way that makes sense to you. Study buddies are great for this type of support as they are on your level and can help to make sense of tricky subjects. You can also return the favour when they get stuck too.
Take breaks and eat well
Losing yourself in the books for hours can be easy, but this won’t help your recollection skills in the long run. Regular breaks and eating well feed your brain and help you solve problems more efficiently. Drinking water instead of fizzy or caffeinated drinks is also more beneficial for keeping you fresh and alert. Stay with a balanced diet and exercise.
Some simple hacks to improve your study habits:
- Find a good place to study. This could be a quiet library, a study room in your dorm, or even a corner of your bedroom. Make sure the space is free from distractions, and you have everything you need to study, such as your textbooks, notes, and laptop.
- Minimize distractions. Turn off your phone, close your email, and find a way to avoid other people and noise. If you can’t eliminate all distractions, try to find ways to minimize their impact, such as putting your phone on silent or finding a quiet place to study.
- Take breaks. Don’t try to study for hours on end without taking a break. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes, or take a longer break every hour or two. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Space out your studying. Don’t cram the night before an exam. Instead, space out your studying over a longer period. This will help you learn the material more effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Set study goals. When you sit down to study, have a specific goal in mind. What do you want to accomplish in that study session? This will help you stay focused and motivated.
- Reward yourself. When you reach a study goal, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated and make studying more fun.
- Study with a group. Studying with a group can be a great way to stay motivated and learn the material more effectively. However, it’s important to find a group of people who are serious about studying and won’t distract you.
- Take practice tests. Taking practice tests is a great way to assess your understanding of the material and identify areas where you need more practice. This can help you improve your performance on exams
- Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to focus and learn. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods will give you the energy you need to study. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Manage stress. Stress can interfere with your ability to study. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation
Using these tried and tested study-boosting tips; you can build a great foundation to increase your memory and help you understand topics more effectively. These are just a few simple hacks to improve your study habits. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and be consistent with studying. With a little effort, you can develop good study habits that will help you succeed in school.
