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Tips on how to study with adhd for test
I need help studying i lose concentration very easily and forget
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Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
I can tell you what helped me:
1. Go to an environment where there is enough noise and activity that no single noise of stimulus sticks out. For example a room where you are alone except for 1 other person talking on the phone will not work because it seems impossible to tune out the distraction
2. Study in a manner that forces you to be active. For example rather than just reading notes, make yourself a chart or organizing the material or make lists of similar things or related things. When your mind goes to retrieve the information it will go to the location on the chart and recall where that piece of info was. It will also recall what else was in thst location. Therefore you will be able to retrieve multiple facts or bits of info through categorizing.
3. Categorize with colors
Put related info in a chart or outline and use color to nite similarities. If you recall the color of something you will recall the reason it was that color as well as other items that were that color
4. Walk or ride a stationary bike very very slowly while studying. It will keep your mind from wandering.
I'd love to know if any of this helps you. I think it will.
1. Go to an environment where there is enough noise and activity that no single noise of stimulus sticks out. For example a room where you are alone except for 1 other person talking on the phone will not work because it seems impossible to tune out the distraction
2. Study in a manner that forces you to be active. For example rather than just reading notes, make yourself a chart or organizing the material or make lists of similar things or related things. When your mind goes to retrieve the information it will go to the location on the chart and recall where that piece of info was. It will also recall what else was in thst location. Therefore you will be able to retrieve multiple facts or bits of info through categorizing.
3. Categorize with colors
Put related info in a chart or outline and use color to nite similarities. If you recall the color of something you will recall the reason it was that color as well as other items that were that color
4. Walk or ride a stationary bike very very slowly while studying. It will keep your mind from wandering.
I'd love to know if any of this helps you. I think it will.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jermaine
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn,
Thank you for reaching out! I know firsthand that there’s a lot that goes into studying, especially with ADHD, and it can be very intimidating if you haven’t defined how you’re going to study.
First, you mentioned that you forget. Do you forget to study? Or do you forget the information that you studied?
One thing that helped me remember to study was to add exam dates on my phone calendar, and add reminders 7 days before the exam. Once I knew when an exam was, I could more easily figure out a timeline.
I found that spreading out my studying over several days/weeks was a lot more helpful than cramming, since that ensured that I actually retained the information. I’ve pulled my fair share of all-nighters in college. While I got a temporary dopamine rush after pulling the all nighter and taking the exam, I found that I didn’t actually retain any information after. Having a timeline helped me break up my studying sessions.
Even with a timeline that defines when to study, that doesn’t address how. There are several factors to consider, especially with ADHD:
Time of day: as someone who’s been on medication for a while, I’ve found that I study best while my meds are still in effect, so studying in the afternoon hours instead of at night was helpful. In high school, I set aside an hour or two after I got home every weekday to homework or studying. In college, if I had a long time between classes, I’d do my studying and homework then.
Environment: you mentioned you lose concentration. Where do you tend to lose concentration? I found it very hard to focus in a noisy environment, so I would find a library. I also found it impossible to focus in my bedroom, so finding a study space outside your bedroom may be helpful if you’re able. However, I do know that some of my friends with ADHD need some external stimulation to focus, so environments like coffee shops or lounges were more helpful.
Groups vs solo studying: do you study best alone or in a group? I found that I got side tracked way too easily in study groups, especially if I studied with friends, but you may find the accountability aspect helpful. I naturally work/study best alone, so I’d seek out quieter environments. There’s also a technique called body doubling, where you can work “alone together” with someone. Looking back, I think the library provided a natural form of body doubling, as I’d see other people studying and feel motivated to study.
Learning style: how do you learn best? Do you learn best by reading? Listening? Watching videos? Doing? I found that I learned best through a combination of reading and doing. I found practice tests extremely helpful. If you’re in college, you can find “back exams” by searching on the internet for your specific course, asking friends who took the course in previous semesters, etc.
Gamifying your studying can also be helpful, as it provides that dopamine rush. I spent a lot of time in high school and college making Quizlet decks and study games from my notes.
I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Source:
- Firsthand experience as a high school and college graduate and holder of 2 professional certificates (CPACC and HBX Core) with ADHD
- [Body doubling](https://www.additudemag.com/getting-stuff-done-easier-with-a-friend-body-double/)
Add exam dates to your calendar
Find which environment works best for studying
Find a time of day that works best to study
Figure out how you learn/study best
Thank you for reaching out! I know firsthand that there’s a lot that goes into studying, especially with ADHD, and it can be very intimidating if you haven’t defined how you’re going to study.
First, you mentioned that you forget. Do you forget to study? Or do you forget the information that you studied?
One thing that helped me remember to study was to add exam dates on my phone calendar, and add reminders 7 days before the exam. Once I knew when an exam was, I could more easily figure out a timeline.
I found that spreading out my studying over several days/weeks was a lot more helpful than cramming, since that ensured that I actually retained the information. I’ve pulled my fair share of all-nighters in college. While I got a temporary dopamine rush after pulling the all nighter and taking the exam, I found that I didn’t actually retain any information after. Having a timeline helped me break up my studying sessions.
Even with a timeline that defines when to study, that doesn’t address how. There are several factors to consider, especially with ADHD:
Time of day: as someone who’s been on medication for a while, I’ve found that I study best while my meds are still in effect, so studying in the afternoon hours instead of at night was helpful. In high school, I set aside an hour or two after I got home every weekday to homework or studying. In college, if I had a long time between classes, I’d do my studying and homework then.
Environment: you mentioned you lose concentration. Where do you tend to lose concentration? I found it very hard to focus in a noisy environment, so I would find a library. I also found it impossible to focus in my bedroom, so finding a study space outside your bedroom may be helpful if you’re able. However, I do know that some of my friends with ADHD need some external stimulation to focus, so environments like coffee shops or lounges were more helpful.
Groups vs solo studying: do you study best alone or in a group? I found that I got side tracked way too easily in study groups, especially if I studied with friends, but you may find the accountability aspect helpful. I naturally work/study best alone, so I’d seek out quieter environments. There’s also a technique called body doubling, where you can work “alone together” with someone. Looking back, I think the library provided a natural form of body doubling, as I’d see other people studying and feel motivated to study.
Learning style: how do you learn best? Do you learn best by reading? Listening? Watching videos? Doing? I found that I learned best through a combination of reading and doing. I found practice tests extremely helpful. If you’re in college, you can find “back exams” by searching on the internet for your specific course, asking friends who took the course in previous semesters, etc.
Gamifying your studying can also be helpful, as it provides that dopamine rush. I spent a lot of time in high school and college making Quizlet decks and study games from my notes.
I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Source:
- Firsthand experience as a high school and college graduate and holder of 2 professional certificates (CPACC and HBX Core) with ADHD
- [Body doubling](https://www.additudemag.com/getting-stuff-done-easier-with-a-friend-body-double/)
Kathleen recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hello! This is a great question and something people don't bring up enough. I have ADHD and used to struggle with studying a lot until I figured out ways that helped me. First, if you have been diagnosed by a doctor with ADHD, consider getting accommodations put into place with your school. For example, 50% extended time on tests. This was very helpful for me.
When I finally figured out how to study, I was doing more than just reading text and then moving on. I would read the textbook, and highlight things that stuck out. Then, I'd reread the highlighted notes and take that info down on my laptop. I'd have it organized nicely in bullet points. From there, I'd print out that document and highlight from there. This helped me select the most important information and at that point, I was actually starting to remember and retain the original info.
You may also consider sticky notes. I found this to be helpful with geology specifically. I'd write out or have a picture of what the fact was, I'd put that sticky note up on my wall. Then I'd study it and when I got to the exam, the visual and notes that were on those sticky notes came to my mind.
I hope this helps!
When I finally figured out how to study, I was doing more than just reading text and then moving on. I would read the textbook, and highlight things that stuck out. Then, I'd reread the highlighted notes and take that info down on my laptop. I'd have it organized nicely in bullet points. From there, I'd print out that document and highlight from there. This helped me select the most important information and at that point, I was actually starting to remember and retain the original info.
You may also consider sticky notes. I found this to be helpful with geology specifically. I'd write out or have a picture of what the fact was, I'd put that sticky note up on my wall. Then I'd study it and when I got to the exam, the visual and notes that were on those sticky notes came to my mind.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Chiranjib’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn
This is a problem that most students face these days and yes it is a very pertinent question.
If it is any solace, let me tell you that even I have an issue with concentration.
Here are a few things that I have tried at various points in my journey. It would be great if you can try one or more of these and let me know if they do you any good.
1. Find a quiet environment for yourself. Tell your family members and friends that you need alone time to study and that you would prefer not to have any distractions.
2. Set yourself up a timer. Challenge yourself, that no matter what happens, you would not look away from your study material till the timer is up. Once the timer is up, get up, check your mobile phone, and go have a chat with family/friends. But remember to come back as soon as possible, set the timer again and re-focus. Keep repeating this cycle.
3. If you have 300 pages of a book, write 1 to 300 on a piece of paper and keep striking off one number at a time, as soon as you finish that page. It helps in always being aware of how much you have completed and how much still remains.
4. For memorizing better, always make it a point to have a good rest between studies. Research shows that when our brain rests, it retains things better in memory. So, after studying, lay down for 15-20 minutes, close your eyes, and have a good rest. Every day, you ought to have at least 6 hours of sound sleep.
5. Please do not use mobile phones right before going to bed or in bed, keep them away from yourself. Usage of mobile phones right before sleep cause disturbance in sleep cycles.
6. To memorize things better, learn how to create simple flowcharts, diagrams, and mind maps. They increase the capacity of information to be stored greatly.
7. Revise whatever you study. This is a must. If you studied chapter 1 for the first time today, make it a point to go through the notes you had taken on chapter 1 tomorrow or the day after. Things that we revise stay in memory much longer than things we read the first time and never after.
8. Limit the time spent on mobile phones, movies, and social media. Set yourself an achievable goal.
Example - "I would not stay on Instagram more than 30 minutes daily. 10 minutes each in the morning, afternoon, and evening."
9. Set yourself an achievable career goal and make it visible. What is it that you wish to achieve at the end of 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? Let's set up goals for 30-60-90! Write it down on a piece of paper. Paste it somewhere that you can see most of the time.
I would like to know if you are able to follow any of these and if they help you in any way!
This is a problem that most students face these days and yes it is a very pertinent question.
If it is any solace, let me tell you that even I have an issue with concentration.
Here are a few things that I have tried at various points in my journey. It would be great if you can try one or more of these and let me know if they do you any good.
1. Find a quiet environment for yourself. Tell your family members and friends that you need alone time to study and that you would prefer not to have any distractions.
2. Set yourself up a timer. Challenge yourself, that no matter what happens, you would not look away from your study material till the timer is up. Once the timer is up, get up, check your mobile phone, and go have a chat with family/friends. But remember to come back as soon as possible, set the timer again and re-focus. Keep repeating this cycle.
3. If you have 300 pages of a book, write 1 to 300 on a piece of paper and keep striking off one number at a time, as soon as you finish that page. It helps in always being aware of how much you have completed and how much still remains.
4. For memorizing better, always make it a point to have a good rest between studies. Research shows that when our brain rests, it retains things better in memory. So, after studying, lay down for 15-20 minutes, close your eyes, and have a good rest. Every day, you ought to have at least 6 hours of sound sleep.
5. Please do not use mobile phones right before going to bed or in bed, keep them away from yourself. Usage of mobile phones right before sleep cause disturbance in sleep cycles.
6. To memorize things better, learn how to create simple flowcharts, diagrams, and mind maps. They increase the capacity of information to be stored greatly.
7. Revise whatever you study. This is a must. If you studied chapter 1 for the first time today, make it a point to go through the notes you had taken on chapter 1 tomorrow or the day after. Things that we revise stay in memory much longer than things we read the first time and never after.
8. Limit the time spent on mobile phones, movies, and social media. Set yourself an achievable goal.
Example - "I would not stay on Instagram more than 30 minutes daily. 10 minutes each in the morning, afternoon, and evening."
9. Set yourself an achievable career goal and make it visible. What is it that you wish to achieve at the end of 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? Let's set up goals for 30-60-90! Write it down on a piece of paper. Paste it somewhere that you can see most of the time.
I would like to know if you are able to follow any of these and if they help you in any way!
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Jocelyn, thank you for your question. I have dealt with ADHD over the years I have found that medication is most effective when it comes to studying and being able to finish test. If you are over 18 then go to the office where records are kept for school or the military this is called the office of disability this will allow teachers to give you extra time for you to work. Best of luck.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This happens quite usual. I believe this can help the students to ensure do the revision from time to time and the teacher can assess the progress of the students.
Below is my suggestions:
1. Complete the assignment & projects on time. This can help you understand the topic.
2. Review the material covered in the class every day. Ask the teacher if you have any questions
3. Establish study group with your classmates and have discussion on regular basis. This can help you to deepen the understanding and memory on the course material
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestions:
1. Complete the assignment & projects on time. This can help you understand the topic.
2. Review the material covered in the class every day. Ask the teacher if you have any questions
3. Establish study group with your classmates and have discussion on regular basis. This can help you to deepen the understanding and memory on the course material
Hope this helps! Good Luck!