4 answers
Fikayo
Student
Sykesville, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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How do you study? I really don't know how.
In my school were just starting to have to study for tests and other things and I know how to read my notes over, but I don't know an effective way to study.
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are several things to consider when it comes to studying.
One is that we all can process information for a limited amount of time.
Psychological research has shown that all of us can process information for about 20 minutes, before our brain begins to fatigue.
This means we can read and process what we are learning for 20 minutes, before we need a break. The human body is the same way. We can only run at a peak level before our body starts to fatigue and needs to rest.
If you try and read beyond the limit of the brain, it will fatigue and stop processing information. This is why if you read for an hour, you only remember about the first one third of what you read. The rest you did not retain.
So, study for 20 minutes and take a 10 minute break. The brain seems to function better and information is better retained, when studying is done in intervals. Ernst Van Aaken called it the "pause that refreshes."
Also, utilize the rehearsing method. Movie stars need to rehearse lines many times, before they can perform at a level that you see on the screen. So, definitely read over material several times, to make sure you understand what you are reading and can recall it instantly.
Do this for several days before an exam. But do not cram. If you fatigue the brain the night before an exam, you will not perform well in a test environment.
One is that we all can process information for a limited amount of time.
Psychological research has shown that all of us can process information for about 20 minutes, before our brain begins to fatigue.
This means we can read and process what we are learning for 20 minutes, before we need a break. The human body is the same way. We can only run at a peak level before our body starts to fatigue and needs to rest.
If you try and read beyond the limit of the brain, it will fatigue and stop processing information. This is why if you read for an hour, you only remember about the first one third of what you read. The rest you did not retain.
So, study for 20 minutes and take a 10 minute break. The brain seems to function better and information is better retained, when studying is done in intervals. Ernst Van Aaken called it the "pause that refreshes."
Also, utilize the rehearsing method. Movie stars need to rehearse lines many times, before they can perform at a level that you see on the screen. So, definitely read over material several times, to make sure you understand what you are reading and can recall it instantly.
Do this for several days before an exam. But do not cram. If you fatigue the brain the night before an exam, you will not perform well in a test environment.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Fikayo studying isn’t just a matter of sitting down to review notes. It also involves knowing what you need to study when and keeping track of assignments and tests.
STUDY AT A SET TIME– Establishing a study habit is extremely important for developing good study skills. Knowing when you are going to study keeps you from committing to conflicting activities or wasting time deciding when you’ll study, getting material together, etc.
CREATE FLASHCARDS – Flashcards challenge you to remember facts you’ve covered and reward you by hammering these concepts into your brain. As you review your notes, mark any terms or topics that you are struggling with or that require some extra understanding or memorization.
STUDY WITH FRIENDS – While it’s important to concentrate in solo study sessions, mix things up by arranging a weekly study group. You’ll get new perspectives on the material as others discuss their takeaways from it. Just make sure that your friends are interested in developing good study skills. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun studying together, but it is a work session. It’s best to discuss what’s expected of one another and start with a single, focused study topic to see how well you do as a group.
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS – Actively listen, engage in class discussions, and ask thoughtful questions. Participating will not only help you remember the information better, but will also help you to actually understand what it is you’re trying to memorize. Textbooks can be hard to read or digest, which is exactly why your teacher is there. If you have questions about the material, whether it was something you learned in class or read at home, be sure to ask so you don’t risk falling behind.
Forming good habits can be difficult, but starting with small, achievable steps can set you up to have consistent study habits for the rest of your life Fikayo.
STUDY AT A SET TIME– Establishing a study habit is extremely important for developing good study skills. Knowing when you are going to study keeps you from committing to conflicting activities or wasting time deciding when you’ll study, getting material together, etc.
CREATE FLASHCARDS – Flashcards challenge you to remember facts you’ve covered and reward you by hammering these concepts into your brain. As you review your notes, mark any terms or topics that you are struggling with or that require some extra understanding or memorization.
STUDY WITH FRIENDS – While it’s important to concentrate in solo study sessions, mix things up by arranging a weekly study group. You’ll get new perspectives on the material as others discuss their takeaways from it. Just make sure that your friends are interested in developing good study skills. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun studying together, but it is a work session. It’s best to discuss what’s expected of one another and start with a single, focused study topic to see how well you do as a group.
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS – Actively listen, engage in class discussions, and ask thoughtful questions. Participating will not only help you remember the information better, but will also help you to actually understand what it is you’re trying to memorize. Textbooks can be hard to read or digest, which is exactly why your teacher is there. If you have questions about the material, whether it was something you learned in class or read at home, be sure to ask so you don’t risk falling behind.
Forming good habits can be difficult, but starting with small, achievable steps can set you up to have consistent study habits for the rest of your life Fikayo.
Jamie Northcutt
Forensic Auditor
25
Answers
Selmer, Tennessee
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
For me, I did not really learn to study until college. I have some tips, but it will be trial and error to see what best suits your learning style. For me, writing notes with pen and paper works best. As I write them, I am learning them. Often times, I will go back and rewrite them again to study them. The major points or lists of things I need to know I might write several times. Once I write them down, I highlight things. This helps when I am reviewing right before a test. I can go back and read the highlighted items (the main things to know). I am a very visual learner, so this may not work best for everyone. Additionally, I know my limits. If I am up late studying, it’s unlikely I am going to remember anything from being tired. So, I just go to bed. Know yourself and make sure to study at the best times for you. Hope that is helpful!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very good question. You better to develop a habit to do your revision daily rather than before assessments. Firstly, you need to find out time management tool, e.g. Google Calendar, your phone calendar, MS Outlook, etc.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time to do your assignment, projects, etc. and review the material covered in the class every day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on the next school day. You can take 5-10 min for every 1.5-2 hours
3. Review and prepare the material for classes on the next school day
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
5. Assign more time to do revision before assessment / exam. You can form study groups with your classmates. It can help you to acquire more understanding on the assessment materials
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time to do your assignment, projects, etc. and review the material covered in the class every day. If you have any question, ask the teacher on the next school day. You can take 5-10 min for every 1.5-2 hours
3. Review and prepare the material for classes on the next school day
4. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
5. Assign more time to do revision before assessment / exam. You can form study groups with your classmates. It can help you to acquire more understanding on the assessment materials
Hope this helps! Good Luck!