How to study more effectively?

Question

Last year I did well in school but I always failed to perform on tests because I did not do well when I tried to study. If anyone has any tips that would help me out I would appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

Cheers!

Answer 1

Don't worry everything will be fine don't stress yourself in studying always because it's not to good for you to study. you should also relax because it is not good to your health. you should make a schedule so that you should know what time will you study and what time will you relax yourself.

Answer 2

Put your cell on vibrate.

Shower-You can't think if you just finished football/cheer practice and are hot and sweaty.

Munch- Candy or chips are the best. A full tummy puts you to bed while an empty growling one is very distracting.

Loose the music- It doesn't help. No matter what research says music "helps" you to study. Actively listening to music requires brain activity that could be focused on your studies.

Tie-up loose ends- It's hard to focus if you have calls to make or chores to do. Get them out of the way, so you can devote yourself to homework.

Sleep. Can't think if your tired.

Libraries are hit or miss- They help some people to focus, serve as  social tools for others, and bore the remainders into a deep slumber. Try it once, if you pass out, libraries aren't for you.

Have something to study- Sloppy notes equals sloppy studying.

Don't procrastinate- Even if you think it's what motivates you. A crash course the night before a test may get you the grade, but does little for retention. Which, you'll need for LEAP, SAT's ACT's LSAT etc. LOL.

Answer 3

It all depends on what you're doing while you're studying (listening to music, watching TV, etc.) and what your study environment is.

First, you need to find a place where you can be alone and focus. Turn off the music, TV, cell phone, and don't surf the net unless it is for an assignment.

Second, the place you find needs to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you fall asleep. I like to sit at a desk in a comfortable chair - a nice cushioned chair, not a hard wooden one. Sometimes I read on my bed - but don't do that if you think you'll fall asleep.

Third, tell your mind that the next two hours (or whatever) is being used for studying. Commit yourself to accomplishing the task at hand. Give yourself a study goal by determining what you need to get done in that study session, and then stick to it until you get it done. If you find yourself wanting to get up and do something else, refocus on your work and keep going. Sounds simple, and it is. It is good to take a break every hour or two (5-10 minutes) to keep your mind focused.

Fourth, try to get enough sleep every night. Studying while you're tired or sleepy is not going to get you anywhere.

Fifth, examine how you are actually studying. When I read a book, I have a pen and highlighter handy. Underline AND highlight the important points of the particular section of the book you are reading so that when you go back to study it later, you can remember what the book said by just reading the highlighting and underlined portions. Don't go overboard - most books do a good job of summing up the information of a paragraph or two in one sentence. Also, I annotate every or nearly every paragraph that I read. Annotating is just writing a brief description of what the text is saying. In the margin next to the paragraph, I'll write a little note ("Jefferson is chosen to write the Declaration of Independence") to summarize what the book is saying at that point. It's a great way to quickly find things in a book, and it helps you remember what you read. When you go back to study your history, or whatever subject your book is on, you will actually be able to remember a lot of details just by reading your annotations. Also, if you have questions or comments about something you read, annotate that in the margins of a book, then take the time to research the answer to your question, or ask your teacher about it.

Sixth, study every day. Don't cram for tests. If you study a little bit every day, then you will be more likely to learn the material and you will not be stressed out the day before a test. Remember the story of the hair and the tortoise? The tortoise won the race by being slow and steady (studying a little every day) and the hair lost because he tried to do everything fast and at once (cramming). This takes a time commitment on your part. If you take the time to study when you should, you'll take a lot of stress off of yourself, and you might even find more time to have fun because of it!

One other observation - there are people who do well with academics in general, but they have a hard time taking tests. This is a legitimate problem that can be helped - but you'd have to talk to a school counselor about it. If you have this problem, let someone know so that you can get the proper help for it. Your academic life will be much easier. However, you may be able to take tests just fine and are simply not applying yourself to do well with them.

Hope this helps! I make good grades in college when I follow what I've outlined for you. Good luck.

Answer 4

Go to somewhere quiet so that you can focus more.

I really never study much either but i do fine on tests even though i stress out right before they begin.

Maybe you should tell yourself about the consequences if you dont study. And the good things that will happen if you do study.

Or like on a tv show......get someone to whack you with a piece a wood. 5 slams behind your head and you'll be studyin like theres no tomorrow. just kidding.

  

Answer 5

for me,

English: I used flash cards to memorize new words, etc.

Math: I try to really understand why a certain formula/ function behaves like it does and once you understand the concept the rest comes naturally.

what class do you need to study for? We could be more specific with our answers then =)

Answer 6

It is good that you are doing something about studying. A lot of people give up.

Check out this article about how to study.

http://www.family-homework-answers.com/h...

There is also a page about test anxiety.