Studying isn’t limited to the night before or after an assignment is due.
You don’t have to start studying too soon or too late. You will have a better chance of getting good marks if you start studying sooner.
These are our top tips to get the most from your studies.
Choose a time and a place
Everybody has their own ideas about the best time and place to study. You can choose to study in your bedroom at night, or in the library after school. Find a space that suits you best and stick with it.
Create your study space. Your study area should be peaceful, quiet, and free from distractions. It should inspire you and make you happy. You can decorate it with your favorite photos or objects. Pick a place that allows you to burn incense or listen to music.
Choose your best time. Some people work better in the mornings. Some people work better at night. Plan to study when it suits you. Do not study later than your normal bedtime. You may become too tired to learn properly if you push yourself past the hour.
Every day, study
You can learn a lot if you take the time to study every day. This will help you to understand the world. This will also help you avoid stressing about last-minute cramming.
An hour or two per night may be sufficient to keep you on top early in the year. You might need to learn more throughout the year.
You can cut down on certain activities if you find it difficult to make time for studying. You can cut back on some (but not all) of your other activities if you find it difficult to study. It might be that you spend less time online or cut back on your work shifts, or give up weekend sports for a while.
Plan your time
You can make the most out of your time studying by having a plan in place.
Set alarms– Use alarms to remind yourself about your study plans. Regular reminders keep you on track and help you stay accountable.
Hang a wall planner. This will allow you to see your calendar and wall planner whenever you are studying. It can be marked with important dates such as exams and due dates. It can also be used to organize your study time.
Create to-do lists Lists are a way to break down tasks into manageable chunks. Make a list of all the tasks you must complete by the end the week. You can also make a to-do list at the beginning of each study session to ensure you are clear on what you should be doing with your time.
Time limits Before you begin your study session, take a look at your list and set a time limit for each task. If you are unable to complete a task within the time limit, it is worth considering whether it is a better use of your time to move on to something else.
Discover your learning style
We all have our preferred learning styles. Find the learning style that you are most comfortable with, and learn the way you learn best.
These styles are only a way to think of different studying methods. They’re not hard and quick rules that tell you that you should only study one way. You can try each one and decide which you like best.
Auditory learners: prefer learning by listening. Talk about your notes with others and read them aloud. It might be a good idea to take notes and then play them back.
Visual learners: prefer learning by seeing. To help you remember key points, use colors and diagrams. It is possible to visualize ideas and remember them.
Tactile/kinesthetic learners: prefer learning by doing. To revise key points, you can use techniques such as role-playing and building models.
Revision and revision
You should review the material you have learned in class at least once per week. You can think things through and make sense of the concepts, which will help you remember what you need.
Quiz – Ask a friend or relative to quiz you about key concepts. Help your friends with their homework. Quizzes can help you feel more confident in what you know, and to discover what you still need to be taught.
Create your own study material. – Make practice questions and flashcards to aid you in studying. You will learn it twice: once you create the study materials and again when you revise them.
Take breaks
You should take breaks when you study, especially if your mind is racing or you feel tired. Overworking on a task can lead to a decrease in performance.
Take a break from your study or desk. Sometimes, a little physical activity, even a short walk around the block, can help you see a problem differently and help you solve it.
Ask for help
Ask for help if you are stuck on a topic or if you don’t understand something. Talk to your lecturers and teachers about what you don’t get. Talk to your fellow students and friends.
Keep motivated
It is important to remember why you are studying, such as a career or course you are pursuing. You might find it helpful to keep something in your study area to remind you about your goals.
You can also decorate your study with inspiring quotes and photos of family members or people you admire.
It’s your chance to make a difference
There are many apps that can help students in all areas of their studies. Talk to your lecturers and friends about which apps they recommend.
Also, you should visit the iTunes Collections Page on iPads for learning. This page provides links to Australian Curriculum courses via iTunes U, as well as educational apps that are aimed at primary and high school students.
Look after yourself
If you are healthy and take care of your body, you will be able to study better. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Do not reward yourself with sugary or fatty snacks, or force yourself to study until the early hours of the morning. You should also ensure you get plenty of water while studying.
Now, come up with your strategies
These are just a few of the many things you can do in order to make the most of your studies. There might be other methods that work better for your situation. Learn from your friends what they do while studying. Perhaps your teachers have some great recommendations.
No matter what it is or the strategy that you have come up with: Once you’ve found something that works, you can put it to use and start doing it!