Having an important schedule can be the make or break having a successful routine. A simple nap, an itinerary, breaks, can make the greatest difference in living your best educational life.
SCHEDULING
Breaks
When maintaining a proper schedule, whether it be during exam season or a typical school week, it is always important to add downtime for yourself. This break can include taking a walk, getting something to eat, or anything to take time off and clear your mind for a fresh start.
Spacing Out
You need to allow time in between study sessions, this can prevent an overload of information which can lead to forgetfulness. Spacing time in between can allow your mind to calm down and be mentally prepared for new information. Your brain can only handle so much.
Stick to a plan
Although it sounds easier than in actuality, sticking to a plan can create healthy habits. Try to stick to a plan you feel comfortable with. Find a set time and place where you can study peacefully. Allow blocks of relaxation and don’t forget to not check your phone while studying!
METHODS OF STUDYING
Pictures and Diagrams
This is a great method for individuals who are visual and possibly kinesthetic learners. There are numerous ways, both online and offline, that you can use to create illustrations to further your learning. Diagrams have been proven to boost your memory of the material learned. Some apps/layouts I recommend are LucidChart Tip (it can be added to Google Docs) or X-Mind (app store for IOS and Android).
Mindmaps are a nonlinear method of taking notes; they can be created by defining your topic and then adding branches all around
Mix up your learning
This process can be defined as Interleaving. It involves mixing together different topics or forms of practice, in order to facilitate learning; this is perfect for unit tests and exams when questions can get pretty mixed up. If you continue to practice and practice the same subject, your brain will become accustomed to what is coming up next. When practicing multiple, you can also observe how they differ or connect to one another.
Find and Create
Examples are always one way to count on when you want to remember. It comes it handy when abstract concepts are introduced and don’t quite make sense. It is easier for people to imagine if they have a concrete example by creating a mental image.
Making Studying Fun
Competition
For all my competitive people out there, challenge yourself. Whether it be against friends, your class, or even yourself, it is a great way to test your knowledge and learn what to work harder on. I suggest apps like Quizlet and Kahoot.
Music and Websites
This is not for everyone, but I find listening to calming, lofi music, can really help me calm and relax while studying. I use online websites to display a cool background with mellowing music in the back, it also gives me the option to play background noise such as rain or people talking.
Find more at:
My study playlists:
Memorization for each learning style
SOCIAL VS. SOLITARY
some learn better in a quiet environment, on their own
others thrive when learning with others, know what works for you
PHYSICAL/KINESTHETIC
associate movements with words
2+2=4 is replaced while jumping
3+3=6 is repeated while jogging in place
repeating facts, with the same movements, to memorize
VISUAL
see the facts or lines repeatedly by writing them on windows or mirrors (with special marks of course)
print facts off on paper and hang in the car
include pictures whenever possible
LOGICAL/MATHEMATICAL
focus on the order
type or handwrite out the words then cut them out into individual pieces
to work on memorizing, put the parts into the correct order
VERBAL
instead of simply repeating out loud, work on saying every other word
go back and forth with every other word, or fact, with a partner
MUSICAL/AUDITORY
put words to tunes that are easy to remember and common
think nursery rhymes and songs
ACTIVE RECALL METHOD
EXAMS REQUIRE RETRIEVAL;
USING ACTIVE RECALL TECHNIQUES = RETRIEVAL PRACTICE
learn diagrams/images to visualize concepts
teach someone (recall the information back)
practice questions
mind maps (from memory)
flashcards (with cues on one side)
come up with questions when reading notes then answer the next day
Repeat recall exercises for a topic several times to ensure it’s learned (e.g. the next day, then a week later, 2 weeks later, etc…)
Another version:
choose the subtopic you want to learn
read the notes - make sure you understand everything
copy the space point or subtitles onto a blank paper
close the notes and go do something else for around 10-30 minutes
come back and write down everything you can remember
mark your work - use the same color used in your notes
repeat for other topics on a regular basis
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