Study Tips

Studying is a hard thing for many to do, and for the most part it's coming up with a technique that works best for you. Although this varies from person to person, knowing where to start is helpful. I would suggest trying all these methods and experiment to see of all or a combination of a few work best for you! Personally, I use all of these tips, especially when studying for large exams, a good grade is almost guaranteed.

1. READ

Make sure you have read your given readings a minimum of two times, and a minimum of three times on major themes covered by the class. Highlight or write small notes around the readings to help you be able to memorize the information.

2. Understand

The easiest way to memorize something is to make sure you understand the concept. If it is simply a word you're trying to understand then put it in a sentece so you can understand the words meaning by how it fits within the sentence.

3. Know what you need to study

Focus on topics your professor or teacher speaks on mostly, this is usually a hint that it is testable material. Be sure to ask your instructor what topics to focus on so you don't spend as much time studying topics that are unimportant.

4. Make notes

Once you know what you need to study and have an understanding of the concepts along with some small notes from reading, put it all together. Make strong notes with information that is needed or key words that will remind you of the information you've remembered. Don't be shy to go into detail on this step. Add things like charts, drawings, and a variety of colors to help trigger your memory.

5. Listen

Use a function on your device to read texts or your notes to you while you follow along. This will help you listen more clearly and point out errors or information that's been missed. It will also help you see more clearly topics you may not have covered as clearly or do not fully understand, this gives you another chance to revisit topics before moving on from this step.

6. Make smaller notes

On sticky notes or cue cards, write down the more simplified version of each concept and keep them on the side of your main notes.

7. Revise

The goal is to read your study notes alongside your smaller notes so you can connect them. Once you feel prepared try reading the smaller notes and seeing how in depth you can reiterate the concept. Try to come up with questions you think would be asked and attempt answering them without help of notes or any source besides your gained knowledge.

8. Use websites

There are many sites that offer free quizzes to related topics that can be very useful. This is especially helpful if you are having a hard time coming up with questions yourself. Take these quizzes without your notes and see how well you can do, keep revising until you can complete it perfectly. Ask friends or family members to quiz you with your notes. Friends who have the same quiz as you are typically more useful because they can add information or let you know how strong your answers are.

9. Take that test!

Once you can almost fully repeat the in-depth notes off your smaller notes or with no notes at all, you're prepared for the test! Be sure to continue revising throughout the time leading up to your quiz or exam to be fully confident.

I hope this was helpful information and remember this does not work for everyone but will surly help with retaining information to an extent. Good luck!