TIPS & TRICKS BY RAHUL PRAKASH SRIVASTAV
FANTASTIC MATH TRICKS
Multiply Up To 20x20 In Your Head Multiply By 11
Multiply By 11 Expanded 9 X Rule
Square a 2 Digit Number Ending In 5 Square a 2 Digit Number
Multiply By 4 Multiply By 5
Multiply Up to 20X20 In Your Head
In just FIVE minutes you should learn to quickly multiply up to 20x20 in your head. With this trick, you will be able to multiply any two numbers from 11 to 19 in your head quickly, without the use of a calculator.
I will assume that you know your multiplication table reasonably well up to 10x10.
Try this:
Take 15 x 13 for an example.
Always place the larger number of the two on top in your mind.
Then draw the shape of Africa mentally so it covers the 15 and the 3 from the 13 below. Those covered numbers are all you need.
First add 15 + 3 = 18
Add a zero behind it (multiply by 10) to get 180.
Multiply the covered lower 3 x the single digit above it the "5" (3x5= 15)
Add 180 + 15 = 195.
That is It! Wasn't that easy? Practice it on paper first!
The 11 Rule
You likely all know the 10 rule (to multiply by 10, just add a 0 behind the number) but do you know the 11 rule? It is as easy! You should be able to do this one in you head for any two digit number. Practice it on paper first!
To multiply any two digit number by 11:
For this example we will use 54.
Separate the two digits in you mind (5__4).
Notice the hole between them!
Add the 5 and the 4 together (5+4=9)
Put the resulting 9 in the hole 594. That's it! 11 x 54=594
The only thing tricky to remember is that if the result of the addition is greater than 9, you only put the "ones" digit in the hole and carry the "tens" digit from the addition. For example 11 x 57 ... 5__7 ... 5+7=12 ... put the 2 in the hole and add the 1 from the 12 to the 5 in to get 6 for a result of 627 ... 11 x 57 = 627
Practice it on paper first!
Finger Math: 9X Rule
To multiply by 9,try this:
(1) Spread your two hands out and place them on a desk or table in front of you.
(2) To multiply by 3, fold down the 3rd finger from the left. To multiply by 4, it would be the 4th finger and so on.
(3) the answer is 27 ... READ it from the two fingers on the left of the folded down finger and the 7 fingers on the right of it.
This works for anything up to 9x10!
Square a 2 Digit Number Ending in 5
For this example we will use 25
Take the "tens" part of the number (the 2 and add 1)=3
Multiply the original "tens" part of the number by the new number (2x3)
Take the result (2x3=6) and put 25 behind it. Result the answer 625.
Try a few more 75 squared ... = 7x8=56 ... put 25 behind it is 5625.
55 squared = 5x6=30 ... put 25 behind it ... is 3025. Another easy one! Practice it on paper first!
Square 2 Digit Number: UP-DOWN Method
Square a 2 Digit Number, for this example 37:
Look for the nearest 10 boundary
In this case up 3 from 37 to 40.
Since you went UP 3 to 40 go DOWN 3 from 37 to 34.
Now mentally multiply 34x40
The way I do it is 34x10=340;
Double it mentally to 680
Double it again mentally to 1360
This 1360 is the FIRST interim answer.
37 is "3" away from the 10 boundary 40.
Square this "3" distance from 10 boundary.
3x3=9 which is the SECOND interim answer.
Add the two interim answers to get the final answer.
Answer: 1360 + 9 = 1369
With practice this can easily be done in your head.
Multiply By 4
To quickly multiply by four, double the number and then double it again.
Often this can be done in your head.
Multiply By 5
To quickly multiply by 5, divide the number in two and then multiply it by 10. Often this can be done quickly in your head.
The 11 Rule Expanded
You can directly write down the answer to any number multiplied by 11.
Take for example the number 51236 X 11.
First, write down the number with a zero in front of it.
051236
The zero is necessary so that the rules are simpler.
Draw a line under the number.
Bear with me on this one. It is simple if you work through it slowly. To do this, all you have to do this is "Add the neighbor". Look at the 6 in the "units" position of the number. Since there is no number to the right of it, you can't add to its "neighbor" so just write down 6 below the 6 in the units col.
For the "tens" place, add the 3 to the its "neighbor" (the 6). Write the answer: 9 below the 3.
For the "hundreds" place, add the 2 to the its "neighbor" (the 3). Write the answer: 5 below the 2.
For the "thousands" place, add the 1 to the its "neighbor" (the 2). Write the answer: 3 below the 1.
For the "ten-thousands" place, add the 5 to the its "neighbor" (the 1). Write the answer: 6 below the 5.
For the "hundred-thousands" place, add the 0 to the its "neighbor" (the 5). Write the answer: 5 below the 0.
That's it ... 11 X 051236 = 563596
Practice it on paper first!
TO INCREASE YOUR MENTAL STABILITY,YOUR IQ LEVEL,YOUR LEARNING POWER AND MANY MORE TIPS FOR LEARNING
TIPS & TRICKS BY RAHUL PRAKASH SRIVASTAV
STUDY TIPS & TRICKS
No two people study the same way, and there is little doubt that what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you have to take is going to be so interesting that studying it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish.
Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. If you are reading this page, it's likely that you are not one of them, but don't despair, there is hope! Your success in high school and college is dependent on your ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and low or failing grades. It's your life, your time, and your future. All I can say, upon reflection of many years as a teacher, is that time is precious and not to be squandered, no matter what you believe right now.
This guide is designed to help you develop effective study skills. It is not a magic formula for success in preparing for tests, or written or oral assignments. Studying any material requires work! However, by using the techniques described in this guide, and by applying yourself, you can gain a valuable edge in understanding material, preparing for tests, and, ultimately, learning. This guide contains some of the best and most effective techniques of successful students - students who typically have high grades in high school and college regardless of the courses they take. So read on, think about what you read, and prepare to become a successful student! If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send to me.
STUDY TIPS & TRICKS
No two people study the same way, and there is little doubt that what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you have to take is going to be so interesting that studying it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish.
Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. If you are reading this page, it's likely that you are not one of them, but don't despair, there is hope! Your success in high school and college is dependent on your ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and low or failing grades. It's your life, your time, and your future. All I can say, upon reflection of many years as a teacher, is that time is precious and not to be squandered, no matter what you believe right now.
This guide is designed to help you develop effective study skills. It is not a magic formula for success in preparing for tests, or written or oral assignments. Studying any material requires work! However, by using the techniques described in this guide, and by applying yourself, you can gain a valuable edge in understanding material, preparing for tests, and, ultimately, learning. This guide contains some of the best and most effective techniques of successful students - students who typically have high grades in high school and college regardless of the courses they take. So read on, think about what you read, and prepare to become a successful student! If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please send to me.
QUICK TIPS
Studying isn’t one task, it’s many. You may need to memorize facts or just understand the basics. You might need a broad conceptual base, or just skills. To add even more variety, each person has different learning styles and preferences.
No one tool is the right one. But with fifty here, you’re bound to find something that might help.
** Note: I realize this article is fairly long, so you may want to bookmark it to finish it later**
1) Visualization
The idea here is that you want to put abstract information into a picture. If you are struggling to understand a concept, visualization is a good technique to start with.
2) Rote Memorization
I’m not a huge fan of this method, but sometimes brute force is required. Rote memorization involves pounding information into your brain by repeating it continually. Works best when the information is arbitrary and fact-based, so applications won’t go beyond simple memory.
3) Interlinking
Take two ideas and ask yourself how they relate. They can be ideas within a specific field (short roads) or between two completely different fields (freeways). By doing this you create a roadmap for traveling between information in your brain. I suggest reading my article on holistic learning if you want to find out more.
4) Metaphor
Take a more complex idea and compare it to a simpler one. When learning computer programming, I found it helpful to look at a function like a pencil sharpener. A parameter was a dull pencil, inside processes sharpened and returned a sharp pencil. Some metaphors have limited applications while others can be used for deep understanding.
5) Diagram
Draw it out. I love using diagrams for sorting large pieces of information. When I used to write computer programs fairly heavily, my desktop would have pieces of paper with hastily scratched diagrams. I consider creating a diagram to be the upgraded version of visualization.
6) Fluid Notes
Most people take notes in a linear fashion, writing one statement after the next. Fluid notes may look less organized, but involves you drawing connections between ideas and writing in all directions across the page. Remember the point of note taking is to encourage learning, not just record what was said.
7) Acronyms
A bit more efficient than rote memorization is to use mnemonics. Acronyms simplifying memorized information are a great way to do this. When I used to lifeguard, I had memorized all sorts of acronyms for various procedures such as RED or ABC. Make up your own acronyms to store arbitrary info.
Link Method
This is an advanced memory technique. I’ve found it works surprisingly well, but it takes longer to set up and requires practice if you want to do it quickly. The basic idea is that you link two ideas together by forming a bizarre picture that involves both of them.
If I wanted to memorize a grocery list that had apples, milk and beans, my goal would be to create two images that linked apples to milk and milk to beans. The first could be a picture of a giant apple milking a cow. The second could be a milk container that poured baked beans.
9) Peg Method
A variation of the link method, this one helps you memorize numbers. Instead of linking two pictures together, you use a system of phonetics to remember all the digits. From that you create short words and sentences to encode numbers. This article isn’t enough to fully explain the technique, but a Google search should give more depth if you’re interested.
10) Retracing
Another technique that works well with holistic learning is retracing. Basically this involves you starting with one concept in your class. From that you find a relationship between that idea and another idea. You continue doing this path until you get back where you started or reach a dead end.
11) Zoom and Check
Skim through any material you have to learn. Your goal isn’t to learn the information but to notice what you don’t already know. If more than one or two ideas pop out in a chapter, you should probably stop and go back.
12) Self-Test
Give yourself a test. Testing is a good way to see if you know what your doing, so try it out.
13) Anthropomorphize
Sounds complicated but isn’t. Anthropomorphizing is the process of taking non-human things and giving them human characteristics. Describing a rock as being lonely would be an example. You can use this tool by giving abstract ideas human qualities so they become easier to remember.
A great example was given by my psychology professor. He showed how signals are conducted along a neuron by describing it as people running down the hallway of a hotel, as doors opened and closed.
14) Visceralize
Similar to visualization except you use all your senses. This one is harder to explain, but you can create a feeling, sound or sense that corresponds with an idea. I remembered how to do basic matrix determinants by linking the feeling of my hand moving through a box.
15) Leverage Previous Understandings
What do you already know that could be useful? Make use of the information you already have. Many times the specifics between subjects are different, but founding principles are similar. Look for connections.
16) Gap Avoidance
I’ve made use of this technique to pass tests I didn’t study for. Although I always recommend actually learning information first, this can be a booster to help in a crisis. The basic idea of gap avoidance is that you become aware of what you don’t know and collect everything that you do.
I once won an inter-province chemistry test where one question was to write an essay on soap. I know very little about soap, so my first step was to collect anything I knew that could be remotely related to soap. Next I made note of what I did not know, so I could consciously avoid displaying my ignorance when writing the essay.
I’d like to point out that this technique isn’t magical. If you don’t know something, you’ll still probably fail. But it can help if you are missing pieces of information and can’t go back to study.
17) Brainstorming
Get a couple people in a room and think it out. I find one or two other people to be ideal, although some experts recommend up to six.
18) Mindstorming
Consider this individual brainstorming. Write down all the ideas, thoughts and information you can think of. A brain dump to get it all out on paper.
19) Relationship Diagrams
Diagrams that focus on the relationship between information are a great tool. Instead of just displaying information, show how it links together. Combined with fluid note taking, this is a great way to piece all the information together.
20) Give it a Hand
Use your fingers and thumbs as a memory tool. Link different words or names to specific fingers and memorize which go where. There are limits to this application, but it can be useful if a good acronym doesn’t come immediately.
21) Imaginary Room Method
A reader sent me this one and it builds on the link technique. Imagine a room you are familiar with. Now visualize all the major objects in this room. The next step is to individually link specific information or details to each object in your room.
Another variation on this technique uses your body instead of a room. I suppose it depends on whether you are more visual or visceral in your learning style.
22) Make it Interesting
Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? You’ll remember information you find more satisfying to know. Find ways you can use the information beyond just getting a grade and it will become more real to you.
23) Teach It
Find someone and explain it to them. Nothing forces you to learn better than teaching.
24) The Kindergarten Rule
Similar to teaching, the kindergarten rule proclaims that you should be able to explain your subject to a six year old. While this isn’t going to work for your advanced level calculus or biochemical courses, the idea is that you should dumb down the information so it becomes obvious.
25) Song or Story
Another memorizing technique, this one links information together by placing it in a sequence of a song or a story. You could list all the bones in your hand by creating a story in which you meet each of them in sequence.
26) Chunking
Learn for fifteen minutes at a time. Take frequent breaks and let your mind absorb what was learned. I never do creative or learning work for more than an hour or two without a change in pace.
27) Watch the Recorder
Are you learning or just reading sentences off the page? Be conscious of when your mind has slipped but your eyes are still gazing down. When the recorder stops, go back and restart.
28) Learn it Once
What would you do if you could only look through your textbook once? The learn-it-once philosophy basically states that studying is a waste of time. You should learn things immediately as they come to you rather than delegating them to future study sessions. It may be slower, but it forces you to learn instead of just skim.
29) Define Quality Information
What information is important? Define your goals for learning and the expectations of any examiners. By doing this you can figure out what information is critical to memorize and what can be skimmed.
30) Cram
I hate cramming, but it seems popular enough for me to include it anyways. Put on another pot of coffee and expect little sleep.
31) Immersion
This involves learning way more than you need to. The equivalent of diving into the deep end of a pool full of sharks it can be one of the fastest ways to learn (if you don’t get eaten alive). I know many people who have used this method when trying to learn new languages. Basically you become obsessed with the subject and hope that if only a small fraction of it sticks, that will still be more than you could have learned by any other method.
32) Learn as You Need It
Opposite to the immersion method is the learn-as-you-go method. This works great when the learning is for a field where mastery isn’t important. I used this approach when learning the technical matters of blogging.
33) Pop Quiz
My grandfather used this to teach my multiplication table when I was little. At random points during the day he would say something like, “Quick! What’s 8×12?”. This method might require an understanding friend or a complex computer program, but it can force you to remember information in any situation.
34) Give it Form
Don’t let an idea sit as an abstraction in your head. Give it a shape, form, color and meaning. Use your hands to describe it as a potter would sculpt a bowl on a potters wheel.
35) Sleep on It
Sleep has been shown to impact memory. Take time to rest yourself and get enough sleep so that you can remember what you have learned.
36) Complete Focus
Occasionally I’ll see people “studying” while listening to music or watching television. Although they may have a gift in multitasking I wasn’t born with, I think it is more likely that they are fooling themselves. Turn off all the distractions and focus completely or don’t focus at all.
37) Ask Why
Ever sat next to one of those annoying kids that asked “Why?” to everything you said? Maybe it’s time you became that annoying kid and started asking why to more of the information you are supposed to learn. When information forms a logical pattern it becomes far easier to remember.
38) Find Your Peak Mental Hours
Everyone has different creative peaks. Mine tend to be early afternoon and late morning. When I try to work late in the evening I’m restless. When I try to work early in the morning my mind is usually too fuzzy to think. Find your peak mental hours so studying works for you.
39) Exercise
Cal Newport, mentioned these next two on his blog. This first is exercising. Healthy body, healthy mind. I’ve found the stereotype of the dumb jock to be fairly inaccurate. Usually the people who keep fit are able to stay sharper mentally.
40) Burn Off Stress
Party, mediate, socialize, whatever you need to do to relax. Being in a depressed state won’t help your studies, so have fun and find a balance. Then again, hangovers aren’t the best way to write an exam so know where to draw the line.
41) Create
Learning and creating are, in essence, the same activity. Don’t let learning become a passive activity where you try to absorb information. Instead create information. Form your own relationships, descriptions and examples.
42) Get a Tutor
Get personalized instructions that match up with your learning style. Don’t force a square peg into a circular hole if you don’t have to.
43) Know Thy Weaknesses
Did you get a bad mark on that last test. Why? Was it just a lack of preparation. Did you not remember the information, or did you have trouble applying it? Figure out your weaknesses so you can develop tools (or use these) to work around them.
44) Post It’s
Place Post It’s all over your room with information from subjects. Mix them up every few days so that you will notice them as you walk around.
45) Organize
I must admit that organization has always been a struggle for me. I’m far more inclined towards total environmental chaos and lost files than robotic storage. But I have found that working on my organizational skills allows me more mental room to learn. Ordered environment, ordered mind.
46) Create a Learning Ritual
I can’t think of article ideas if I’m not sitting in my chair. If I try going for a walk or sitting somewhere else, my mind doesn’t focus. I’ve developed a ritual for writing posts that makes it difficult to do anything else. The advantage is that when I go through this ritual, I can think of ideas fairly quickly. Creating a learning ritual where you study or read in the same place can create a similar advantage.
47) Performance Flow
I’m incredibly relaxed when I’m about to write tests. I’m rarely nervous, but I have a degree of tension that keeps me focused. If you get too nervous during performance situations, try breathing and meditation exercises to slow yourself down.
48) Eat Light
Digestion uses a large amount of energy in your body. By eating light before studying or a test you can ensure you don’t feel groggy.
49) Write it Down
Writing is one of the best ways to learn. I use it for problem solving, brainstorming and working out ideas. Thinking is a rather inefficient process where distractions easily push you onto a tangent. By writing things down you can record your position and think more clearly.
50) Grades are Just Letters
My final suggestion is to stop thinking about classes in terms of grades and degrees. Think of school as just one facet of the larger self-education in your life. Find reasons to learn information for its own sake, instead of just to pass the class. While this may sound obvious, I believe it is the most important tip on this list and the one few people actually use. Study to learn, not just to pass.
Studying isn’t one task, it’s many. You may need to memorize facts or just understand the basics. You might need a broad conceptual base, or just skills. To add even more variety, each person has different learning styles and preferences.
No one tool is the right one. But with fifty here, you’re bound to find something that might help.
** Note: I realize this article is fairly long, so you may want to bookmark it to finish it later**
1) Visualization
The idea here is that you want to put abstract information into a picture. If you are struggling to understand a concept, visualization is a good technique to start with.
2) Rote Memorization
I’m not a huge fan of this method, but sometimes brute force is required. Rote memorization involves pounding information into your brain by repeating it continually. Works best when the information is arbitrary and fact-based, so applications won’t go beyond simple memory.
3) Interlinking
Take two ideas and ask yourself how they relate. They can be ideas within a specific field (short roads) or between two completely different fields (freeways). By doing this you create a roadmap for traveling between information in your brain. I suggest reading my article on holistic learning if you want to find out more.
4) Metaphor
Take a more complex idea and compare it to a simpler one. When learning computer programming, I found it helpful to look at a function like a pencil sharpener. A parameter was a dull pencil, inside processes sharpened and returned a sharp pencil. Some metaphors have limited applications while others can be used for deep understanding.
5) Diagram
Draw it out. I love using diagrams for sorting large pieces of information. When I used to write computer programs fairly heavily, my desktop would have pieces of paper with hastily scratched diagrams. I consider creating a diagram to be the upgraded version of visualization.
6) Fluid Notes
Most people take notes in a linear fashion, writing one statement after the next. Fluid notes may look less organized, but involves you drawing connections between ideas and writing in all directions across the page. Remember the point of note taking is to encourage learning, not just record what was said.
7) Acronyms
A bit more efficient than rote memorization is to use mnemonics. Acronyms simplifying memorized information are a great way to do this. When I used to lifeguard, I had memorized all sorts of acronyms for various procedures such as RED or ABC. Make up your own acronyms to store arbitrary info.
Link Method
This is an advanced memory technique. I’ve found it works surprisingly well, but it takes longer to set up and requires practice if you want to do it quickly. The basic idea is that you link two ideas together by forming a bizarre picture that involves both of them.
If I wanted to memorize a grocery list that had apples, milk and beans, my goal would be to create two images that linked apples to milk and milk to beans. The first could be a picture of a giant apple milking a cow. The second could be a milk container that poured baked beans.
9) Peg Method
A variation of the link method, this one helps you memorize numbers. Instead of linking two pictures together, you use a system of phonetics to remember all the digits. From that you create short words and sentences to encode numbers. This article isn’t enough to fully explain the technique, but a Google search should give more depth if you’re interested.
10) Retracing
Another technique that works well with holistic learning is retracing. Basically this involves you starting with one concept in your class. From that you find a relationship between that idea and another idea. You continue doing this path until you get back where you started or reach a dead end.
11) Zoom and Check
Skim through any material you have to learn. Your goal isn’t to learn the information but to notice what you don’t already know. If more than one or two ideas pop out in a chapter, you should probably stop and go back.
12) Self-Test
Give yourself a test. Testing is a good way to see if you know what your doing, so try it out.
13) Anthropomorphize
Sounds complicated but isn’t. Anthropomorphizing is the process of taking non-human things and giving them human characteristics. Describing a rock as being lonely would be an example. You can use this tool by giving abstract ideas human qualities so they become easier to remember.
A great example was given by my psychology professor. He showed how signals are conducted along a neuron by describing it as people running down the hallway of a hotel, as doors opened and closed.
14) Visceralize
Similar to visualization except you use all your senses. This one is harder to explain, but you can create a feeling, sound or sense that corresponds with an idea. I remembered how to do basic matrix determinants by linking the feeling of my hand moving through a box.
15) Leverage Previous Understandings
What do you already know that could be useful? Make use of the information you already have. Many times the specifics between subjects are different, but founding principles are similar. Look for connections.
16) Gap Avoidance
I’ve made use of this technique to pass tests I didn’t study for. Although I always recommend actually learning information first, this can be a booster to help in a crisis. The basic idea of gap avoidance is that you become aware of what you don’t know and collect everything that you do.
I once won an inter-province chemistry test where one question was to write an essay on soap. I know very little about soap, so my first step was to collect anything I knew that could be remotely related to soap. Next I made note of what I did not know, so I could consciously avoid displaying my ignorance when writing the essay.
I’d like to point out that this technique isn’t magical. If you don’t know something, you’ll still probably fail. But it can help if you are missing pieces of information and can’t go back to study.
17) Brainstorming
Get a couple people in a room and think it out. I find one or two other people to be ideal, although some experts recommend up to six.
18) Mindstorming
Consider this individual brainstorming. Write down all the ideas, thoughts and information you can think of. A brain dump to get it all out on paper.
19) Relationship Diagrams
Diagrams that focus on the relationship between information are a great tool. Instead of just displaying information, show how it links together. Combined with fluid note taking, this is a great way to piece all the information together.
20) Give it a Hand
Use your fingers and thumbs as a memory tool. Link different words or names to specific fingers and memorize which go where. There are limits to this application, but it can be useful if a good acronym doesn’t come immediately.
21) Imaginary Room Method
A reader sent me this one and it builds on the link technique. Imagine a room you are familiar with. Now visualize all the major objects in this room. The next step is to individually link specific information or details to each object in your room.
Another variation on this technique uses your body instead of a room. I suppose it depends on whether you are more visual or visceral in your learning style.
22) Make it Interesting
Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? You’ll remember information you find more satisfying to know. Find ways you can use the information beyond just getting a grade and it will become more real to you.
23) Teach It
Find someone and explain it to them. Nothing forces you to learn better than teaching.
24) The Kindergarten Rule
Similar to teaching, the kindergarten rule proclaims that you should be able to explain your subject to a six year old. While this isn’t going to work for your advanced level calculus or biochemical courses, the idea is that you should dumb down the information so it becomes obvious.
25) Song or Story
Another memorizing technique, this one links information together by placing it in a sequence of a song or a story. You could list all the bones in your hand by creating a story in which you meet each of them in sequence.
26) Chunking
Learn for fifteen minutes at a time. Take frequent breaks and let your mind absorb what was learned. I never do creative or learning work for more than an hour or two without a change in pace.
27) Watch the Recorder
Are you learning or just reading sentences off the page? Be conscious of when your mind has slipped but your eyes are still gazing down. When the recorder stops, go back and restart.
28) Learn it Once
What would you do if you could only look through your textbook once? The learn-it-once philosophy basically states that studying is a waste of time. You should learn things immediately as they come to you rather than delegating them to future study sessions. It may be slower, but it forces you to learn instead of just skim.
29) Define Quality Information
What information is important? Define your goals for learning and the expectations of any examiners. By doing this you can figure out what information is critical to memorize and what can be skimmed.
30) Cram
I hate cramming, but it seems popular enough for me to include it anyways. Put on another pot of coffee and expect little sleep.
31) Immersion
This involves learning way more than you need to. The equivalent of diving into the deep end of a pool full of sharks it can be one of the fastest ways to learn (if you don’t get eaten alive). I know many people who have used this method when trying to learn new languages. Basically you become obsessed with the subject and hope that if only a small fraction of it sticks, that will still be more than you could have learned by any other method.
32) Learn as You Need It
Opposite to the immersion method is the learn-as-you-go method. This works great when the learning is for a field where mastery isn’t important. I used this approach when learning the technical matters of blogging.
33) Pop Quiz
My grandfather used this to teach my multiplication table when I was little. At random points during the day he would say something like, “Quick! What’s 8×12?”. This method might require an understanding friend or a complex computer program, but it can force you to remember information in any situation.
34) Give it Form
Don’t let an idea sit as an abstraction in your head. Give it a shape, form, color and meaning. Use your hands to describe it as a potter would sculpt a bowl on a potters wheel.
35) Sleep on It
Sleep has been shown to impact memory. Take time to rest yourself and get enough sleep so that you can remember what you have learned.
36) Complete Focus
Occasionally I’ll see people “studying” while listening to music or watching television. Although they may have a gift in multitasking I wasn’t born with, I think it is more likely that they are fooling themselves. Turn off all the distractions and focus completely or don’t focus at all.
37) Ask Why
Ever sat next to one of those annoying kids that asked “Why?” to everything you said? Maybe it’s time you became that annoying kid and started asking why to more of the information you are supposed to learn. When information forms a logical pattern it becomes far easier to remember.
38) Find Your Peak Mental Hours
Everyone has different creative peaks. Mine tend to be early afternoon and late morning. When I try to work late in the evening I’m restless. When I try to work early in the morning my mind is usually too fuzzy to think. Find your peak mental hours so studying works for you.
39) Exercise
Cal Newport, mentioned these next two on his blog. This first is exercising. Healthy body, healthy mind. I’ve found the stereotype of the dumb jock to be fairly inaccurate. Usually the people who keep fit are able to stay sharper mentally.
40) Burn Off Stress
Party, mediate, socialize, whatever you need to do to relax. Being in a depressed state won’t help your studies, so have fun and find a balance. Then again, hangovers aren’t the best way to write an exam so know where to draw the line.
41) Create
Learning and creating are, in essence, the same activity. Don’t let learning become a passive activity where you try to absorb information. Instead create information. Form your own relationships, descriptions and examples.
42) Get a Tutor
Get personalized instructions that match up with your learning style. Don’t force a square peg into a circular hole if you don’t have to.
43) Know Thy Weaknesses
Did you get a bad mark on that last test. Why? Was it just a lack of preparation. Did you not remember the information, or did you have trouble applying it? Figure out your weaknesses so you can develop tools (or use these) to work around them.
44) Post It’s
Place Post It’s all over your room with information from subjects. Mix them up every few days so that you will notice them as you walk around.
45) Organize
I must admit that organization has always been a struggle for me. I’m far more inclined towards total environmental chaos and lost files than robotic storage. But I have found that working on my organizational skills allows me more mental room to learn. Ordered environment, ordered mind.
46) Create a Learning Ritual
I can’t think of article ideas if I’m not sitting in my chair. If I try going for a walk or sitting somewhere else, my mind doesn’t focus. I’ve developed a ritual for writing posts that makes it difficult to do anything else. The advantage is that when I go through this ritual, I can think of ideas fairly quickly. Creating a learning ritual where you study or read in the same place can create a similar advantage.
47) Performance Flow
I’m incredibly relaxed when I’m about to write tests. I’m rarely nervous, but I have a degree of tension that keeps me focused. If you get too nervous during performance situations, try breathing and meditation exercises to slow yourself down.
48) Eat Light
Digestion uses a large amount of energy in your body. By eating light before studying or a test you can ensure you don’t feel groggy.
49) Write it Down
Writing is one of the best ways to learn. I use it for problem solving, brainstorming and working out ideas. Thinking is a rather inefficient process where distractions easily push you onto a tangent. By writing things down you can record your position and think more clearly.
50) Grades are Just Letters
My final suggestion is to stop thinking about classes in terms of grades and degrees. Think of school as just one facet of the larger self-education in your life. Find reasons to learn information for its own sake, instead of just to pass the class. While this may sound obvious, I believe it is the most important tip on this list and the one few people actually use. Study to learn, not just to pass.
Effective Study skills are about more than understanding
Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart.
The value of a schedule
Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.
A schedule saves time
All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've got to want to do it!
Making every hour count
A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There are givens such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.
When to study
The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.
Studying for lecture courses
If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.
Studying for recitation courses
For classes that require recitation, such as foreign language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the time to practice. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your skills in a before-class study period.
Making and revising a schedule
Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building becomes easier.
Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart.
The value of a schedule
Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.
A schedule saves time
All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've got to want to do it!
Making every hour count
A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There are givens such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.
When to study
The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.
Studying for lecture courses
If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.
Studying for recitation courses
For classes that require recitation, such as foreign language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the time to practice. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your skills in a before-class study period.
Making and revising a schedule
Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building becomes easier.
he Process of Study
How to use your time
Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.
Where to study
You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all, the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.
Strategies
Thinking skills
Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied, but must be built up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you're not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Talk to other students who you feel are good thinkers. Ask them what it is they do when they think critically or creatively. Often times, you can pick up valuable insights to help you become a better thinker.
How to use your time
Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.
Where to study
You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all, the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.
Strategies
Thinking skills
Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied, but must be built up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you're not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Talk to other students who you feel are good thinkers. Ask them what it is they do when they think critically or creatively. Often times, you can pick up valuable insights to help you become a better thinker.
The SQ3R method
The SQ3R method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Take a moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a good slogan to commit to memory to carry out an effective study strategy.
Survey - get the best overall picture of what you're going to study BEFORE you study it an any detail. It's like looking at a road map before going on a trip. If you don't know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.
Question - ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. Questions should lead to emphasis on the what, why, how, when, who and where of study content. Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help to make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will make an impression on you. Those things that make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more easily remembered. Don't be afraid to write your questions in the margins of textbooks, on lecture notes, or wherever it makes sense.
Read - Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively. Read to answer questions you have asked yourself or questions the instructor or author has asked. Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The authors intend that this material receive special emphasis. Also, when you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often times tables, graphs and illustrations can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.
Recite - When you recite, you stop reading periodically to recall what you have read. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what graphs charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop an overall concept of what you have read in your own words and thoughts. Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know. When you do this periodically, the chances are you will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays and objective tests.
Review - A review is a survey of what you have covered. It is a review of what you are supposed to accomplish, not what you are going to do. Rereading is an important part of the review process. Reread with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the process. During review, it's a good time to go over notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand. The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something. Don't wait until just before an examination to begin the review process. Before an examination, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your knowledge of the material. Thousands of high school and college students have followed the SQ3R steps to achieve higher grades with less stress.
The SQ3R method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Take a moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a good slogan to commit to memory to carry out an effective study strategy.
Survey - get the best overall picture of what you're going to study BEFORE you study it an any detail. It's like looking at a road map before going on a trip. If you don't know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.
Question - ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. Questions should lead to emphasis on the what, why, how, when, who and where of study content. Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help to make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will make an impression on you. Those things that make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more easily remembered. Don't be afraid to write your questions in the margins of textbooks, on lecture notes, or wherever it makes sense.
Read - Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively. Read to answer questions you have asked yourself or questions the instructor or author has asked. Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The authors intend that this material receive special emphasis. Also, when you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often times tables, graphs and illustrations can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.
Recite - When you recite, you stop reading periodically to recall what you have read. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what graphs charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop an overall concept of what you have read in your own words and thoughts. Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know. When you do this periodically, the chances are you will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays and objective tests.
Review - A review is a survey of what you have covered. It is a review of what you are supposed to accomplish, not what you are going to do. Rereading is an important part of the review process. Reread with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the process. During review, it's a good time to go over notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand. The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something. Don't wait until just before an examination to begin the review process. Before an examination, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your knowledge of the material. Thousands of high school and college students have followed the SQ3R steps to achieve higher grades with less stress.
Reading
A primary means by which you acquire information is through reading. In college you're expected to do much more reading than in high school. Don't assume just because you've "read" the assignments that is the end of it. You must learn to read with a purpose. In studying, you may read the same assignment three or four times, each time with a different purpose. You must know before you begin reading what your purpose is, and read accordingly.
Getting the Main Idea
Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. You must learn what the author's central idea is, and understand it in your own way. Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in each paragraph you read.
Extracting Important Details
Extracting important details means that you locate in your reading the basis for main ideas. There is usually one important detail associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you have made a link between an idea and information that supports it. The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.
Don't Read Aloud to Yourself
Generally, reading aloud to yourself does not help you study more effectively. If you move your lips while you read, you're not reading efficiently. If you read aloud or move your lips while you're reading, you are reading slowly, so stop moving your lips. Try putting a finger over your lips. Your finger will remind you not to move your lips. Make an effort to read faster and retain more - after a while, you'll be surprised how little effort it will take.
Taking Notes
Like reading, note-taking is a skill which must be learned and refined. Almost invariably, note taking, or the lack of it, is a constant deficiency in the study methods of many high school and college students. Learning the ingredients of good note taking is rather easy; applying them to your own situation depends on how serious you are in becoming a successful student.
Where to Keep Notes
You must learn to keep notes logically and legibly. Remember, if you can't read your own writing a few days after taking notes, they are of little use. By all accounts, the best place to keep notes is in a loose-leaf notebook. Use dividers to separate the different classes you take. Make it a habit of using your notebook to record ALL your notes. If you're caught without your notebook and need to take notes, always have a supply of loose-leaf paper with you. Insert your note papers into the notebook as soon as you can. Be sure to buy a good notebook, as it will get a lot of wear and tear.
Outlining Textbooks
First of all, don't underline. Use a highlighter. Experience has shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the same passages underlined. In outlining a text, don't just read along and highlight what seem to important words. That technique rarely works. The act of outlining works much better.
A primary means by which you acquire information is through reading. In college you're expected to do much more reading than in high school. Don't assume just because you've "read" the assignments that is the end of it. You must learn to read with a purpose. In studying, you may read the same assignment three or four times, each time with a different purpose. You must know before you begin reading what your purpose is, and read accordingly.
Getting the Main Idea
Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. You must learn what the author's central idea is, and understand it in your own way. Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in each paragraph you read.
Extracting Important Details
Extracting important details means that you locate in your reading the basis for main ideas. There is usually one important detail associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you have made a link between an idea and information that supports it. The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.
Don't Read Aloud to Yourself
Generally, reading aloud to yourself does not help you study more effectively. If you move your lips while you read, you're not reading efficiently. If you read aloud or move your lips while you're reading, you are reading slowly, so stop moving your lips. Try putting a finger over your lips. Your finger will remind you not to move your lips. Make an effort to read faster and retain more - after a while, you'll be surprised how little effort it will take.
Taking Notes
Like reading, note-taking is a skill which must be learned and refined. Almost invariably, note taking, or the lack of it, is a constant deficiency in the study methods of many high school and college students. Learning the ingredients of good note taking is rather easy; applying them to your own situation depends on how serious you are in becoming a successful student.
Where to Keep Notes
You must learn to keep notes logically and legibly. Remember, if you can't read your own writing a few days after taking notes, they are of little use. By all accounts, the best place to keep notes is in a loose-leaf notebook. Use dividers to separate the different classes you take. Make it a habit of using your notebook to record ALL your notes. If you're caught without your notebook and need to take notes, always have a supply of loose-leaf paper with you. Insert your note papers into the notebook as soon as you can. Be sure to buy a good notebook, as it will get a lot of wear and tear.
Outlining Textbooks
First of all, don't underline. Use a highlighter. Experience has shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the same passages underlined. In outlining a text, don't just read along and highlight what seem to important words. That technique rarely works. The act of outlining works much better.
Taking Lecture Notes
Surveying, Questioning, Listening
Taking accurate and concise lecture notes is essential. Develop the habit of taking notes using appropriate methods described earlier in the SQ3R technique. For example, when you listen to a lecture, formulate questions as you listen. Your main job in taking lecture notes is to be a good listener. To be a good listener, you must learn to focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down, and then later reorganize them in your own words. Once you have done this, you have set the stage for successful reviewing and revising.
Reviewing and Revising
As you prepare for examinations, tests, or other assessments, you should spend time reviewing and revising your lecture notes. Begin the process by reviewing your notes right after a lecture. If you wait too long, you may discover that the notes just don't make sense. Don't hesitate to revise your notes based on the review process.
Research Notes
Any form of note-taking that requires compilation of information by categories, rather than in narrative form is best done using index cards. You can sort, edit and arrange index cards to suit your particular study needs. The most important point in using cards is to indicate the correct reference or topic at the top of the card. Use the cards for study, review, to help organize information for papers, reports, or projects. An even better idea, if you have a personal computer, is to organize your categorical information in a database. Once you set it up, finding, updating and adding new information is quite easy. If you have a printer, you can print out your notes in a variety of ways.
Surveying, Questioning, Listening
Taking accurate and concise lecture notes is essential. Develop the habit of taking notes using appropriate methods described earlier in the SQ3R technique. For example, when you listen to a lecture, formulate questions as you listen. Your main job in taking lecture notes is to be a good listener. To be a good listener, you must learn to focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down, and then later reorganize them in your own words. Once you have done this, you have set the stage for successful reviewing and revising.
Reviewing and Revising
As you prepare for examinations, tests, or other assessments, you should spend time reviewing and revising your lecture notes. Begin the process by reviewing your notes right after a lecture. If you wait too long, you may discover that the notes just don't make sense. Don't hesitate to revise your notes based on the review process.
Research Notes
Any form of note-taking that requires compilation of information by categories, rather than in narrative form is best done using index cards. You can sort, edit and arrange index cards to suit your particular study needs. The most important point in using cards is to indicate the correct reference or topic at the top of the card. Use the cards for study, review, to help organize information for papers, reports, or projects. An even better idea, if you have a personal computer, is to organize your categorical information in a database. Once you set it up, finding, updating and adding new information is quite easy. If you have a printer, you can print out your notes in a variety of ways.
Taking Examinations
Objective Examinations
Surveying
Survey any objective examination to find out what types of questions are being asked. Surveying helps you to know what to expect.
Knowing the Ground Rules
Always read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. Make sure your answers are clear. Determine what the scoring rules for the test are and follow them to your advantage. For example, if wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you can reduce the choices to two.
Answering Easy Questions First
Answering easy (to you) questions first is the best strategy. If you stumble over difficult questions for too long a time, you may not be able to complete the exam.
Picking out Key Words
Objective examination questions usually contain one or more key words. A key word or group of words are those on which the truth or falsity of a statement hinges. Learn to spot the key words in the statement that define the meaning. If a statement contains two clauses, one of which is false, the whole statement is false. Usually, two-statement true-false questions are either both true or both false.
Reading Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups. Usually, only one alternative is correct. Your job is to pick the alternative that is more nearly true than the others. Read multiple-choice questions the same way as for true-false. Eliminate obvious false choices.
Reading Other Types of Questions
The methods used to answer true-false and multiple choice questions apply to matching questions as well. Always scan the entire list of alternatives before matching any. As in the other types of questions, try to identify key words in each list and test them. Completion questions require you to provide a word or phrase. When you encounter completion questions, choose your words carefully. If you don't know the answer, give it your best guess, as often times such responses get at least partial credit.
Objective Examinations
Surveying
Survey any objective examination to find out what types of questions are being asked. Surveying helps you to know what to expect.
Knowing the Ground Rules
Always read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. Make sure your answers are clear. Determine what the scoring rules for the test are and follow them to your advantage. For example, if wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you can reduce the choices to two.
Answering Easy Questions First
Answering easy (to you) questions first is the best strategy. If you stumble over difficult questions for too long a time, you may not be able to complete the exam.
Picking out Key Words
Objective examination questions usually contain one or more key words. A key word or group of words are those on which the truth or falsity of a statement hinges. Learn to spot the key words in the statement that define the meaning. If a statement contains two clauses, one of which is false, the whole statement is false. Usually, two-statement true-false questions are either both true or both false.
Reading Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups. Usually, only one alternative is correct. Your job is to pick the alternative that is more nearly true than the others. Read multiple-choice questions the same way as for true-false. Eliminate obvious false choices.
Reading Other Types of Questions
The methods used to answer true-false and multiple choice questions apply to matching questions as well. Always scan the entire list of alternatives before matching any. As in the other types of questions, try to identify key words in each list and test them. Completion questions require you to provide a word or phrase. When you encounter completion questions, choose your words carefully. If you don't know the answer, give it your best guess, as often times such responses get at least partial credit.
Essay Examinations
Planning your time in answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests. The general rule is not to get carried away on one or two questions to the extent that you cannot answer that other questions in the time allowed. Read through the entire examination first. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.
When you follow directions for an essay exam, pay attention to the key words the instructor has included. Such words as "list," "describe," "compare and contrast," and "outline" have special meaning. Don't "write around" the question but answer it directly. If a question asks you to list something, don't write a narrative about it. Answering essay questions directly is always the best policy.
After scanning the list of questions to be answered, choose the ones you know most about. A good idea is to prepare an outline of your answers. The outline will help you remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response. Another technique is to do a "memory-dump." This technique is discussed in the last section of this guide, "Power Study Tips."
Good handwriting is an absolute essential. If your cursive writing is very hard to read, try printing instead. Most instructors value clear handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling also count. Well-written grammatically correct answers almost always receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers, even though the answers themselves are the same.
Writing Themes and Reports
Reviewing the Topic
Students usually have some freedom to choose the subject of themes or reports. When you make this choice, be sure that the topic is acceptable to the teacher, and is as interesting to you as possible. Another consideration is that of availability of resource material. Your task is made much easier when there is a good amount of reference and resource material available.
Using Correct Punctuation and Grammar
As in writing essays questions, good grammar and punctuation are a must. Most students use word processors to write papers. Be sure to use the spell checker that almost all word processors have built in. Many word processors also have some sort of grammar checker. Learn to use a grammar checker, as it can point out serious flaws in your writing and help you become a better writer. Most grammar checkers explain the grammar rules that apply to the suggested corrections to your writing.
Gathering Materials Before You Write
Before you begin writing, assemble the materials you will need. Use index cards, notes, bibliographies, summaries, reports and reviews as part of your preparation process. Using index cards for references is an excellent way to organize your materials. Computer database programs can also help you classify and organize reference materials.
Preparing an Outline and Writing the Paper
Once you have your topic, have gathered and organized your materials, it is time to outline your paper. Put your outline on paper! Don't make the mistake of trying to keep everything in your head. Make your outline in the form of main headings or ideas with sub-headings fleshing out the flow of the paper. Using the outline as a guide begin writing begin by asking yourself what the paper is going to say and what conclusions you want to reach. Doing this ahead of time will help keep you focused and prevent you from straying from the purpose of the paper. Making up the outline as you go along almost always results in a less than satisfactory product. Writing is important in high school and is a key to success in college and in many professions. Become a good writer by writing, revising, and reviewing your work. Don't be afraid to ask other students to critique your work. Try to write in your own natural style, be aware that most good writers go through many revisions, and be prepared to do the same. Writing and test-taking are the end results of developing good study skills. There is no magic formula for success. If you follow the suggestions in this guide, apply them and think about them, you'll have taken a giant step toward becoming a successful student.
Planning your time in answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests. The general rule is not to get carried away on one or two questions to the extent that you cannot answer that other questions in the time allowed. Read through the entire examination first. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.
When you follow directions for an essay exam, pay attention to the key words the instructor has included. Such words as "list," "describe," "compare and contrast," and "outline" have special meaning. Don't "write around" the question but answer it directly. If a question asks you to list something, don't write a narrative about it. Answering essay questions directly is always the best policy.
After scanning the list of questions to be answered, choose the ones you know most about. A good idea is to prepare an outline of your answers. The outline will help you remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response. Another technique is to do a "memory-dump." This technique is discussed in the last section of this guide, "Power Study Tips."
Good handwriting is an absolute essential. If your cursive writing is very hard to read, try printing instead. Most instructors value clear handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling also count. Well-written grammatically correct answers almost always receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers, even though the answers themselves are the same.
Writing Themes and Reports
Reviewing the Topic
Students usually have some freedom to choose the subject of themes or reports. When you make this choice, be sure that the topic is acceptable to the teacher, and is as interesting to you as possible. Another consideration is that of availability of resource material. Your task is made much easier when there is a good amount of reference and resource material available.
Using Correct Punctuation and Grammar
As in writing essays questions, good grammar and punctuation are a must. Most students use word processors to write papers. Be sure to use the spell checker that almost all word processors have built in. Many word processors also have some sort of grammar checker. Learn to use a grammar checker, as it can point out serious flaws in your writing and help you become a better writer. Most grammar checkers explain the grammar rules that apply to the suggested corrections to your writing.
Gathering Materials Before You Write
Before you begin writing, assemble the materials you will need. Use index cards, notes, bibliographies, summaries, reports and reviews as part of your preparation process. Using index cards for references is an excellent way to organize your materials. Computer database programs can also help you classify and organize reference materials.
Preparing an Outline and Writing the Paper
Once you have your topic, have gathered and organized your materials, it is time to outline your paper. Put your outline on paper! Don't make the mistake of trying to keep everything in your head. Make your outline in the form of main headings or ideas with sub-headings fleshing out the flow of the paper. Using the outline as a guide begin writing begin by asking yourself what the paper is going to say and what conclusions you want to reach. Doing this ahead of time will help keep you focused and prevent you from straying from the purpose of the paper. Making up the outline as you go along almost always results in a less than satisfactory product. Writing is important in high school and is a key to success in college and in many professions. Become a good writer by writing, revising, and reviewing your work. Don't be afraid to ask other students to critique your work. Try to write in your own natural style, be aware that most good writers go through many revisions, and be prepared to do the same. Writing and test-taking are the end results of developing good study skills. There is no magic formula for success. If you follow the suggestions in this guide, apply them and think about them, you'll have taken a giant step toward becoming a successful student.
ower Studying Tips for College Students
The following tips have proven to be extremely powerful guides for organizing, thinking, studying, and learning in college. They represent the best advice of successful college students. The can also work for high school students.
Study Space
Tip: Your study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, recreation rooms, or lounges.
Tip: When studying, keep a waste basket handy.
Tip: Have a consistent place for everything, and above all, keep it there!
Tip: Have everything needed for study handy beforehand. Don't waste valuable time looking for books, notes, of other information. After you have assembled the items you need, put them where you can reach them easily.
The following tips have proven to be extremely powerful guides for organizing, thinking, studying, and learning in college. They represent the best advice of successful college students. The can also work for high school students.
Study Space
Tip: Your study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, recreation rooms, or lounges.
Tip: When studying, keep a waste basket handy.
Tip: Have a consistent place for everything, and above all, keep it there!
Tip: Have everything needed for study handy beforehand. Don't waste valuable time looking for books, notes, of other information. After you have assembled the items you need, put them where you can reach them easily.
The Classroom
Tip: Distractions in the classroom are deadly. To help avoid distractions, sit near the front of the class. You're less likely to miss something important, and there are far less distractions at the front than any other location.
Tip: Think! Thinking is one of the most important things you can do in class. If you just sit there passively, and not think, class can be deadly. Think about what the teacher is saying BEFORE writing down anything. Writing down each word is a WASTE OF TIME. Reorganize in your mind what the teacher says, and then write it down. This way you will be connecting the teacher's words with HOW you think. If you do this, your notes will make a lot more sense later on.
Tip: Pay attention to the course outline or syllabus. Generally, important points and materials are referenced here and repeated. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher if there is something you don't understand. Most teachers will be glad to clarify for you.
Tip: Distractions in the classroom are deadly. To help avoid distractions, sit near the front of the class. You're less likely to miss something important, and there are far less distractions at the front than any other location.
Tip: Think! Thinking is one of the most important things you can do in class. If you just sit there passively, and not think, class can be deadly. Think about what the teacher is saying BEFORE writing down anything. Writing down each word is a WASTE OF TIME. Reorganize in your mind what the teacher says, and then write it down. This way you will be connecting the teacher's words with HOW you think. If you do this, your notes will make a lot more sense later on.
Tip: Pay attention to the course outline or syllabus. Generally, important points and materials are referenced here and repeated. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher if there is something you don't understand. Most teachers will be glad to clarify for you.
Study Habits
Tip: Begin study no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal.
Tip: Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep.
Tip: Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study, prioritize the list, and stick to it!
Tip: If possible, study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. Many students retain more by studying for short periods with breaks in between. It all depends on what you're trying to study, but generally, after a period of study, take a break.
Tip: Take study breaks away from your desk or wherever you are studying. Let the break be a time to think about other things. Use some break time to reflect, not constantly review what you have just studied.
Tip: Begin study no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal.
Tip: Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep.
Tip: Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study, prioritize the list, and stick to it!
Tip: If possible, study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. Many students retain more by studying for short periods with breaks in between. It all depends on what you're trying to study, but generally, after a period of study, take a break.
Tip: Take study breaks away from your desk or wherever you are studying. Let the break be a time to think about other things. Use some break time to reflect, not constantly review what you have just studied.
Preparing for Class
Tip: Efficient students do not underline! Underlining is not a productive way to emphasize textbook material. It's best to use a highlighter.
Tip: Read the table of contents of your texts carefully. If the textbooks have chapter summaries, read them first! If you don't understand the material from the summaries, go back and highlight. Take notes on what you have highlighted and review your notes. Tip: Break study material into short segments of length dependent on its difficulty. Remember, concise notes are more powerful than copious notes. Think about the material! Then take notes on what you don't know or are not sure of.
Test Taking
Tip: For essay examinations, try the "memory dump" technique. If permitted, write down everything you've memorized - facts, names, dates, ideas, events, and so on BEFORE you do anything else. Sometimes reading through the essay questions can distract you from what you've studied. The "memory dump" technique requires that you write down everything possible BEFORE you begin writing essay answers. This way, you are less likely to forget something important.
Tip: Efficient students do not underline! Underlining is not a productive way to emphasize textbook material. It's best to use a highlighter.
Tip: Read the table of contents of your texts carefully. If the textbooks have chapter summaries, read them first! If you don't understand the material from the summaries, go back and highlight. Take notes on what you have highlighted and review your notes. Tip: Break study material into short segments of length dependent on its difficulty. Remember, concise notes are more powerful than copious notes. Think about the material! Then take notes on what you don't know or are not sure of.
Test Taking
Tip: For essay examinations, try the "memory dump" technique. If permitted, write down everything you've memorized - facts, names, dates, ideas, events, and so on BEFORE you do anything else. Sometimes reading through the essay questions can distract you from what you've studied. The "memory dump" technique requires that you write down everything possible BEFORE you begin writing essay answers. This way, you are less likely to forget something important.
A Final Word
The study skills presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really don't want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas, or outlines can help much. You are the one who is responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you. To that end, one last word of advice -- work smart, not hard.
Again, be sure to check out my program Study Skills for School Success
What Waits Within (in case you need a break from studying -- but not for too long!)
Click here for study tips submitted by students and visitors
Distance Education Aptitude and Readiness Scale (DEARS)
If you have discovered an effective way to study that is not listed here, please let me know. I value your assistance. Send to rahul prakash srivastav Email (rsrahul99@gmail.com)
The study skills presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really don't want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas, or outlines can help much. You are the one who is responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you. To that end, one last word of advice -- work smart, not hard.
Again, be sure to check out my program Study Skills for School Success
What Waits Within (in case you need a break from studying -- but not for too long!)
Click here for study tips submitted by students and visitors
Distance Education Aptitude and Readiness Scale (DEARS)
If you have discovered an effective way to study that is not listed here, please let me know. I value your assistance. Send to rahul prakash srivastav Email (rsrahul99@gmail.com)
Top Ten Exam Tips
1. Be sure to use the exam requirements, recommended literature and sample exams. The exam requirements, which includes a list of literature and the sample exams can be found by selecting the exam of your choice on our exam overview. Literature can be ordered via EXIN's e-bookshop.
2. Complete the sample exam first without consulting the answers. Then make sure to carefully read and understand the feedback.
3. Make sure to allow for plenty of time when travelling to the exam location.
4. Enter an exam well-rested.
5. Start with the easy questions. Do not get stuck on difficult ones, but put those questions aside and return to them later.
6. Often, first impressions are best. Therefore, do not change your answers unless you are absolutely certain that you have made a mistake.
7. Read the question very carefully. Consider what precisely is being asked. If the question demands four arguments, then give four, not three or five. Do not write more than required in the hope that the people marking the exams will select the correct answers.
8. The so-called ‘Open exam questions’ demand that you compose the entire answer yourself: make sure you write clearly.
9. In the case of multiple choice questions: think of your own answer first before looking at the answers listed on the page.
10. When you are finished, check carefully whether you have answered all the questions.
1. Be sure to use the exam requirements, recommended literature and sample exams. The exam requirements, which includes a list of literature and the sample exams can be found by selecting the exam of your choice on our exam overview. Literature can be ordered via EXIN's e-bookshop.
2. Complete the sample exam first without consulting the answers. Then make sure to carefully read and understand the feedback.
3. Make sure to allow for plenty of time when travelling to the exam location.
4. Enter an exam well-rested.
5. Start with the easy questions. Do not get stuck on difficult ones, but put those questions aside and return to them later.
6. Often, first impressions are best. Therefore, do not change your answers unless you are absolutely certain that you have made a mistake.
7. Read the question very carefully. Consider what precisely is being asked. If the question demands four arguments, then give four, not three or five. Do not write more than required in the hope that the people marking the exams will select the correct answers.
8. The so-called ‘Open exam questions’ demand that you compose the entire answer yourself: make sure you write clearly.
9. In the case of multiple choice questions: think of your own answer first before looking at the answers listed on the page.
10. When you are finished, check carefully whether you have answered all the questions.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR STUDY BY RAHUL PRAKASH SRIVASTAV
study skills
Most students hate tests.
They hate the feeling of trying to remember the answer to a question, worrying that they focused on the wrong material, and waiting to receive their results. Whether you learn at a traditional school or study from the comfort of your own home, chances are you’ll have to sit through many a test-taking experience. But, there are a few tricks you can learn now to avoid the worry before you’re in the heat of the moment. Give these five proven study tips a try and see how much better you feel during your next exam.
STUDY SECRET TIPS
1. Survey your textbook or workbook before you read:-
Take a couple of minutes to find the glossary, index, study questions, and other important information. Then, when you sit down to study, you’ll know where to find the answers you are looking for. Make sure you read any study questions before you read the chapter. These questions let you know what you can probably expect in any upcoming tests, papers, or projects.
2. Attack your textbook with sticky notes:-
As you read, summarize (write down the main points in just a few sentences) each section of the chapter on a post-it note. After you have read the entire chapter and summarized each section, go back and review the post-it notes. Reading the post-it notes is an easy and fast way to review information and, since each note is stuck in the section it summarizes, you can easily find the information you need.
3. Use a graphic organizer to take notes when you read:-
A graphic organizer is a form you can use to organize information. As you read, fill out the form with important information. Then, use your graphic organizer to help you study for the test. Try using the Cornell notes worksheet (you can download an example at Jim Burke’s website). Not only does this organizer let you record important terms, ideas, notes, and summaries, it also lets you quiz yourself on that information by folding the answers upside down.
4. Make your own practice test:-
After you finish reading, pretend you are a professor who is writing a test for the chapter. Review the material you just read and make up your own practice test. Include all vocabulary words, study questions (they’re usually at the beginning or end of the chapter), and highlighted words you can find, as well as any other information you think is important. Take the test you’ve created to see if you remember the information. If not, go back and study some more.
5. Create visual flashcards:-
Flashcards aren’t just for primary students. Many college students find them useful as well! Before you take a test, make flashcards that will help you remember important terms, people, places, and dates. Use one 3x5 index for each term. On the front of the card, write down the term or question you need to answer and draw a picture that will help you remember it. This will help ensure that you grasp the study material as you’ll find that it’s almost impossible to sketch something you don’t really understand. On the back of the card write down the definition of the term or the answer to the question. Review these cards and quiz yourself before your actual test.
study skills
Most students hate tests.
They hate the feeling of trying to remember the answer to a question, worrying that they focused on the wrong material, and waiting to receive their results. Whether you learn at a traditional school or study from the comfort of your own home, chances are you’ll have to sit through many a test-taking experience. But, there are a few tricks you can learn now to avoid the worry before you’re in the heat of the moment. Give these five proven study tips a try and see how much better you feel during your next exam.
STUDY SECRET TIPS
1. Survey your textbook or workbook before you read:-
Take a couple of minutes to find the glossary, index, study questions, and other important information. Then, when you sit down to study, you’ll know where to find the answers you are looking for. Make sure you read any study questions before you read the chapter. These questions let you know what you can probably expect in any upcoming tests, papers, or projects.
2. Attack your textbook with sticky notes:-
As you read, summarize (write down the main points in just a few sentences) each section of the chapter on a post-it note. After you have read the entire chapter and summarized each section, go back and review the post-it notes. Reading the post-it notes is an easy and fast way to review information and, since each note is stuck in the section it summarizes, you can easily find the information you need.
3. Use a graphic organizer to take notes when you read:-
A graphic organizer is a form you can use to organize information. As you read, fill out the form with important information. Then, use your graphic organizer to help you study for the test. Try using the Cornell notes worksheet (you can download an example at Jim Burke’s website). Not only does this organizer let you record important terms, ideas, notes, and summaries, it also lets you quiz yourself on that information by folding the answers upside down.
4. Make your own practice test:-
After you finish reading, pretend you are a professor who is writing a test for the chapter. Review the material you just read and make up your own practice test. Include all vocabulary words, study questions (they’re usually at the beginning or end of the chapter), and highlighted words you can find, as well as any other information you think is important. Take the test you’ve created to see if you remember the information. If not, go back and study some more.
5. Create visual flashcards:-
Flashcards aren’t just for primary students. Many college students find them useful as well! Before you take a test, make flashcards that will help you remember important terms, people, places, and dates. Use one 3x5 index for each term. On the front of the card, write down the term or question you need to answer and draw a picture that will help you remember it. This will help ensure that you grasp the study material as you’ll find that it’s almost impossible to sketch something you don’t really understand. On the back of the card write down the definition of the term or the answer to the question. Review these cards and quiz yourself before your actual test.
STUDY METHODS
1 Study in Short, Frequent Sessions.
It has been proven that short bursts of concentration repeated frequently are much more effective than one long session. So, even if you only have 10 minutes, DO IT. Take a break. Then study another 10 minutes. This “distributed learning” approach is highly efficient because it honors the way the brain likes to work. The brain needs recovery and recharging time for “protein synthesis.” The rest periods are when your brain assimilates your effort. They are a powerful tool which many teachers do not acknowledge. To sit and study for hours and hours is not only boring, it creates fatigue, stress, and distraction. You cannot learn if you are fatigued, stressed, and distracted!
2 Take Guilt-Free Days of Rest.
This follows the same principle as above, but on a longer, daily time cycle. The reason for resting is to refresh oneself. However, if you feel guilty (“I really should be studying”) then your precious rest period has been used to create more stress. The brain will not absorb new data if it is stressed. On days off from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying.
3 Honor Your Emotional State.
Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted, or in a hurry. When the brain is relaxed, it is like a sponge and it naturally absorbs data without effort. If you are emotionally stressed, your brain literally repels data. Forcing yourself to sit and study when your mind is on other things is a complete waste of time!
4 Review the Same Day.
When you learn something new, try to go over the points the same day. If you wait a few days and then make efforts to review the material, it will seem much less familiar. However, a quick review later in the day will tend to cement the information into your brain so that the next “official” study session, you will recognize it and it will seem easy.
5 Observe the Natural Learning Sequence.
Think of the activities you did when you were in nursery school. Using your whole arm, you probably performed the song that goes: “Put your right hand in, Put your right hand out.” Then, in kindergarten, using your hand, you might have been asked to draw lines or circles with crayons. Later, in first grade, now holding the pencil with your fingers, you drew smaller lines and circles to create letters. Believe it or not, this natural learning sequence, moving from large to small, coarse to fine, still remains effective even though we are now older. When you study, if you try first to grasp the big picture and then fill in the details, you often have a more likely chance of success.
6 Use Exaggeration.
Why does a baseball batter warm up by swinging two or three bats? Why do runners sometimes strap lead weights to their legs? In both cases, exaggeration during practice makes the final result seem easy. This concept can be applied to studying anything. For example, if you are studying spelling, exaggerate the sound of the letters to help to remember them. So for studying purposes, “naive” would be pronounced “NAY-IVY.” By getting used to this exaggerated pronunciation, the correct spelling seems obvious.
7 Prepare Your Study Environment.
If you require certain elements in your environment to help you study, try to always make these a priority. For example, do you need special lighting, silence, music, privacy, available snacks, etc.? Pay attention to what works for you and repeat it each time you study for best success.
8 Respect “Brain Fade.”
It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rate and to forget things. This does not mean that you are stupid! Instead of getting mad about this fact, you should expect it and deal with it accordingly. See your brain as depositing layers of knowledge. As you place more information on top, the lower levels become older and less available to your immediate recall. The trick here is simply to review. Since we can anticipate the eventual fading of our memory, creating a review aspect to our study session will solve the problem. Once every two or three study sessions, simply review older material that you will be still needing to remember. Often, a quick overview is sufficient. Sometimes, a complete detailed study session of the older material is required. “Brain fade” is completely normal. (Unless you are gifted with a photographic memory, which is extremely rare.)
9 Create a Study Routine.
Generally, if you schedule certain times of the day to study, you will get into a routine and accomplish more. If you just “fit it in” during your day, chances are that there will never be any time. An effective way to do this is to literally mark it down in your datebook calendar as if you have an appointment, like going to the doctor. For example: “Tuesday 3-4:30 P.M. — Study.”
10 Set Reasonable Goals.
One of the main reasons people do not reach their goals is because they set them too high. If you set goals that are manageable, even if they seem too simple, you get in the habit of accomplishing them and gradually you can set higher goals. Also, recognize the difference between long-term and short-term goals. Set your vision on the long-term dream, but your day-to-day activity should be focused exclusively on the short-term, enabling steps.
11 Avoid the Frustration Enemy.
Ironically, the quicker the person’s nervous system, the faster they learn. Yet, this fast nervous system also works overtime in being self-critical. So they are the ones who always think they aren’t going fast enough! In contrast, the “Type B,” less intense person who learns slower yet is more self-accepting, ends up ultimately learning the material in a shorter period of time. This is because he/she doesn’t waste energy blocking, getting upset, and thinking that they’re not good enough — they simply keep moving forward at a slower (but un-blocked) pace.
These tips were prepared by RAHUL PRAKASH SRIVASTAV(B-Tech II YEAR STUDENT)
1 Study in Short, Frequent Sessions.
It has been proven that short bursts of concentration repeated frequently are much more effective than one long session. So, even if you only have 10 minutes, DO IT. Take a break. Then study another 10 minutes. This “distributed learning” approach is highly efficient because it honors the way the brain likes to work. The brain needs recovery and recharging time for “protein synthesis.” The rest periods are when your brain assimilates your effort. They are a powerful tool which many teachers do not acknowledge. To sit and study for hours and hours is not only boring, it creates fatigue, stress, and distraction. You cannot learn if you are fatigued, stressed, and distracted!
2 Take Guilt-Free Days of Rest.
This follows the same principle as above, but on a longer, daily time cycle. The reason for resting is to refresh oneself. However, if you feel guilty (“I really should be studying”) then your precious rest period has been used to create more stress. The brain will not absorb new data if it is stressed. On days off from studying, really enjoy yourself and do not feel bad about not studying.
3 Honor Your Emotional State.
Do not study if you are tired, angry, distracted, or in a hurry. When the brain is relaxed, it is like a sponge and it naturally absorbs data without effort. If you are emotionally stressed, your brain literally repels data. Forcing yourself to sit and study when your mind is on other things is a complete waste of time!
4 Review the Same Day.
When you learn something new, try to go over the points the same day. If you wait a few days and then make efforts to review the material, it will seem much less familiar. However, a quick review later in the day will tend to cement the information into your brain so that the next “official” study session, you will recognize it and it will seem easy.
5 Observe the Natural Learning Sequence.
Think of the activities you did when you were in nursery school. Using your whole arm, you probably performed the song that goes: “Put your right hand in, Put your right hand out.” Then, in kindergarten, using your hand, you might have been asked to draw lines or circles with crayons. Later, in first grade, now holding the pencil with your fingers, you drew smaller lines and circles to create letters. Believe it or not, this natural learning sequence, moving from large to small, coarse to fine, still remains effective even though we are now older. When you study, if you try first to grasp the big picture and then fill in the details, you often have a more likely chance of success.
6 Use Exaggeration.
Why does a baseball batter warm up by swinging two or three bats? Why do runners sometimes strap lead weights to their legs? In both cases, exaggeration during practice makes the final result seem easy. This concept can be applied to studying anything. For example, if you are studying spelling, exaggerate the sound of the letters to help to remember them. So for studying purposes, “naive” would be pronounced “NAY-IVY.” By getting used to this exaggerated pronunciation, the correct spelling seems obvious.
7 Prepare Your Study Environment.
If you require certain elements in your environment to help you study, try to always make these a priority. For example, do you need special lighting, silence, music, privacy, available snacks, etc.? Pay attention to what works for you and repeat it each time you study for best success.
8 Respect “Brain Fade.”
It is normal for the brain to have an attrition rate and to forget things. This does not mean that you are stupid! Instead of getting mad about this fact, you should expect it and deal with it accordingly. See your brain as depositing layers of knowledge. As you place more information on top, the lower levels become older and less available to your immediate recall. The trick here is simply to review. Since we can anticipate the eventual fading of our memory, creating a review aspect to our study session will solve the problem. Once every two or three study sessions, simply review older material that you will be still needing to remember. Often, a quick overview is sufficient. Sometimes, a complete detailed study session of the older material is required. “Brain fade” is completely normal. (Unless you are gifted with a photographic memory, which is extremely rare.)
9 Create a Study Routine.
Generally, if you schedule certain times of the day to study, you will get into a routine and accomplish more. If you just “fit it in” during your day, chances are that there will never be any time. An effective way to do this is to literally mark it down in your datebook calendar as if you have an appointment, like going to the doctor. For example: “Tuesday 3-4:30 P.M. — Study.”
10 Set Reasonable Goals.
One of the main reasons people do not reach their goals is because they set them too high. If you set goals that are manageable, even if they seem too simple, you get in the habit of accomplishing them and gradually you can set higher goals. Also, recognize the difference between long-term and short-term goals. Set your vision on the long-term dream, but your day-to-day activity should be focused exclusively on the short-term, enabling steps.
11 Avoid the Frustration Enemy.
Ironically, the quicker the person’s nervous system, the faster they learn. Yet, this fast nervous system also works overtime in being self-critical. So they are the ones who always think they aren’t going fast enough! In contrast, the “Type B,” less intense person who learns slower yet is more self-accepting, ends up ultimately learning the material in a shorter period of time. This is because he/she doesn’t waste energy blocking, getting upset, and thinking that they’re not good enough — they simply keep moving forward at a slower (but un-blocked) pace.
These tips were prepared by RAHUL PRAKASH SRIVASTAV(B-Tech II YEAR STUDENT)
TIME MANAGEMENT
1. A Personal Time Survey
To begin managing your time you first need a clearer idea of how you now use your time. The Personal Time Survey will help you to estimate how much time you currently spend in typical activities. To get a more accurate estimate, you might keep track of how you spend your time for a week. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you need to prepare for each subject. It will also help you identify your time wasters. But for now complete the Personal Time Survey to get an estimate. The following survey shows the amount of time you spend on various activities. When taking the survey, estimate the amount of time spent on each item. Once you have this amount, multiply it by seven. This will give you the total time spent on the activity in one week. After each item's weekly time has been calculated, add all these times for the grand total. Subtract this from 168, the total possible hours per week. Here We Go:
1. Number of hours of sleep each night ________ X 7 = _______
2. Number of grooming hours per day ________ X 7 = _______
3. Number of hours for meals/snacks per day - include preparation time ________ X 7 = _______
4a. Total travel time weekdays ________ X 5= _______
4b. Total travel time weekends _______
5. Number of hours per week for regularly scheduled functions (clubs, church, get-togethers, etc.) _______
6. Number of hours per day for chores, errands, extra grooming, etc. _______ X 7 = _______
7. Number of hours of work per week _______
8. Number of hours in class per week _______
9. Number of average hours per week socializing, dates, etc. Be honest! _______
Now add up the totals: _______
Subtract the above number from 168 168 - _______ = _______
The remaining hours are the hours you have allowed yourself to study.
2. Study Hour Formula
To determine how many hours you need to study each week to get A's, use the following rule of thumb. Study two hours per hour in class for an easy class, three hours per hour in class for an average class, and four hours per hour in class for a difficult class. For example, basket weaving 101 is a relatively easy 3 hour course. Usually, a person would not do more than 6 hours of work outside of class per week. Advanced calculus is usually considered a difficult course, so it might be best to study the proposed 12 hours a week. If more hours are needed, take away some hours from easier courses, i.e., basket weaving. Figure out the time that you need to study by using the above formula for each of your classes.
Easy class credit hours ________ x 2 = _______
Average class credit hours ________ x 3 = _______
Difficult class credit hours ________ x 4 = _______
Total _______
Compare this number to your time left from the survey. Now is the time when many students might find themselves a bit stressed. Just a note to ease your anxieties. It is not only the quantity of study time but also it's quality. This formula is a general guideline. Try it for a week, and make adjustments as needed.
3. Daily Schedules
There are a variety of time schedules that can fit your personality. These include engagement books, a piece of poster board tacked to a wall, or 3 x 5 cards. Once you decide upon the style, the next step is construction. It is best to allow spaces for each hour, half-hours for a busy schedule. First, put down all of the necessities; classes, work, meals, etc. Now block in your study time (remember the study time formula presented earlier). Schedule it for a time when you are energized. Also, it's best to review class notes soon after class. Make sure to schedule in study breaks, about 10 minutes each hour. Be realistic on how many courses to take. To succeed in your courses you need to have the time to study. If you find you don't have time to study and you're not socializing to an extreme, you might want to consider lightening your load. Tips for Saving Time Now that you know how you spend most of your time, take a look at it. Think about what your most important things are. Do you have enough time? Chances are that you do not. Below are some tips on how to schedule and budget your time when it seems you just don't have enough.
4. Don't be a perfectionist
Trying to be a perfect person sets you up for defeat. Nobody can be perfect. Difficult tasks usually result in avoidance and procrastination. You need to set achievable goals, but they should also be challenging. There will always be people both weaker and stronger than you.
5. Learn to say no
For example, an acquaintance of yours would like you to see a movie with him tonight. You made social plans for tomorrow with your friends and tonight you were going to study and do laundry. You really are not interested. You want to say no, but you hate turning people down. Politely saying no should become a habit. Saying no frees up time for the things that are most important.
6. Learn to Prioritize
Prioritizing your responsibilities and engagements is very important. Some people do not know how to prioritize and become procrastinators. A "to do list" places items in order of importance. One method is the ABC list. This list is divided into three sections; a, b, or c. The items placed in the A section are those needed to be done that day. The items placed in the B section need completion within the week. The C section items are those things that need to be done within the month. As the B, C items become more pertinent they are bumped up to the A or B list. Try it or come up with your own method, but do it.
7. Combine several activities
Another suggestion is to combine several activities into one time spot. While commuting to school, listen to taped notes. This allows up to an hour or two a day of good study review. While showering make a mental list of the things that need to be done. When you watch a sit-com, laugh as you pay your bills. These are just suggestions of what you can do to combine your time, but there are many others, above all be creative, and let it work for you.
8. Conclusion
After scheduling becomes a habit, then you can adjust it. It's better to be precise at first. It is easier to find something to do with extra time then to find extra time to do something. Most importantly, make it work for you. A time schedule that is not personalized and honest is not a time schedule at all.
1. A Personal Time Survey
To begin managing your time you first need a clearer idea of how you now use your time. The Personal Time Survey will help you to estimate how much time you currently spend in typical activities. To get a more accurate estimate, you might keep track of how you spend your time for a week. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you need to prepare for each subject. It will also help you identify your time wasters. But for now complete the Personal Time Survey to get an estimate. The following survey shows the amount of time you spend on various activities. When taking the survey, estimate the amount of time spent on each item. Once you have this amount, multiply it by seven. This will give you the total time spent on the activity in one week. After each item's weekly time has been calculated, add all these times for the grand total. Subtract this from 168, the total possible hours per week. Here We Go:
1. Number of hours of sleep each night ________ X 7 = _______
2. Number of grooming hours per day ________ X 7 = _______
3. Number of hours for meals/snacks per day - include preparation time ________ X 7 = _______
4a. Total travel time weekdays ________ X 5= _______
4b. Total travel time weekends _______
5. Number of hours per week for regularly scheduled functions (clubs, church, get-togethers, etc.) _______
6. Number of hours per day for chores, errands, extra grooming, etc. _______ X 7 = _______
7. Number of hours of work per week _______
8. Number of hours in class per week _______
9. Number of average hours per week socializing, dates, etc. Be honest! _______
Now add up the totals: _______
Subtract the above number from 168 168 - _______ = _______
The remaining hours are the hours you have allowed yourself to study.
2. Study Hour Formula
To determine how many hours you need to study each week to get A's, use the following rule of thumb. Study two hours per hour in class for an easy class, three hours per hour in class for an average class, and four hours per hour in class for a difficult class. For example, basket weaving 101 is a relatively easy 3 hour course. Usually, a person would not do more than 6 hours of work outside of class per week. Advanced calculus is usually considered a difficult course, so it might be best to study the proposed 12 hours a week. If more hours are needed, take away some hours from easier courses, i.e., basket weaving. Figure out the time that you need to study by using the above formula for each of your classes.
Easy class credit hours ________ x 2 = _______
Average class credit hours ________ x 3 = _______
Difficult class credit hours ________ x 4 = _______
Total _______
Compare this number to your time left from the survey. Now is the time when many students might find themselves a bit stressed. Just a note to ease your anxieties. It is not only the quantity of study time but also it's quality. This formula is a general guideline. Try it for a week, and make adjustments as needed.
3. Daily Schedules
There are a variety of time schedules that can fit your personality. These include engagement books, a piece of poster board tacked to a wall, or 3 x 5 cards. Once you decide upon the style, the next step is construction. It is best to allow spaces for each hour, half-hours for a busy schedule. First, put down all of the necessities; classes, work, meals, etc. Now block in your study time (remember the study time formula presented earlier). Schedule it for a time when you are energized. Also, it's best to review class notes soon after class. Make sure to schedule in study breaks, about 10 minutes each hour. Be realistic on how many courses to take. To succeed in your courses you need to have the time to study. If you find you don't have time to study and you're not socializing to an extreme, you might want to consider lightening your load. Tips for Saving Time Now that you know how you spend most of your time, take a look at it. Think about what your most important things are. Do you have enough time? Chances are that you do not. Below are some tips on how to schedule and budget your time when it seems you just don't have enough.
4. Don't be a perfectionist
Trying to be a perfect person sets you up for defeat. Nobody can be perfect. Difficult tasks usually result in avoidance and procrastination. You need to set achievable goals, but they should also be challenging. There will always be people both weaker and stronger than you.
5. Learn to say no
For example, an acquaintance of yours would like you to see a movie with him tonight. You made social plans for tomorrow with your friends and tonight you were going to study and do laundry. You really are not interested. You want to say no, but you hate turning people down. Politely saying no should become a habit. Saying no frees up time for the things that are most important.
6. Learn to Prioritize
Prioritizing your responsibilities and engagements is very important. Some people do not know how to prioritize and become procrastinators. A "to do list" places items in order of importance. One method is the ABC list. This list is divided into three sections; a, b, or c. The items placed in the A section are those needed to be done that day. The items placed in the B section need completion within the week. The C section items are those things that need to be done within the month. As the B, C items become more pertinent they are bumped up to the A or B list. Try it or come up with your own method, but do it.
7. Combine several activities
Another suggestion is to combine several activities into one time spot. While commuting to school, listen to taped notes. This allows up to an hour or two a day of good study review. While showering make a mental list of the things that need to be done. When you watch a sit-com, laugh as you pay your bills. These are just suggestions of what you can do to combine your time, but there are many others, above all be creative, and let it work for you.
8. Conclusion
After scheduling becomes a habit, then you can adjust it. It's better to be precise at first. It is easier to find something to do with extra time then to find extra time to do something. Most importantly, make it work for you. A time schedule that is not personalized and honest is not a time schedule at all.
Note Taking Techniques
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note Taking Techniques
The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you.
The 2-6 Method: The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Studying is 99% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.
Split Page Method
Class lectures and your textbook--they're the primary sources of course content and you need to learn both. So combine them with the split page method of taking notes. Just divide your notebook page in half lengthwise. Draw a line down the middle of the page. Take class notes on one side of the page and outline the text on the other side. When you study you'll have both. Class notes and text together, integrated. Some students find it helpful to add a third column for questions they need to ask the professor.
Using Group Notes
Are you tired of struggling to keep up with a lecture while copying page after page of notes in class? My advice? Don't take the notes -- at least not every day. Instead, form a group with some of your classmates and take turns taking good class notes. When it's not your day to be the note-taker, really concentrate on what is being said in class. You might want to jot down a few particularly important points, but mostly try to participate in class. Ask questions when you can't understand the point your teacher is trying to get across, and score points by answering questions your teacher asks. After class you can either photocopy the notes from your classmate, or better yet, copy them over by hand while reviewing in your mind what happened in class.
Secrets to Taking Better Notes
As a writer for Edinboro University and its Alumni News magazine, I spend a lot of time interviewing people. A key interviewing skill is taking good notes--a skill that is just as valuable in the classroom. There is no magic to taking good notes, just common sense. It's simply a matter of being thorough and accurate. Now, not many people can write fast enough to capture everything their professor says in class, so it is a good idea to also use a tape recorder. That way you won't miss something while you write, and you can double-check the tape for accuracy. Whether you use a recorder or not, it's important to transcribe your notes as soon as possible while the subject is still fresh in your mind. By re-writing or re-typing your notes, you become more familiar with the material. You mentally reinforce what was said in class. And you get practice writing the information, making it easier to write the material a second time whether it be for a test or a term paper.
Noteworthy Notes
Are your grades as good as you want them to be? Are your notes worth reviewing? Notes are phrases and abbreviations that we hurriedly jot down while trying to follow a lecture. Later, when we go back to review our notes, there are times when we can't seem to understand or remember what those key words and phrases meant; sometimes we can't even read our own handwriting. Here is a note-taking study tip that has proven to be effective. After you have finished class, immediately rush to the nearest computer lab and retype your notes. You need to rewrite those phrases as complete thoughts and sentences; dot your I's, cross your T's and use "cut and paste" to put your notes into some type of a logical sequence. While retyping your notes you are using several modalities: you review as you read your notes aloud, you use your hand to type, and you reread again as you proof read what you have typed. Research indicates that 80% of new material can be recalled if you review notes within the first 24 hours of presentation. Also, clean typed notes are easier to read and highlight as you study. If you retype your notes daily, you will keep the task from becoming overwhelming, you will learn good study habits that aid in memory retention and, at the same time, improve your grades.
Attend Class
The most important advice I can give to you is to make sure you attend your classes. Attendance in class enhances the chance you'll get a passing grade in a course. In addition to attending class, it is important to brush up on your note-taking skills to really achieve optimum success. Some general recommendations for improving note-taking skills are to:
Read all textbook material relevant to the topic being covered prior to attending class.
Make sure you take notes in class. If you fail to take notes, much of what you learn from the lecture will be forgotten in a few days. If you have something written down on paper, you can always refer to the material later.
Ask professors who lecture too fast if you can tape record their lecture. You'll generally find that many professors are willing to assist you in your efforts to gain as much from their lecture as possible.
By attending class and utilizing the note-taking techniques just described, your chances for success in college will increase significantly.
Prepare for the lecture
The greatest advantage is that
you are familiar with the subject
you know what to ask
you are not going to waste time by writing down stuff that is already there in your study material. Rather, you know what to write, where to pick links and to clear your concepts.
By the time the lecture is over, you are in a much clearer state of mind. This way, taking down notes becomes more meaningful and worth the time you spent doing it.
Use Colors
This may take a little bit longer but it will work. Just give it a chance. When you are taking notes change the color of your pen! Don't write in blue or black ink. Writing in color will help you retain 50% - 80% more of the infomation without reading it a second time (also highlight in purple). I am a teacher of adult education and this is the rule for my class room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note Taking Techniques
The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you.
The 2-6 Method: The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Studying is 99% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.
Split Page Method
Class lectures and your textbook--they're the primary sources of course content and you need to learn both. So combine them with the split page method of taking notes. Just divide your notebook page in half lengthwise. Draw a line down the middle of the page. Take class notes on one side of the page and outline the text on the other side. When you study you'll have both. Class notes and text together, integrated. Some students find it helpful to add a third column for questions they need to ask the professor.
Using Group Notes
Are you tired of struggling to keep up with a lecture while copying page after page of notes in class? My advice? Don't take the notes -- at least not every day. Instead, form a group with some of your classmates and take turns taking good class notes. When it's not your day to be the note-taker, really concentrate on what is being said in class. You might want to jot down a few particularly important points, but mostly try to participate in class. Ask questions when you can't understand the point your teacher is trying to get across, and score points by answering questions your teacher asks. After class you can either photocopy the notes from your classmate, or better yet, copy them over by hand while reviewing in your mind what happened in class.
Secrets to Taking Better Notes
As a writer for Edinboro University and its Alumni News magazine, I spend a lot of time interviewing people. A key interviewing skill is taking good notes--a skill that is just as valuable in the classroom. There is no magic to taking good notes, just common sense. It's simply a matter of being thorough and accurate. Now, not many people can write fast enough to capture everything their professor says in class, so it is a good idea to also use a tape recorder. That way you won't miss something while you write, and you can double-check the tape for accuracy. Whether you use a recorder or not, it's important to transcribe your notes as soon as possible while the subject is still fresh in your mind. By re-writing or re-typing your notes, you become more familiar with the material. You mentally reinforce what was said in class. And you get practice writing the information, making it easier to write the material a second time whether it be for a test or a term paper.
Noteworthy Notes
Are your grades as good as you want them to be? Are your notes worth reviewing? Notes are phrases and abbreviations that we hurriedly jot down while trying to follow a lecture. Later, when we go back to review our notes, there are times when we can't seem to understand or remember what those key words and phrases meant; sometimes we can't even read our own handwriting. Here is a note-taking study tip that has proven to be effective. After you have finished class, immediately rush to the nearest computer lab and retype your notes. You need to rewrite those phrases as complete thoughts and sentences; dot your I's, cross your T's and use "cut and paste" to put your notes into some type of a logical sequence. While retyping your notes you are using several modalities: you review as you read your notes aloud, you use your hand to type, and you reread again as you proof read what you have typed. Research indicates that 80% of new material can be recalled if you review notes within the first 24 hours of presentation. Also, clean typed notes are easier to read and highlight as you study. If you retype your notes daily, you will keep the task from becoming overwhelming, you will learn good study habits that aid in memory retention and, at the same time, improve your grades.
Attend Class
The most important advice I can give to you is to make sure you attend your classes. Attendance in class enhances the chance you'll get a passing grade in a course. In addition to attending class, it is important to brush up on your note-taking skills to really achieve optimum success. Some general recommendations for improving note-taking skills are to:
Read all textbook material relevant to the topic being covered prior to attending class.
Make sure you take notes in class. If you fail to take notes, much of what you learn from the lecture will be forgotten in a few days. If you have something written down on paper, you can always refer to the material later.
Ask professors who lecture too fast if you can tape record their lecture. You'll generally find that many professors are willing to assist you in your efforts to gain as much from their lecture as possible.
By attending class and utilizing the note-taking techniques just described, your chances for success in college will increase significantly.
Prepare for the lecture
The greatest advantage is that
you are familiar with the subject
you know what to ask
you are not going to waste time by writing down stuff that is already there in your study material. Rather, you know what to write, where to pick links and to clear your concepts.
By the time the lecture is over, you are in a much clearer state of mind. This way, taking down notes becomes more meaningful and worth the time you spent doing it.
Use Colors
This may take a little bit longer but it will work. Just give it a chance. When you are taking notes change the color of your pen! Don't write in blue or black ink. Writing in color will help you retain 50% - 80% more of the infomation without reading it a second time (also highlight in purple). I am a teacher of adult education and this is the rule for my class room.
FEW ESSENTIAL TIPS & TRICKS FOR STUDYING
Your academic efforts will yield greater benefits if you dedicate regular time to your course work. The material presented in your online classes is only valuable if you are able to remember and recall what you have been taught. Below are some tips for helping you take away more from your studies.
1. Limit the amount of time you spend reading for your online class. This is important for medical as well as academic reasons. If you spend a good deal of time reading text from a monitor or book, take a break after thirty minutes. Reading for extended periods of time can lead to eye-strain. Your reading comprehension decreases without giving your mind downtime to process the information you have been reading. Budget your time wisely and give yourself a break.
2. Find out when you are most alert during the day. Some folks are early birds, others are night owls. Whichever your preference, avoid studying during a time when you will be drowsy and ineffective. If you find yourself yawning more than twice in fifteen minutes, then you should probably reschedule your study period.
3. Take notes as you progress through your work. Does this method slow down the pace that you are reading? Yes. Does this method help you learn the material and be able to reference it quickly afterwards? Absolutely. Take notes and summarize what you have read to help you remember.
4. Refer to the syllabus and schedule your studying by it. If you are assigned to read only chapters one through three, then only read those chapters. By giving in to the temptation of jumping around, you are doing yourself a disservice by wasting time and getting off track.
5. Keep your television turned off. Americans love their TVs, but remember your goals. Your favorite sitcom will not help you get a promotion or rise in salary.
6. Let your callers leave a message. Avoid concentrating on the ringing from your cell phone and landline. Stay on task and let the answering machine do the work.
7. Focus on one course at a time. Assuming you are enrolled in more than one course, studying more than one subject will become confusing and inefficient. If you have reached a dead-end in an assignment, then it may be a good time to give a break. Otherwise, you are better off plugging along on the same course work.
8. Identify what you can skim and scan. Not all textbooks chapters provide you with valuable information. Know when it is safe to scan the headings, captions, and summaries, but also identifying when you’ve reached material that should be followed word for word.
9. Stand up and stretch every hour. It is important to keep your blood circulating to keep your energy level up for studying. Napping creates a potentially dangerous situation, as you may not be able to stay awake afterwards. Stretching will help relieve any aches or pains associated with sitting for an extended period of time.
10. Wear comfortable clothing for studying. Pajamas may not be the best option, as you may feel comfortable enough to become drowsy or fall asleep. Loose, comfortable clothing will aid in proper circulation as you progress through your assignments.
Your academic efforts will yield greater benefits if you dedicate regular time to your course work. The material presented in your online classes is only valuable if you are able to remember and recall what you have been taught. Below are some tips for helping you take away more from your studies.
1. Limit the amount of time you spend reading for your online class. This is important for medical as well as academic reasons. If you spend a good deal of time reading text from a monitor or book, take a break after thirty minutes. Reading for extended periods of time can lead to eye-strain. Your reading comprehension decreases without giving your mind downtime to process the information you have been reading. Budget your time wisely and give yourself a break.
2. Find out when you are most alert during the day. Some folks are early birds, others are night owls. Whichever your preference, avoid studying during a time when you will be drowsy and ineffective. If you find yourself yawning more than twice in fifteen minutes, then you should probably reschedule your study period.
3. Take notes as you progress through your work. Does this method slow down the pace that you are reading? Yes. Does this method help you learn the material and be able to reference it quickly afterwards? Absolutely. Take notes and summarize what you have read to help you remember.
4. Refer to the syllabus and schedule your studying by it. If you are assigned to read only chapters one through three, then only read those chapters. By giving in to the temptation of jumping around, you are doing yourself a disservice by wasting time and getting off track.
5. Keep your television turned off. Americans love their TVs, but remember your goals. Your favorite sitcom will not help you get a promotion or rise in salary.
6. Let your callers leave a message. Avoid concentrating on the ringing from your cell phone and landline. Stay on task and let the answering machine do the work.
7. Focus on one course at a time. Assuming you are enrolled in more than one course, studying more than one subject will become confusing and inefficient. If you have reached a dead-end in an assignment, then it may be a good time to give a break. Otherwise, you are better off plugging along on the same course work.
8. Identify what you can skim and scan. Not all textbooks chapters provide you with valuable information. Know when it is safe to scan the headings, captions, and summaries, but also identifying when you’ve reached material that should be followed word for word.
9. Stand up and stretch every hour. It is important to keep your blood circulating to keep your energy level up for studying. Napping creates a potentially dangerous situation, as you may not be able to stay awake afterwards. Stretching will help relieve any aches or pains associated with sitting for an extended period of time.
10. Wear comfortable clothing for studying. Pajamas may not be the best option, as you may feel comfortable enough to become drowsy or fall asleep. Loose, comfortable clothing will aid in proper circulation as you progress through your assignments.
FEW MORE TIPS REGARDING STUDY
Studying can seem pointless and boring, but you've got your future to think about. So you are hereby invited to check out these tips on how to study properly with minimum personal agony and maximum time for fun.
Tip #1:
Study a little bit almost every day for a week or so before a test, not for five miserable, Dorito-fueled hours the night before.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you study for a hard test -- or any test? A little bit at a time. One of the worst study habits is waiting until the last minute and then staying up late studying the night before. Ugh! That's just signing up for misery, disgust, Dorito poisoning and a crappy grade that doesn't even reflect what your brain can do!
Here's a better way: chopping up your study time and spreading it out. Think about the material that you need to cover, and think about how you can spend time covering it.
Hmmm, when do I have time to study? I've got dance class on Thursdays, so I'll skip studying that day. I could study a little on Friday, but I also want to hang out with my friends that night. That leaves me Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and a little bit of Friday to study.
What chapters am I being tested on? Biology chapters three through six, on cells and genetics. To be ready for the test, I better look at the questions at the end of each chapter, and know how to label a diagram of cell structure.
So here's our plan. This Friday, look at the cell diagram and memorize how to label it. That'll be pretty easy, and if you start studying right after school, you'll be done in plenty of time to hang out with your friends. (Studying, ya know, is not about being miserable. Studying is actually about being successful, and part of success is having fun.) Next week, review one set of chapter questions a day, except on Thursday. On Thursday go to dance class and totally blow off the DNA for a little bit. Then spend a little time on Monday reviewing any chapter questions that you didn't quite get last week. If you're really stuck, ask a friend for help.
How do you think you'll feel the night before the test, knowing you had time to study everything? You feel prepared, not scared. And it's a good feeling!
Studying isn't always fun, but it doesn't have to be miserable, either. Studying for a little bit every day for a few days is way better than spending the night before a test cramming and freaking out. So break up your studying into manageable pieces that let you have time to get everything done -- including having all the fun you need to stay happy!
Tip 2:
Do your hardest homework more than once.
Don't look at me like I just said I like to eat puppies with horseradish sauce. Listen to what I did say: Do your hardest homework more than once. If you have a homework problem that blows your mind, work it until you get it right. But don't stop there. Even once you think you get it, do it one more time so you really know what you're doing. You don't want to just think you've got it; you want to really get it.
Do hard problems once for understanding, and the second time for totally showing them who's boss. Then do 'em a third time. Kidding! Back down from the books already and go take a kung fu class something. Twice is enough.
Tip 3:
Always remember the obvious -- and the chocolate.
Last of all, remember the most obvious good advice: The night before a test, get to sleep at a halfway decent hour, wake up on time, and eat a healthy breakfast. We both know that an unfed sleepyhead is not in ideal condition to wrap around a hard geometry problem. And right before the test, jazz up your brain with a little chocolate if you can. Really! Studies show that a little sugar rush can improve your test score? So eat that candy bar. You studied hard, and you earned it.
Studying can seem pointless and boring, but you've got your future to think about. So you are hereby invited to check out these tips on how to study properly with minimum personal agony and maximum time for fun.
Tip #1:
Study a little bit almost every day for a week or so before a test, not for five miserable, Dorito-fueled hours the night before.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you study for a hard test -- or any test? A little bit at a time. One of the worst study habits is waiting until the last minute and then staying up late studying the night before. Ugh! That's just signing up for misery, disgust, Dorito poisoning and a crappy grade that doesn't even reflect what your brain can do!
Here's a better way: chopping up your study time and spreading it out. Think about the material that you need to cover, and think about how you can spend time covering it.
Hmmm, when do I have time to study? I've got dance class on Thursdays, so I'll skip studying that day. I could study a little on Friday, but I also want to hang out with my friends that night. That leaves me Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and a little bit of Friday to study.
What chapters am I being tested on? Biology chapters three through six, on cells and genetics. To be ready for the test, I better look at the questions at the end of each chapter, and know how to label a diagram of cell structure.
So here's our plan. This Friday, look at the cell diagram and memorize how to label it. That'll be pretty easy, and if you start studying right after school, you'll be done in plenty of time to hang out with your friends. (Studying, ya know, is not about being miserable. Studying is actually about being successful, and part of success is having fun.) Next week, review one set of chapter questions a day, except on Thursday. On Thursday go to dance class and totally blow off the DNA for a little bit. Then spend a little time on Monday reviewing any chapter questions that you didn't quite get last week. If you're really stuck, ask a friend for help.
How do you think you'll feel the night before the test, knowing you had time to study everything? You feel prepared, not scared. And it's a good feeling!
Studying isn't always fun, but it doesn't have to be miserable, either. Studying for a little bit every day for a few days is way better than spending the night before a test cramming and freaking out. So break up your studying into manageable pieces that let you have time to get everything done -- including having all the fun you need to stay happy!
Tip 2:
Do your hardest homework more than once.
Don't look at me like I just said I like to eat puppies with horseradish sauce. Listen to what I did say: Do your hardest homework more than once. If you have a homework problem that blows your mind, work it until you get it right. But don't stop there. Even once you think you get it, do it one more time so you really know what you're doing. You don't want to just think you've got it; you want to really get it.
Do hard problems once for understanding, and the second time for totally showing them who's boss. Then do 'em a third time. Kidding! Back down from the books already and go take a kung fu class something. Twice is enough.
Tip 3:
Always remember the obvious -- and the chocolate.
Last of all, remember the most obvious good advice: The night before a test, get to sleep at a halfway decent hour, wake up on time, and eat a healthy breakfast. We both know that an unfed sleepyhead is not in ideal condition to wrap around a hard geometry problem. And right before the test, jazz up your brain with a little chocolate if you can. Really! Studies show that a little sugar rush can improve your test score? So eat that candy bar. You studied hard, and you earned it.
SELF STUDY : A BOON FOR STUDENTS
Objectives and Content
My self study exam aids are written by me & my friends with the sole purpose of helping you to prepare not only to pass but also to secure rank in proffessional examination. The exam aids contain:
•Challenging questions and multiple-choice answers
•Supplement answers containing essential knowledge
•Printable summary screens at the end of each module
•Hyperlinks to selected Help pages for further study
•Simulated test environment with instant results
•Unlimited practice tests based on the question pool
•Option of customising each practice test before delivery
•Ability to check your answers against the correct answers
Objectives and Content
My self study exam aids are written by me & my friends with the sole purpose of helping you to prepare not only to pass but also to secure rank in proffessional examination. The exam aids contain:
•Challenging questions and multiple-choice answers
•Supplement answers containing essential knowledge
•Printable summary screens at the end of each module
•Hyperlinks to selected Help pages for further study
•Simulated test environment with instant results
•Unlimited practice tests based on the question pool
•Option of customising each practice test before delivery
•Ability to check your answers against the correct answers
TIPS & TRICKS:FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
If you have never sat an electronically delivered test, here are a few tips and tricks that you can employ to increase your chances of passing it.
•Don't leave it till the last minute to begin your studies! Allow at least 3 weeks, even if you are fairly proficient in using the application
•Set aside a study area and a regular study period. Allow yourself between an hour and two hours a day of concentrated study
•Do as much work in the application as possible while leading up to the exam. Invent some projects if you do not have any on the go
•The questions in the Examaids can become very familiar if you study regularly but if you imbibe the extended answers and the knowledge in the reference pages, you will be better prepared for any surprises on the day
•Always read the questions and the multiple-choice answers very carefully. When the clock starts to count down during the official test, it's very easy to miss a negative, such as "What should you not do when...," or misconstrue a meaning. So, get into the habit of always reading every single word, and carefully, at the study stage
•If a question doesn't make sense, read it several times and make a note of the answer that first pops into your head, and any associated words, phrases, or terms. Come back to the question later in the session and see if your subconscious mind has found the right answer or found clues that can lead you to the right answer. Look at your notes and see if they can jog your memory or confirm what your subconscious mind has unearthed
•Try and rephrase a question. If you can do it, you will increase your chances of answering it correctly
•If you select a wrong answer, ask yourself why you chose it. It's usually an indicator of incomplete knowledge or misunderstanding and sometimes can be more helpful than answering a question correctly
•If an answer jumps up at you, don't be in a hurry to accept it. If your knowledge is incomplete, you are more likely to fall into the trap that the writer has set for you! They know you may choose an item from the View menu when you should be choosing it from the Window menu, or vice versa. Exam writers have devious minds and are often recruited from the dregs of society!
•If you are in any way unsure of the answer, narrow down your choices by dismissing the ones that you know to be untrue or likely to be untrue
•Try not to guess the answers while studying. Save that as a last resort on the day of the official exam
•The evening before the official exam, try and relax. Don't entertain thoughts of failure but at the same time don't become overconfident. Find a middle path and don't let yourself be overwhelmed by how much is riding on it. Keep the exam in perspective. If you let it overwhelm you, you can be sure you will fail
•On the morning of the exam, use the mock exams in the Examaid to limber up. Take the printed material provided with the Examaid to the test centre and use it to refresh your memory and to get into a mindset for answering the questions
•If you have a laptop, take it with you; arrive an hour early at the test centre and take the mock exams before entering the cubicle. This will also get you into the right frame of mind
Before you enter the test centre, devise a strategy and stick to it. If you don’t already have one, try the following:
•Work your way to the end of the exam by answering the questions you are 100% confidant you can answer correctly
•If you are unsure about an answer, flag the question
•If you are sure you don’t know the answer, skip the question
•Having got to the end of the exam, go back to the flagged questions and answer the ones you are only 75% sure of answering correctly
•Go back to the remaining flagged questions and answer the ones you are only 50% sure of answering correctly
•Go to the skipped questions and take a wild guess at the answers
•Whatever you do, don't leave any question unanswered. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by attempting to answer all the questions
•Aim to have 10-15 minutes at the end of your allotted time to double-check your answers
•Keep your eye on the clock. Divide the number of allocated minutes by the number of questions to get an idea of how long you should take to answer each question. For example, if the official test lasts 90 minutes and has 75 questions, it means you have 1 minute and 20 seconds to answer each question. If you want 10-15 minutes at the end of the session to double-check your answers, you will have to shave 10-12 seconds off each question
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above all, relax...It's only an exam!
If you have never sat an electronically delivered test, here are a few tips and tricks that you can employ to increase your chances of passing it.
•Don't leave it till the last minute to begin your studies! Allow at least 3 weeks, even if you are fairly proficient in using the application
•Set aside a study area and a regular study period. Allow yourself between an hour and two hours a day of concentrated study
•Do as much work in the application as possible while leading up to the exam. Invent some projects if you do not have any on the go
•The questions in the Examaids can become very familiar if you study regularly but if you imbibe the extended answers and the knowledge in the reference pages, you will be better prepared for any surprises on the day
•Always read the questions and the multiple-choice answers very carefully. When the clock starts to count down during the official test, it's very easy to miss a negative, such as "What should you not do when...," or misconstrue a meaning. So, get into the habit of always reading every single word, and carefully, at the study stage
•If a question doesn't make sense, read it several times and make a note of the answer that first pops into your head, and any associated words, phrases, or terms. Come back to the question later in the session and see if your subconscious mind has found the right answer or found clues that can lead you to the right answer. Look at your notes and see if they can jog your memory or confirm what your subconscious mind has unearthed
•Try and rephrase a question. If you can do it, you will increase your chances of answering it correctly
•If you select a wrong answer, ask yourself why you chose it. It's usually an indicator of incomplete knowledge or misunderstanding and sometimes can be more helpful than answering a question correctly
•If an answer jumps up at you, don't be in a hurry to accept it. If your knowledge is incomplete, you are more likely to fall into the trap that the writer has set for you! They know you may choose an item from the View menu when you should be choosing it from the Window menu, or vice versa. Exam writers have devious minds and are often recruited from the dregs of society!
•If you are in any way unsure of the answer, narrow down your choices by dismissing the ones that you know to be untrue or likely to be untrue
•Try not to guess the answers while studying. Save that as a last resort on the day of the official exam
•The evening before the official exam, try and relax. Don't entertain thoughts of failure but at the same time don't become overconfident. Find a middle path and don't let yourself be overwhelmed by how much is riding on it. Keep the exam in perspective. If you let it overwhelm you, you can be sure you will fail
•On the morning of the exam, use the mock exams in the Examaid to limber up. Take the printed material provided with the Examaid to the test centre and use it to refresh your memory and to get into a mindset for answering the questions
•If you have a laptop, take it with you; arrive an hour early at the test centre and take the mock exams before entering the cubicle. This will also get you into the right frame of mind
Before you enter the test centre, devise a strategy and stick to it. If you don’t already have one, try the following:
•Work your way to the end of the exam by answering the questions you are 100% confidant you can answer correctly
•If you are unsure about an answer, flag the question
•If you are sure you don’t know the answer, skip the question
•Having got to the end of the exam, go back to the flagged questions and answer the ones you are only 75% sure of answering correctly
•Go back to the remaining flagged questions and answer the ones you are only 50% sure of answering correctly
•Go to the skipped questions and take a wild guess at the answers
•Whatever you do, don't leave any question unanswered. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by attempting to answer all the questions
•Aim to have 10-15 minutes at the end of your allotted time to double-check your answers
•Keep your eye on the clock. Divide the number of allocated minutes by the number of questions to get an idea of how long you should take to answer each question. For example, if the official test lasts 90 minutes and has 75 questions, it means you have 1 minute and 20 seconds to answer each question. If you want 10-15 minutes at the end of the session to double-check your answers, you will have to shave 10-12 seconds off each question
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Above all, relax...It's only an exam!
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