The ManicaPost
Friday Lessons with Uncle Jay
Final exams and big semester-end papers are among the most challenging aspects of the learning experience.
There is so much to learn, keep organised, and remember as you head into exams.
Following effective study tips can help reduce stress and increase your grade point average.
Not every studying technique works for every student, so experiment with a few of these important study tips to find out which ones work best for you.
Make the most of class time
Attend all class sessions, pay close attention to the teachers, and take notes in a way that makes sense for you.
The goal is to be able to understand your notes when you review them later.
And if something does not make sense, raise your hand and ask, or make a note to follow up with your teacher after class.
Create flashcards
One of the top study tips for students includes rewriting important facts, concepts, and definitions on flashcards.
Flashcards also let you quiz yourself without the help of others.
Digital flashcards and study apps are another way to organise and review the material.
Find a good study spot
Some people like the complete silence of a library setting, while others like the stimulation of a busy café.
Some students prefer sitting at their desks to study, others like a study spot outside in the sun.
The best study environment for you is the one that feels most productive, so try out a few places to see which works best.
Switch it up
Taking too much time on one subject can make you lose your concentration.
One of the most important study tips for college exams is to change topics every 30 minutes or so to prevent learning fatigue.
Revisit challenging topics once you have given your brain a break.
Read and review early and often
According to the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve principle, we forget 70 percent of what we have learned within 24 hours.
Going over new ideas a day after class will help increase retention and comprehension—so make time each evening for a quick review.
Break chapters into sections and review the material at the end of each before moving on.
Make notes by summarizing the critical aspects of the reading so you can easily review them without having to re-read entire chapters. Bookmark difficult sections to revisit later.
Stay organised
Scheduling class meetings, homework, assignments, projects, and study sessions is crucial to staying organized.
Use a planner to keep track of deadlines, dates, and times so you do not forget anything important.
Check your class syllabus for key dates and plan out the time for a study schedule that works for you.
Visualise the material
Focus on the most important parts of your class notes by condensing the material and underlining or highlighting key words and concepts.
Not a fan of traditional written notes?
Try reformatting them into charts, diagrams, mind maps, or outlines to create visuals that can help you make sense of complex concepts.
Focus on understanding
Memorising means finding ways to remember and repeat facts. Understanding goes a little deeper, and means you can apply new knowledge to various scenarios and know how it relates to other concepts.
School exams often test understanding, not just memorisation.
9. Learn by teaching others
Explaining concepts to a classmate is a great way to make sure you really understand the material yourself — and to help them learn as well.
When you find new ways to explain a concept, you are mastering the information by processing it for others.
10. Reward yourself
Good study habits are hard work!
Treat yourself to breaks and little rewards to keep you going.
Healthy snacks, nice walks outside, or even an episode of your favorite TV show are good ways to keep you motivated.
