As back to school approaches, the stress of examinations wreaks havoc on our minds. How can we study more efficiently to do better on our exams? Here are some tips and tricks to have tunnel vision on those A’s!

Prepare yourself to succeed 

1. Create a study schedule

Set out chunks of time on your calendar to devote to your education. You should try to schedule some study time each day, but due to other obligations, some sessions may need to be longer than others. 

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More study time is required for harder classes. Classes that are worth numerous credits fall under this category as well. Consider spending one to three hours of study time for each credit hour you're taking.

1. Go at your own pace! It’s YOUR study sessions. 

Everyone is different, we cannot all learn at the same pace as others as some may understand quickly and others may take their time for the information to sink in. 

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Neither way is right or wrong, so go at the pace you feel is perfect for you rather than trying to keep up with someone else’s pace. 

So try figuring out what works best for you to retain knowledge through trial and error. 

1. Sleep, get some sleep!

No one can perform at their best while they are exhausted. Your body requires rest, and adequate sleep is essential for memory function.

One of the reasons why planning study time is so crucial is that it eliminates the temptation to stay up all night cramming for a big exam. 

Rather you should the night before an exam, try to get seven or more hours of sleep.

In the case you're feeling lethargic, try limiting pre-studying naps to 15 or 20 minutes at a time and once you wake up do a few stretches or gentle exercises to prepare your body and mind for work.

1. The phone has to go!

Many students don’t realise that their phones may be the main reason for taking their attention away from studying. Silencing your phones during your study sessions will increase your productivity as If you take a break to check a notice, you'll need to refocus your thoughts before returning to your studies. 

What you can do: 

• Turn off your phone until you’re finished studying 
• Put your mobile phone on ‘Do not disturb mode’
• In the case you need your phone, you can download apps to temporarily block your access to social media (Click to find some!)

1. Relax and Unwind 

Reduce stress as it can make it harder to understand and retain knowledge. 

Before you start studying, clear your heard by:

• Taking deep breaths 

• Doing a bit of exercise 
• Writing a list of tasks you need to get done 

What your ideal study space should look like? 

1. Location, Location, Location 

You require a comfortable environment that is not so calming that you fall asleep. For some, this entails sitting at a desk. Others are more comfortable on the sofa or at the kitchen table. Your bed, on the other hand, could be overly comfortable.

It is easier to concentrate when you are surrounded by peace and quiet. If your siblings  are being noisy or there is traffic outside your window, you may need to seek refuge in an upstairs bedroom, a quiet cafe, or your local library.

1. Music? Or no music? 

Listen to quiet music rather than loud ones, instrumental music does best as songs with lyrics carry your attention away from your study material. But if you are able to, try it out! See what works for you. 

There’s no pressure to listen to music, sometimes in silence is better. But if you decide to listen to music, use noise cancelling headphones. 

However, there are alternatives. You don't have to study in complete stillness just because you turned off the television, talk radio, and your favorite pop tune. A great alternative is to use soft background sounds. Some people like to listen to natural sounds like beach waves or thunderclaps. Some people prefer the sound of a fan.

1. Snack time!

A hungry person doesn’t function well, so munch while you work. Keep your munchies close at hand so you don't have to leave your reading to get something to eat.

Some good brain food: 

• Nuts 
• Dark chocolate 
• Grapes 
• Apple slices 
• Lean deli meat

Snack on foods that will keep you alert and energized. Avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and high-processed-carbohydrate foods.

Now, pick a study method 

Use a tried-and-true study approach to help you think through the subject and remember it.

Method 1: You’ll learn to think critically about information 

• Survey: Skim through the assigned material. Focus on headings, words in bold print and any diagrams.
• Question: Ask yourself questions related to the topic.
• Read: Read the text carefully. As you go, look for answers to your questions.
• Recite: Tell yourself the answers to your questions. Write notes about them, even.
• Review: Go over the material again by rereading the text and reading your notes aloud.

Method 2: You’ll learn to retain information

• Preview: Skim the material. Read the titles, headings and other highlighted text.
• Question: Think through questions that pertain to the material.
• Read: As you work through the material, try to find answers to your questions.
• Reflect: Consider whether you have any unanswered questions or new questions.
• Recite: Speak aloud about the things you just read.
• Review: Look over the material one more time.

Method 3: You’ll learn how to prepare yourself to read content 

• Title: Read the title.
• Headings: Look through the headings.
• Introduction: Skim the intro.
• Every first sentence in a section: Take a look at how each section begins.
• Visuals and vocabulary: Look at the pictures and the words in bold print.
• End questions: Review the questions at the end of the chapter.
• Summary: Read the overview of the text.

Skills you should have to study effectively 

1. Highlight key information 

Staying engaged with the subject is easier if you look for the most significant information as you read. This can assist you in keeping your attention from straying while reading. 

Important details should be highlighted or underlined as you come across them. It's also a good idea to scribble notes along the text's edges. If you don't own the book, write on removable sticky notes.

When studying for an exam, start by going over your highlighted parts and the notes you took.

1. Sum up key details 

Retelling knowledge in your own words is a fantastic method to help it stick in your mind. It's extremely effective to write a summary. Your summary can be written in paragraphs or as an outline. 

Keep in mind that a summary should not contain all of the material. Keep it simple and to the point.

On your paper, experiment with different colors. According to studies, information presented in color is more memorable than information printed in black and white. You might use colored pens or highlighters to go over your words. 

After you've written about what you've read, read aloud what you've written on your paper to emphasize the knowledge.

1. Flashcards 

Prepare notecards with a keyword on one side and important information or definitions about the topic on the reverse for an easy approach to quiz yourself. 

It will be easier for you to remember the information if you write the cards down. Self-testing on the cards will keep that reinforcement going. 

​​Flashcards have the advantage of being easily transportable. Put them in your bag and take them out anytime you have a free moment. This is an excellent method to get some extra practice time in between your normal study sessions. 

As an alternative to paper flashcards, you can create digital flashcards by using a computer application or a smartphone app.

1. Associate to recall 

Your brain may use a helping hand from time to time to help you retain the knowledge you're learning. Making up hypothetical visuals, making word puzzles, and conducting other mental activities can all help you recall your content.

Try: 

• Set the facts to catchy music and sing it. 

• Consider creating a mnemonic phrase with phrases that begin with the same letters as the words you need to remember. 

• Draw a picture that will assist you in making a hilarious connection between the new information and what you currently know. 

• Consider what it would be like to interact with your subject in person. Consider the sights, sounds, and fragrances.
• Make up rhymes or tongue twisters to assist you remember what you've learned. 
• A web-style mind map that depicts the relationships between concepts will help you visualize the specifics.

1. Learn in smaller chunks 

Consider how you remember a phone number: The ten-digit number is divided into three smaller sections. It's far easier to remember these three bits than it is to recall the entire thing as a single string of data. 

When studying, you can use this method to break down a long list into smaller chunks. As a group, work on memorizing each component.

1. Who better to teach you, than yourself. 

You must first grasp information before you can teach it to others. As a result, if you're trying to learn anything new, think about how you'd teach it to someone else. You'll have a deeper knowledge of the topic if you wrestle with this concept.

You can even enlist the help of a friend, a family member, or a member of your study group to listen to your mini-lesson. Reciting your presentation to someone else will help you remember the specifics, and your audience may be able to point out any knowledge gaps you have.

1. Should I call it a day? 

While your studies are vital, they should not take precedence over everything else in your life. It's also crucial to have a social life, get lots of exercise, and attend to your non-school obligations.

According to studies, spending too much time with your nose in a book might raise your stress level, which can negatively impact your scholastic performance and personal relationships. You may not get adequate exercise if you study too much. This could lead to a decrease in bone density or an increase in body fat percentage.

Efficiency is key in the process

1. Take frequent breaks

Allowing yourself to take planned breaks will make your study sessions more fruitful. Consider a timetable that includes 50 minutes of work and a 10-minute rest.

Your break is an excellent opportunity to stand up and stretch your legs. This is also an excellent time to check your phone or respond to emails. However, once your ten minutes are over, it's time to get back to work.

Allow yourself a lengthier pause at the end of a long study session — possibly half an hour — before moving on to other obligations.

 

2. Take notes while in class

Recording crucial points during a lecture is useful because it requires you to pay attention to what is being said.

These are a few tips to assist you in being a more successful note-taker:

•       Keep it simple and to the point.
•       When possible, use shorthand.
•       If you don't have time to write everything down, make a note of a term or a name. You can use your textbook to expand on these points after class.
•       Use the same organizational system each time you take notes for consistency.
•       Consider writing your notes by hand to assist you recall what you've learned. Typing, on the other hand, may assist you in becoming speedier or more organized.

3. Exercise!

Scientific research strongly suggests that exercising helps your brain function better. Also exercising regularly keeps you healthy and active which takes laziness out of the equation and is ultimately going to help you study much more efficiently.

4. Regularly revise your notes.

Take time after class to fill in the blanks if your notes are incomplete — for example, if you typed down dates without any extra information. You might also wish to trade notes with a classmate to catch up on anything you missed during the lecture.

If you need to clean up your notes, rewrite them. Rewriting the content will help you remember it. Include useful diagrams or visuals. Within one day, go over them again.

5. Start off with the most difficult portions.

 Starting off with the more complicated and tough topics will help your overall time management and ease up the whole studying process as you move forward. It also allows you to spend more time with the topics you find difficult.

6. Try study groups

Although study groups are not everybody, giving it a shot will not do you much harm. If study groups work for you and you feel comfortable studying along with others you might be able to significantly improve your learning pace.

Got an upcoming test? Here are some tips

1.     Focus on understanding over scoring high

   Studying everything within a night might help you remember the next morning and score good but it causes you to forget everything in a few days which won’t let you really learn all that you studied.

Instead try understanding what you’re studying in long period of time from the beginning of the year.

 

2.     Start preparation a week prior to the test

Preparing a week in advance is beneficial to your time and eliminates unwanted stress from last moment overload. It also gives you time to revise and strengthen your understanding of the topic. The main reason this is recommended is because last minute studying never retains in your brain.

 

3. Study for at least one hour each day

Study for an hour each night for a week before a big test. Increase your daily study time and divide it between the subjects if you have multiple difficult tests coming up. Spend as much time as possible the day before the exam studying – even all day.

 

4.     Make a plan for your studies.

 Make a long outline that incorporates many of the elements from your notes. A few days later, rewrite it, but trim it in half. Write it again just before the test; just include the most crucial material. Test your knowledge of the missing details.

 

5. Use your textbook to complete example problems and essays.

There are other things you may do to improve your test-taking skills. For instance, open your book and solve questions similar to the ones you'll see on the test. Also, write out the answers to the essay questions. In your textbook, there may be suggested essay themes.

 

Enhancing memory power

1.     Study before going to bed

Although you shouldn't study late at night, doing so immediately before bedtime can be beneficial. Sleep aids in the consolidation of information in the brain. According to studies, if you go to bed soon after learning something, you're more likely to remember it 24 hours later. Read through your study sheet, take a quiz on flashcards, or memorize information lists right before bed.

2. Create a narrative

Sometimes it's just necessary to make knowledge ridiculous in order for it to stick in your head. Make up a funny story that connects those things or words together to recall a list of objects or the specific order of events. It doesn't have to make sense; all it has to do is be memorable.

 

3. Switch up your study locations every now and then

•       The specifics stick in your mind better if you study the same knowledge in multiple places.
•       Take a look at the following locations:
•       At home, at your desk
•       At cafés
•       The library is a great place to visit.
•       In your own backyard
•       A park

Instead of always hitting the books in the same position, it's best to rotate between various distinct study spots.

 

4. Look at it and listen to it

You'll be more likely to remember information if you say it out loud. You use your eyes to read the words, your mouth to speak them, and your ears to listen to yourself. The benefit of expressing information aloud is referred to as the production effect by scientists.

5.Switch up topics regularly

It's not good to keep your brain trained on the same knowledge for long periods of time. During a long study session, it's better to switch subjects a few times. Similarly, you should study the same information in a variety of methods. According to research, adopting a variety of study methods for the same topic helps you do better on tests.

Here's a brief Top 10 list  of effective tips backed up by scientific research to summarize the ways you could improve your learning

•       Try coffee

•       Treat yourself with every milestone achieved
•       Give study groups a chance
•       Meditate
•       A healthy body means a healthy mind, exercise regularly!
•       Try relaxing music
•       Walnuts help retaining memory
•       Take breaks regularly
•       Make sure to have sufficient sleep
•       Find a distraction-free environment

Go ahead, try these out! We can guarantee you, these tips will help you improve your learning process.