How to Study

HOW TO HAVE A STUDYING MINDEST

1.    Create the right studying environment

• Try to always study in the same place.  If possible, don’t use that location for anything else.  That is why studying in your bedroom or even worse, on your bed is such a bad idea.  Lying down on the bed to read turns into an hour long nap and a bright yellow highlighter spot on your sheets!  Your mind knows that the bed is for sleeping.  Choose a location that is comfortable, but not too comfortable.
• A focused study environment requires quiet and no distractions.  Try to find an open, organized studying surface, such as a large desk or table.  That way you can spread out your studying materials without being frustrated.
• Ask others to not interrupt you while you’re studying.  And leave the snacks, music, and other distracting materials out of your studying area.

2.    Study in chunks

• 20-30 minute time periods followed by a five-minute break is the most effective way to study.

3.    Study actively

• Ask yourself questions, review your notes regularly, discuss key concepts with friends and teachers.

4.    Study regularly

• Several brief periods spread over a couple of days is usually enough.

5.    Use daylight hours

• An hour of studying during the day is worth two at night! Do the work that requires the most concentration (typically reading) earliest in the day.

6.    Give preference

• Rank your classes and be sure to spend time on your most challenging class everyday and early in the day.

HOW TO READ

1.    Review previous material

• Run through your mind what you know already.  Try to connect what you’re reading with what you already know.  Write keywords to show connections.

2.    Survey the material first

• Read the end of the chapter first.  This is generally a summary and will give you the big picture before you get into the details.
• Scan over headings, bold and italicized words.  Read any section review questions. This gives you a feeling for the ideas as a whole and to what material you should pay attention to while reading the chapters.

3.    Read with a pen in your hand

• Unless it is a novel that you’re reading for pleasure, then you’re reading for understanding and content.
• Underline key words and phrases.  Write key concepts next to paragraphs.  Circle or box in words that need to be defined.  Whatever system of note taking while reading you use, try to keep it consistent and remember to do it.
• Underlining everything is the same as underlining nothing.  Stick to the key ideas.

• Learn to distinguish between what is important and what can be thrown out.  Don’t focus on all the dates and complete names – focus on concepts.  It’s okay to leave intentional blanks in your notes to force you to do fill them in with research later.

• The more different ways you present information to the brain the easier it is to learn.  In other words hear it, see it, say it, write it, practice it, highlight it, quiz it, etc.  Underlining is a skill that must be developed.

4.    Fill in the gaps in your understanding

• Inevitably, there are going to be some concepts that you are not going to understand right away.  At this stage, look at your reading notes for holes.  Then, use whatever resources are necessary to better understand those concepts.

• This could be looking up words in the dictionary or even reviewing websites, like Wikipedia, to get a better understanding.

5.    Review what you’ve read

• Before moving on to something else, review out loud what the key ideas from the reading were.  If you can try to explain them to someone, that is best.  If not, explain it out loud to  yourself.  If you’re unable to explain it, further studying/research is necessary.

REWORK YOUR NOTES

1.    Don’t just copy or rewrite them

• Rework them into a different, more efficient format.  Decide what material will work best as lists, paragraphs, bullets, etc.
• Fill in missing information with a little research.
• Try to take the learning even further.  Remember that knowledge = freedom.  You don’t have to be limited by what you are required to read.  The more you research, the better your understanding will be.

2.    Order and organize what was learned

• Use a predetermined method to decide what is very important or just moderately important.  Star, use arrows, write additional comments, etc.

3.    Handwriting is always better

• It’s very tempting to type up all your notes and while it can be effective, by handwriting out your notes you are activating more memory processes in your brain.

4.    Use note cards

• Write key concepts on one side and their explanation/definition on the other.  Drill yourself or have someone drill you.

5.    Develop memory devices

• Come up with acrostics and acronyms. Try to associate ideas with objects or things you already know or see.

FINAL REVIEW

1.    Do it quickly and then be done with it

• Set a limit and stick to it.  Don’t try and cram in information at the last minute

2.    Do it from memory

• Outline and organize your notes from memory.  When you’re done, fill in the blanks from your previous notes.  Don’t bother copying.

3.    Do it out loud

• Speak the key concepts out loud, either to yourself or a friend.