Crack the exam: Everyone knows the basic study tips, set goals, create a study schedule, find a quiet study space, stay organized, healthy and motivated. While those are tried and true methods, the exciting thing about students and learning is that we are all individuals on individual learning journeys. We can find our own systems that work for us. While the methods above are good to fall back on; check out the unique study tips below and enjoy the learning sparked.
- Change Your Study Environment: Instead of always studying in the same place, try changing your environment. This can help prevent boredom and increase focus. You might try studying in a park, Starbucks, or even a different room in your house.
- Teach Someone Else: One effective way to solidify your understanding of a topic is to teach it to someone else. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even Househelp, explaining concepts out loud can help reinforce your own understanding.
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- Study Before Bed: Research has shown that studying before bed can be effective for memory retention. During sleep, the brain strengthens new memories, so reviewing material right before sleep can enhance retention.
- Use Mnemonics in Unusual Ways: While mnemonics are a common study tool, try creating them in unusual fun ways. For example, create a song or a story using the information you need to remember.
- Take Breaks for Physical Activity: Incorporating short bursts of physical activity into your study routine can help improve focus and cognitive function. Try doing jumping jacks, stretching, or going for a quick walk between study sessions. Quick walks are a great way to tie in your mnemonics!
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- Utilize Background Noise: Some people find it helpful to study with background noise, such as instrumental music or ambient sounds. Experiment with different types of background noise to see what works best for you. There many YouTube videos for “coffee house noises, ocean or rain sounds”
- Create Unusual Associations: Make connections between the material you’re studying and unrelated topics or concepts. This can help make the information more memorable and interesting.
- Practice Retrieval: Instead of simply re-reading your notes, actively test yourself on the material. Use flashcards, practice quizzes, or try to recall information from memory. This active retrieval strengthens memory retention.
- And here is one super strange one – Chew Gum: Some studies suggest that chewing gum while studying and then chewing the same flavor during the exam can improve memory recall. This is thought to be due to the association between the flavor and the material studied. Just don’t get caught!
Remember, everyone learns differently, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different study techniques until you find what works best for you. Learning is fun, have fun with the process!
By Aditya Patil, Founder and CEO, Ascend International School
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