
Study Tips
Stick to a routine. Arrange a schedule for study time, and keep with it. This allows you to build studying time into a habit, making you more likely to follow through on study plans. Be aware of your energy levels throughout the day. Are you more energetic (and therefore more able to concentrate) during the day or nighttime? It may help to study your harder subjects when you have the most energy. Study at the time you feel most alert and awake. This may be in the morning, evening or afternoon. When you feel sleepy, take a -minute break, walk around, drink a glass of water, chew some mint gum to wake your mind up a bit, then try again.
Once you know the time of day that you’re more energetic, you can make sure you study during those times, increasing your ability to focus and concentrate on your work.
Find a study partner. Sometimes reviewing material with someone else can help break up the monotony of studying, clarify confusing concepts by bouncing ideas off of someone else, and see things from a different perspective. This partner can help you keep on track with your studies, and concentrate on the task in front of you.
Some people may find study partners distracting. When looking for a study partner, try to find someone who is sensible and focused, maybe even more of an active student in class than you are. That way, you are always pushing yourself to stay matched with them.
Think of an incentive. Before you start studying, think of something that can serve as a reward for you successfully studying. For example, after reviewing your history notes for an hour, talk to your roommate about your day, make dinner, or watch your favorite upcoming television program. An incentive can motivate you to concentrate on studying for a specific amount of time, and then you reward yourself for your solid block of time concentrating on your work. For bigger projects, develop a bigger incentive to reward yourself for your extra hard work
When thoughts enter into your head while studying, acknowledge that thought, and let it drift out of your head like a leaf on a stream. Putting effort into not thinking about other things also takes focus away from your studies. It can help to keep a notepad on your desk to jot things down that you might want or need to get to later; writing it down can keep your thoughts from returning to it. Return your concentration to your studying, and be sure to take short breaks every minutes or so to stay sharp. Try reading aloud. It is a very effective method. When you read aloud, your brain is involved in more work: listening and reading. This makes it harder for your mind to wander.
College students and high school students may get the help needed from Course Hero. Staffed by college professors and credentialed teachers, it is one of the best study resources on the web.
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