Effective study tips...

[notsurewhat]

Hi,

I'm having a very hard time at this moment in time and with exams coming up I need lots of tips on how to study effectively. Nothing I am doing seems to be working or making me concentrate/retain information. Help. I feel that I have tried everything but maybe you guys could bring to me something new?!
Anything appreciated.

Regards

[starone]

You could go to bed earlier for a start. It is much too late for you to be up trying to study.

[notsurewhat]

insomniac grrr

[starone]

Me too. "Sigh"

[boxtops]

Notsure - when I was studying (not so many years ago) - I would have a relaxing evening doing other things then start studying at 10.30pm and go straight through til 2 a.m. I could do that three nights on the trot, no more. It was great for writing assignments etc - I'm a terrible just-in-timer.

[notsurewhat]

Yeah I tend to stay up later than usual since I do not sleep. I feel nothing I am studying I am retaining.

[sophie_1003]

What is it you're revising for?

[bloomwood]

not the best time study, can you not have a break ,recharge those brain cells and resume in january?

[starone]

You're not going to remember everything (unless you are Superman). When you sit down to answer the questions (which will be nothing like you expect) you will remember what you have learned.

[notsurewhat]

I couldnt in Jan since my exams are in December. I have three of them. I am studying a science degree.

[notsurewhat]

i could never be superman...I lack the private parts for that role.

[sophie_1003]

I've been studying for science today at a much lower level than you though; am doing an education degree and need subject knowledge (in addition to pedagogical knowledge) at or just above the level required for GCSEs; I've been using cue cards and just writing down two or three key facts or drawing a diagram on each so I can easily flip through them when I have a second or two; think I'm going to find this really helpful but it's probably quite a personal thing.

[jaydah]

study to music, I find that more retentive

[bloomwood]

Sorry nsw,didn't realise you had exams this month. My heart goes out to you it must be hard, dont want to patronise you by saying dont worry,you'll be fine.Hope it all goes well for you.(am sure it will be)x

[notsurewhat]

sophie - Thanks! I may actually try that. That could work :) & as for studying to music Ive tried that but I end up singing along and getting myself distracted! I shall try the flip cards however. Thanks x

[sophie_1003]

There is also a book that tells you how to do mind mapping properly that my friend used and said was brilliant but may be a bit late to learn a completely new method now! Would also recommend colours though; I drew a diagram of photosynthesis and respiration today and used blac arrows for photosynthesis and red for respiration; this way I don't have to spend ages working out what all my arrows mean!

[starone]

O.K - Superwoman or Supergirl, depending on how old you are. Don't forget to let us know how you get on and later whether you have passed or not. We will be there for you with cheers if you pass and commiserations if you dont.

[notsurewhat]

aww thanks. Yeah I'll defo pop on and let people if I pass - I have three exams eeeek! Yuck! Hopefully I will do it despite life shinanagins than can intervene with studies. I'm just trying to think positive. x

[Annabellee193]

Try these 5 tips to help you.

Tip # 1 Plan ahead

Spend 5 to 10 minutes to make a short plan of your study goals before you actually start to. Create a sense of urgency when you intend to do something else. This is very helpful for me especially when I have to study for a long day, my mind gets easily distracted after 2 or 3 hours. I always tell myself: “come on, you are almost at the end of the goal check-list, I just have to insist a little bit more”.

Tip # 2 Set a timer

I currently use a time reminder from eFaqt to help me during study, this time reminder reminds me to take a break for 10 minutes after every 50 minutes study. You can set the break time according to your situation. The reason why I use it because it is free and it will alert me to go back to study if my study screen has not been active for more than five minutes.

Tip # 3 Make notes during study

Making your own notes during study is helpful for reviewing and memorizing. Especially when you prepare exams like History, Politics, Law and Medicine. While writing and thinking you will remember the material much quicker.

Tip # 4 Offer Your Self Incentives

Yes, you should give yourself a prize or some sort of reward when you’ve accomplished a task. It could be something as simple as sweets or something greater like a vacation. A good incentive gives you more power to concentrate on study.

Tip # 5 Study together

It is a good alternative to choose study together with your friends or classmates together when you can’t focus, especially for study the same subjects or exams. You can also learn from them when you have a question and you are motivated to concentrate since your friends around you are studying. Just make sure to not over chitchat since you know each other very well.