How to Study - Blog 3

One of the hardest parts of school is studying. Studying for a large exam can be overwhelming if you need to remember weeks of lectures and notes. With a little planning, studying is very possible. If you use these strategies you will find yourself feeling prepared when your next test comes around.

Things you'll need: textbooks, notes, pens, paper, and a snack

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Gather up the textbook, notes, and any other materials your professor has provided you. You can bring materials for each class you need to study for. You should bring paper and pens to write with. Sticky notes are also useful for writing notes, but they are not necessary. Also bring a snack, such as a granola bar or a piece of fruit.

Step 2: Pick a Location

Find somewhere quite where you can study. It is a good idea to study outside of your room. If you pick a specific location for studying, you will be more focused when you are studying there. Studying in your room is likely to distract you from your work. It is also easier to commit to studying when you are at your location. If you want to do anything else you will have to leave, so you will be less tempted to give up.

Your study location should be quite and comfortable. You can study in a library if you prefer complete silence. If you prefer background sounds you can find a table at a coffee shop. Restaurants are also good if you do not want to bring your own snack.

Step 3: Identify the Topics List the major ideas that you will be reviewing. These may be found in the titles of your notes, or titles found in the book or lecture slides. Once you have identified the main ideas to be reviewed, quickly go over what you confidently know about each of them. If you are unable to describe one of the subjects at all, you should spend the most time with that topic.

Step 4: Read the Material

Read through your notes, the lecture slides, or the textbook. Pay attention to how much you understand each sentence. If you are ever confused, stop for a moment and think about what you just read. If you do not understand some of the words, look them up and then reread the sentence. If the sentence describes another topic you do not understand, find that topic in your notes or look up a short description of it. Once you have done so, read the sentence one more time and then move on. It is alright if you do not understand everything your first time through your notes. Continue reading through the material until you reach the end of a section or chapter.

Step 5: Quiz Yourself

Once you have finished a section or chapter, try to explain what you just read to yourself and figure out what you know. You can pretend that you are teaching a friend the material you just read, or you can study with a friend. Try to understand how different topics are related and how they are similar and different. Once you have been studying for about an hour, take a ten-minute break. Once you make your way through all the material you will be feeling more familiar with the concepts and more confident in yourself.