Study tips
Friday 26 September 2008
Doing homework, studying for tests and exams - possibly not your favourite thing to do! Make it easier with n2k's study tips.
In the classroom
Take advantage of your teachers – and we don’t mean misbehaving. Ask them as many questions as you can. There's no point in sitting through weeks of a subject only to realise that you don't get it!
If you need extra help or feel shy to ask too many questions in front of your classmates, ask the teacher if they can spend some extra time with you after school or during breaks. Make a list of questions before you go.
However, it's best not to rely on your teacher to do everything for you. They won't be keen to help you if you haven't made some sort of effort. Show that you have made a serious attempt.
When you are given handouts, underline and highlight key words - this will help you to revise for a test or before exam time.
Take notes
It's also worth taking notes and writing things in your own words, both in the classroom and when you're studying. This way you’ll see key words together in one sentence which will give you a better understanding of the topic. Don't rely just on the handouts!
As you go along...
Cramming the night before an exam or test is not a good look. It is really difficult to remember bulks of information at once and it is also really stressful, which means you won't do as well as you might have done. Why not test yourself every once in a while as you go along?
Also take a look at your notes and try to link up what you already know to what you've only just learned - you’ll end up with a much deeper understanding.
Time and a place
Consider the best time to study – morning or evening? When are you most alert? Try to make a regular time to study every day. It's never a good idea to do your homework on the school bus or at the last minute on the night before it's due.
When you do get down to some homework, study or revision make sure you have a really comfortable place to work. Whether you need a silent room or music playing in the background, make sure it’s an environment where won’t get you distracted.
Silence can get boring though, so take breaks. Make a plan of how much you expect to study and schedule in these breaks so you won’t feel exhausted.
Most importantly, stick to your plan.
Getting started
Having the TV on is not a good idea. Also, leaving your phone switched on or instant messenger running on your computer will only mean distractions and they'll mean that your homework will take longer to do!
Switch everything off and get down to work.
Test tips
Get some sleep
Always get a good night's sleep - all night or late study sessions can spoil the following day which will affect your energy levels and mood.
Brain food
Always remember your diet because the right type of foods can really boost your brain cells!
Start the day off right with breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Cereals that are high in vitamin B are best.
Oily fish are full of omega-3 acids which are proven to increase level of concentration.
And remember your five portions of fruit and veg which won’t just help with studying but it’ll reduce the risk of heart attacks and other bodily disorders.
Reward
When you have finished your work or feel happy about the revision you've done - reward yourself. Go and see a film, call a friend, crank up your music really loud and dance round your room for a while - anything you enjoy doing. This will mean you have something to look forward to whilst you're buckling down to work!
