With finals right around the corner, you may be searching for a new study technique to help you succeed this term. Here are some study techniques from Student Social Media Contributor, Kiana Benoit.
Finals can be the most stressful time of the semester for many students, myself included, so here are some of the things that have helped me the most in my study regimen. Hopefully some of these will work for you as well!
Figure out what time of day you are most productive
For a long time, I thought the best way to study was to wake up as early as possible and cram as many hours in as I could before lunch. I’ve realized since though, that I study much more efficiently if I allow myself to sleep in an extra hour or two, and that I’m more motivated to study in the late afternoon and evening. The point is to say that not everyone studies in the same way, so try and find your most productive times to hit the books.
Set specific goals
I like to set myself goals such as reading a certain number of pages/chapters or reviewing a certain number of topics before I let myself have a break. I find these types of goals more useful than timeframes, because I don’t find myself obsessing over the clock and counting down until my next break. I also find this method makes it much easier to ensure I will get everything finished. It may take some trial and error to figure out the right goal size for you, so don’t feel bad if you can’t complete some of them (especially if you set out to read an entire textbook in one sitting!).
Explain the concepts to your friends or family
This method has helped me a ton in my subject comprehension. Once I feel like I am quite comfortable with a topic, I find a friend or family member (it’s better if they know absolutely nothing about the topic at all) and explain it to them as well I can, without using my notes or textbook. This is a great way to figure out not only how much you really understand, but how much you are able to verbalize your understanding, because it forces you to put things into your own words. I also like to get them to ask me any questions they may have, as this keeps me on my toes and prepares me for potential exam questions.
Good luck with your exams this term!
Sleep is crucial for brain function, memory formation, and learning. Studying before you sleep , whether it is reviewing flashcards or notes, can help improve recall. According to Scott Cairney, a researcher from the University of York in the United Kingdom, “When you are awake you learn new things, but when you are asleep you refine them, making it easier to retrieve them and apply them correctly when you need them most. This is important for how we learn but also for how we might help retain healthy brain functions.”
When you’re asleep, the brain organizes your memories. Instead of pulling an all-nighter, study a few hours before bed and then review the information in the morning.