Smart Study Tips
Start up If you are not used to waking up early, start the day with a bath before you study just to shake you out of stupor.
Music Listening to the music which has alleviated your moods in the past (need not be the recent ones) can also help you to kick start the day. Just dont get lost.
Rest/Stretch Time
When you take a break, oxygenate (get more oxygen to your brain)! Get up and walk around the room for a couple of minutes. When we sit for long periods, blood tends to pool in our lower body and legs (because of gravity). Our calves serve as pumps for our blood when we walk, getting blood flowing more evenly throughout the body. As a result, more oxygen is carried to the brain and you are more alert.
Change Topics
Many students aid their concentration by changing the subject they are studying every one to two hours. You pay more attention to something that's different. And you can give yourself that variety by changing the subject you study regularly.
Let go of emotional worries
Attend to all crises or serious problems. Either do something about them or decide what to do about it--later. Have faith that the world will still be there with its problems and joys while you take time out to study. Instead, enlist your emotions and take time out to worry for atleast 15 mins compulsory each day ..only so that you learn to break the habit of worrying Full day. And when you get distracted while studying put the emotion or thought to your list for "Worry Time".
Study conditions:
A regular time and regular place (well-lighted and quiet) will suggest study. If you find it compatible and profitable to study with others, fine. Use a straight back chair to encourage alertness. The room should be well ventilated and not above 70º. Only soft music, if you must.
Eyes:
Rest eyes frequently as eye staring can quickly cause fatigue. Look away from your book, blink hard several times, or palm your eyes to rest them. Avoid glaring reading lights or reading in the sun.
Interest:
Some subjects will be more interesting to you than others. Research before the serious reading will create interest as well as purpose. Interest will surge and subside. Expect this! Whatever, the responsibility for developing interest is yours.
Background information:
Recall what you already know about the subject. This will generate interest which serves concentration. If you find the material new and difficult, go to simpler sources for your initial reading.
Questions : Ask questions as you survey the chapter. This will help develop your curiosity, interest, concentration and motivation. As you dig into the reading, ask more questions. Ask: Why? How? What if? How does this relate...?
Organize the material:
Chapters have an order or structure for the thought flow and development. Utilize this order as a hanger for details, relating and associating the details to the main ideas which make up the structure. You can concentrate and remember better if you have a clear sense of where you are and where you are going with ideas.This can be achieved if you "tie in" details to the major ideas (larger framework) as you read.
Visualize:
Create pictures in your mind as you read. The visual sense is most helpful in stimulating interest, concentration and memory as well as understanding. Always affirm to yourself that you have already achieved success in your examination and feel the positive surge of good energy to train your body to dwell in the good energy.
Read faster:
The faster you read, the more you have to attend to the material, leaving less time for distractions or your thoughts to wander. Speed also binds the material closer as you are perceiving more and, the more you perceive of the whole, the more you will find it meaningful and interesting.
Self-recitation:
Engage in a split-second recitation-reflecti on after reading each paragraph or manageable portion to test your understanding before recording this understanding briefly. This self-recitation not only refreshes interest but keeps you actively involved which serves concentration.
Make notes:
Make brief notes in your own words following self-recitation. Copying passively not only is an absolute waster of time, but it actually decreases concentration. Underlining does not serve concentration as well as your own paraphrased notes.
Review:
Review your notes occasionally while reading a chapter. After you have completed your reading, review it again to be sure you have really "got it."
Warm-up:
the first 10-20 minutes is often a readiness period--a warm-up period to develop interest and mood for studying. Don't be disappointed if you fail to concentrate 100% at the beginning. If often takes some time to get into it. Hang in there! This is when most students close the book, feeling they just can't study tonight. Not so!
Lapses and fatigue:
If your concentration flags during the study period, take short breaks. Stretch, stand, rest your eyes, walk about, get a drink and then resume your studying. Later, when you feel you've had it with the subject, take a mental break changing to another subject. A review of your notes is encouraging and this refreshes interest and concentration. Change to an easier assignment. If you are sure you've had it for that study session, quit for the time being.
Some odds and ends
Set goals for studying--so many pages or a set amount of time. Work to achieve these goals. At some point you may feel you are making no progress at all (most common problem called learning plateau). However, as you continue to study, there will be another leap forward.
Drink Water
"Water comprises more of the brain (with estimates of 90%) than of any other organ of the body." Having students drink some water before and during class can help "grease the wheel". Drinking water is very important before any stressful situation - tests! - as we tend to perspire under stress, and de-hydration can effect our concentration negatively.
Input Pre-Read: Read topic and sub topic headings. Glance at the pictures, charts, diagrams, maps, etc.
Skim: Much like an athlete must warm up muscles before a practice or a game, the mind needs to be warmed up and prepared to receive new information. Read the first sentence of every paragraph along with statements in italics or boldface type. Read the introduction and the summary to get a general sense of the content and organization.
Chunk: Break the chapter down into bite-sized pieces--small sections that will be easy to handle. Read in these small sections, checking for understanding at the end of each.
Question: If your textbook has review questions at the end or if there is a study guide for the course, use these questions as a guide. Write each question out on a separate notebook page. You should take notes while you are reading. Generating answers to questions will help you stay focused and interested in the material. If your book has no review section, turn paragraph headings into questions. For example, change "Basic Principles of Learning," to "What are the Basic Principles of Learning?"
Recite: Read section by section and stop after each. Recite regularly at the end of each section. Close the book and try to remember the main points just read. What can't be recited wasn't stored. Go over again the material that you had difficulty recalling.
Record: Recording actively engages you in the reading process. Active methods result in better reading comprehension. Record your answers on the question sheets you created earlier. Use summary notes, not long notes which regurgitate every word you read. By paraphrasing information, you increase your ability to retain and understand the information.
Review (Short Term Review): Check retention by reviewing within 24 hours (preferably within 6-8 hours). First, try to recite the main ideas without looking at notes or flash cards. Then, review your notes and flash cards and quiz yourself-section by section — again.
Regular Review: Schedule weekly and monthly reviews. Reread and relearn information that has not been stored successfully.
Meet Regularly with a Study Group: Group study can be extremely helpful in terms of maintaining motivation to review. Also, you can learn by the example of others. Perhaps others in your group will teach you new ways to study that will benefit you.
WHILE STUDYING
Jot down things that are on your mind before you study, then set this list to the side. Add to it anything that distracts you as you are studying. Take care of the list later.
Study at the same time each day. A regular schedule can help you frame this as “study time”.
Set a timer for an hour, don't allow yourself to stop studying until it goes off.
Take breaks. A three minute break for every 30 minutes of study is a good guideline. Take a longer break after 90 minutes.
Set goals for your session that are realistic (number of problems to solve, pages to read, etc.) When you have met one of your study goals, reward yourself with a short break. Then, return to your study area.
Study in an area away from distractions such as a library, study lounge, or an empty classroom.
Make sure you have everything that you need before you begin.
Make sure your environment is conducive to studying — no TV, no telephone, no roommate, no boyfriend/girlfrien d.
Make studying an active process; take notes and make review sheets. Intersperse different kinds of study into one session, e.g. reading, writing, taking notes, memorizing, etc.
Identify how what you are studying is relevant to your life. Draw connections between things you already know.
Ensure that you are sleeping enough, eating well, and getting regular exercise. Your mind will be more alert, and you will be less likely to fall asleep or daydream.
NOTE: MORE TIME SHOULD BE SPENT ON REVIEW THAN ON INPUT AND STORE.
PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION
Test Taking Skills:
Too little anxiety (apathy) or too much anxiety (panic) are both problematic. A moderate level of anxiety gives energy and improves concentration.
The Night Before
Establish good study habits. Cramming increases the likelihood of panic. Concentrate on what you do know and try to think of likely questions to be asked.
Get a good night's sleep.
Make sure you know the time of the exam, where it is being held and how to get there.
Keep the importance of the exam in perspective. Talk to yourself: "It's only an exam." "I can do it." "Stay cool."
On Exam Day
Eat a moderate breakfast or lunch. Avoid drinks or drugs with caffeine. Over agitation can increase nervousness and harm concentration and memory.
Relaxing activity
Do a relaxing activity unrelated to the exam in the last hour before the exam.
Panic Generators
Steer clear of fellow students who are "anxiety generators." Panic is contagious.
Examination Hall Get to the exam room early to settle in and prepare your supplies and familiarize yourself with surroundings.
Tense all your muscles for a moment, then suddenly relax them. Take 3 deep breaths.
During the Exam
Read directions and underline significant instructions.
First answer the easy questions. Then go back to the more difficult.
Multiple Choice - eliminate the impossible answers, then make as good an intuitive guess as possible.
Essay Questions - take a few minutes to organize your thought. Jot them down and start with a summary sentence.
When confronted with excess anxiety, break it by doing something unusual: ask a question; get a drink; chew gum; eat a piece of hard candy; sharpen pencil; tense and relax large muscle groups; take several deep, slow breaths.
Don't rush; maintain steady pace.
After the Exam
Use the test as a learning tool. After the exam is over, don't torture yourself over mistakes.
Take a break and take note of how you were tested. Don't vow to study harder. Vow to study smarter.
Review the exam looking for the types of errors. Is there a pattern: e.g. did I use a - instead of a + sign in problems?
EXERCISES FOR CONCENTRATION
"Brain Buttons"
This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain before a lesson begins. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.
Put one hand so that there is as wide a space as possible between the thumb and index finger.
Place your index and thumb into the slight indentations below the collar bone on each side of the sternum. Press lightly in a pulsing manner.
At the same time put the other hand over the navel area of the stomach. Gently press on these points for about 2 minutes.
"Cross Crawl"
This exercise helps coordinate right and left brain by exercising the information flow between the two hemispheres. It is useful for spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension.
Stand or sit. Put the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise it, and then do the same thing for the left hand on the right knee just as if you were marching.
Just do this either sitting or standing for about 2 minutes.
"Hook Ups"
This works well for nerves before a test or special event such as making a speech. Any situation which will cause nervousness calls for a few "hook ups" to calm the mind and improve concentration.
Hooking legs
Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles.
Hooking hands
Take your right hand and cross it over the left hand. Let the crossed palms face each other. Now link up the fingers into a fist (Hands should remain crossed) . Turn the crossed fist inwards as you expand your wrists outwards and bring the crossed fist towards the center of the chest.
Stay in this position for 2 to 3 mins and breathe evenly till you feel relaxed. You will be noticeably calmer after that time.
Breathing technique
Breath in and out in equal counts to calm your nerves. When you breathe in..your stomach should come out and when you breathe out, your stomach should go in. Practice doing this to feel more energy coming in through your breath. You may do this even while you are studying.
DR. PRATIBHA SAMUEL
Start up If you are not used to waking up early, start the day with a bath before you study just to shake you out of stupor.
Music Listening to the music which has alleviated your moods in the past (need not be the recent ones) can also help you to kick start the day. Just dont get lost.
Rest/Stretch Time
When you take a break, oxygenate (get more oxygen to your brain)! Get up and walk around the room for a couple of minutes. When we sit for long periods, blood tends to pool in our lower body and legs (because of gravity). Our calves serve as pumps for our blood when we walk, getting blood flowing more evenly throughout the body. As a result, more oxygen is carried to the brain and you are more alert.
Change Topics
Many students aid their concentration by changing the subject they are studying every one to two hours. You pay more attention to something that's different. And you can give yourself that variety by changing the subject you study regularly.
Let go of emotional worries
Attend to all crises or serious problems. Either do something about them or decide what to do about it--later. Have faith that the world will still be there with its problems and joys while you take time out to study. Instead, enlist your emotions and take time out to worry for atleast 15 mins compulsory each day ..only so that you learn to break the habit of worrying Full day. And when you get distracted while studying put the emotion or thought to your list for "Worry Time".
Study conditions:
A regular time and regular place (well-lighted and quiet) will suggest study. If you find it compatible and profitable to study with others, fine. Use a straight back chair to encourage alertness. The room should be well ventilated and not above 70º. Only soft music, if you must.
Eyes:
Rest eyes frequently as eye staring can quickly cause fatigue. Look away from your book, blink hard several times, or palm your eyes to rest them. Avoid glaring reading lights or reading in the sun.
Interest:
Some subjects will be more interesting to you than others. Research before the serious reading will create interest as well as purpose. Interest will surge and subside. Expect this! Whatever, the responsibility for developing interest is yours.
Background information:
Recall what you already know about the subject. This will generate interest which serves concentration. If you find the material new and difficult, go to simpler sources for your initial reading.
Questions : Ask questions as you survey the chapter. This will help develop your curiosity, interest, concentration and motivation. As you dig into the reading, ask more questions. Ask: Why? How? What if? How does this relate...?
Organize the material:
Chapters have an order or structure for the thought flow and development. Utilize this order as a hanger for details, relating and associating the details to the main ideas which make up the structure. You can concentrate and remember better if you have a clear sense of where you are and where you are going with ideas.This can be achieved if you "tie in" details to the major ideas (larger framework) as you read.
Visualize:
Create pictures in your mind as you read. The visual sense is most helpful in stimulating interest, concentration and memory as well as understanding. Always affirm to yourself that you have already achieved success in your examination and feel the positive surge of good energy to train your body to dwell in the good energy.
Read faster:
The faster you read, the more you have to attend to the material, leaving less time for distractions or your thoughts to wander. Speed also binds the material closer as you are perceiving more and, the more you perceive of the whole, the more you will find it meaningful and interesting.
Self-recitation:
Engage in a split-second recitation-reflecti on after reading each paragraph or manageable portion to test your understanding before recording this understanding briefly. This self-recitation not only refreshes interest but keeps you actively involved which serves concentration.
Make notes:
Make brief notes in your own words following self-recitation. Copying passively not only is an absolute waster of time, but it actually decreases concentration. Underlining does not serve concentration as well as your own paraphrased notes.
Review:
Review your notes occasionally while reading a chapter. After you have completed your reading, review it again to be sure you have really "got it."
Warm-up:
the first 10-20 minutes is often a readiness period--a warm-up period to develop interest and mood for studying. Don't be disappointed if you fail to concentrate 100% at the beginning. If often takes some time to get into it. Hang in there! This is when most students close the book, feeling they just can't study tonight. Not so!
Lapses and fatigue:
If your concentration flags during the study period, take short breaks. Stretch, stand, rest your eyes, walk about, get a drink and then resume your studying. Later, when you feel you've had it with the subject, take a mental break changing to another subject. A review of your notes is encouraging and this refreshes interest and concentration. Change to an easier assignment. If you are sure you've had it for that study session, quit for the time being.
Some odds and ends
Set goals for studying--so many pages or a set amount of time. Work to achieve these goals. At some point you may feel you are making no progress at all (most common problem called learning plateau). However, as you continue to study, there will be another leap forward.
Drink Water
"Water comprises more of the brain (with estimates of 90%) than of any other organ of the body." Having students drink some water before and during class can help "grease the wheel". Drinking water is very important before any stressful situation - tests! - as we tend to perspire under stress, and de-hydration can effect our concentration negatively.
Input Pre-Read: Read topic and sub topic headings. Glance at the pictures, charts, diagrams, maps, etc.
Skim: Much like an athlete must warm up muscles before a practice or a game, the mind needs to be warmed up and prepared to receive new information. Read the first sentence of every paragraph along with statements in italics or boldface type. Read the introduction and the summary to get a general sense of the content and organization.
Chunk: Break the chapter down into bite-sized pieces--small sections that will be easy to handle. Read in these small sections, checking for understanding at the end of each.
Question: If your textbook has review questions at the end or if there is a study guide for the course, use these questions as a guide. Write each question out on a separate notebook page. You should take notes while you are reading. Generating answers to questions will help you stay focused and interested in the material. If your book has no review section, turn paragraph headings into questions. For example, change "Basic Principles of Learning," to "What are the Basic Principles of Learning?"
Recite: Read section by section and stop after each. Recite regularly at the end of each section. Close the book and try to remember the main points just read. What can't be recited wasn't stored. Go over again the material that you had difficulty recalling.
Record: Recording actively engages you in the reading process. Active methods result in better reading comprehension. Record your answers on the question sheets you created earlier. Use summary notes, not long notes which regurgitate every word you read. By paraphrasing information, you increase your ability to retain and understand the information.
Review (Short Term Review): Check retention by reviewing within 24 hours (preferably within 6-8 hours). First, try to recite the main ideas without looking at notes or flash cards. Then, review your notes and flash cards and quiz yourself-section by section — again.
Regular Review: Schedule weekly and monthly reviews. Reread and relearn information that has not been stored successfully.
Meet Regularly with a Study Group: Group study can be extremely helpful in terms of maintaining motivation to review. Also, you can learn by the example of others. Perhaps others in your group will teach you new ways to study that will benefit you.
WHILE STUDYING
Jot down things that are on your mind before you study, then set this list to the side. Add to it anything that distracts you as you are studying. Take care of the list later.
Study at the same time each day. A regular schedule can help you frame this as “study time”.
Set a timer for an hour, don't allow yourself to stop studying until it goes off.
Take breaks. A three minute break for every 30 minutes of study is a good guideline. Take a longer break after 90 minutes.
Set goals for your session that are realistic (number of problems to solve, pages to read, etc.) When you have met one of your study goals, reward yourself with a short break. Then, return to your study area.
Study in an area away from distractions such as a library, study lounge, or an empty classroom.
Make sure you have everything that you need before you begin.
Make sure your environment is conducive to studying — no TV, no telephone, no roommate, no boyfriend/girlfrien d.
Make studying an active process; take notes and make review sheets. Intersperse different kinds of study into one session, e.g. reading, writing, taking notes, memorizing, etc.
Identify how what you are studying is relevant to your life. Draw connections between things you already know.
Ensure that you are sleeping enough, eating well, and getting regular exercise. Your mind will be more alert, and you will be less likely to fall asleep or daydream.
NOTE: MORE TIME SHOULD BE SPENT ON REVIEW THAN ON INPUT AND STORE.
PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION
Test Taking Skills:
Too little anxiety (apathy) or too much anxiety (panic) are both problematic. A moderate level of anxiety gives energy and improves concentration.
The Night Before
Establish good study habits. Cramming increases the likelihood of panic. Concentrate on what you do know and try to think of likely questions to be asked.
Get a good night's sleep.
Make sure you know the time of the exam, where it is being held and how to get there.
Keep the importance of the exam in perspective. Talk to yourself: "It's only an exam." "I can do it." "Stay cool."
On Exam Day
Eat a moderate breakfast or lunch. Avoid drinks or drugs with caffeine. Over agitation can increase nervousness and harm concentration and memory.
Relaxing activity
Do a relaxing activity unrelated to the exam in the last hour before the exam.
Panic Generators
Steer clear of fellow students who are "anxiety generators." Panic is contagious.
Examination Hall Get to the exam room early to settle in and prepare your supplies and familiarize yourself with surroundings.
Tense all your muscles for a moment, then suddenly relax them. Take 3 deep breaths.
During the Exam
Read directions and underline significant instructions.
First answer the easy questions. Then go back to the more difficult.
Multiple Choice - eliminate the impossible answers, then make as good an intuitive guess as possible.
Essay Questions - take a few minutes to organize your thought. Jot them down and start with a summary sentence.
When confronted with excess anxiety, break it by doing something unusual: ask a question; get a drink; chew gum; eat a piece of hard candy; sharpen pencil; tense and relax large muscle groups; take several deep, slow breaths.
Don't rush; maintain steady pace.
After the Exam
Use the test as a learning tool. After the exam is over, don't torture yourself over mistakes.
Take a break and take note of how you were tested. Don't vow to study harder. Vow to study smarter.
Review the exam looking for the types of errors. Is there a pattern: e.g. did I use a - instead of a + sign in problems?
EXERCISES FOR CONCENTRATION
"Brain Buttons"
This exercise helps improve blood flow to the brain to "switch on" the entire brain before a lesson begins. The increased blood flow helps improve concentration skills required for reading, writing, etc.
Put one hand so that there is as wide a space as possible between the thumb and index finger.
Place your index and thumb into the slight indentations below the collar bone on each side of the sternum. Press lightly in a pulsing manner.
At the same time put the other hand over the navel area of the stomach. Gently press on these points for about 2 minutes.
"Cross Crawl"
This exercise helps coordinate right and left brain by exercising the information flow between the two hemispheres. It is useful for spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension.
Stand or sit. Put the right hand across the body to the left knee as you raise it, and then do the same thing for the left hand on the right knee just as if you were marching.
Just do this either sitting or standing for about 2 minutes.
"Hook Ups"
This works well for nerves before a test or special event such as making a speech. Any situation which will cause nervousness calls for a few "hook ups" to calm the mind and improve concentration.
Hooking legs
Stand or sit. Cross the right leg over the left at the ankles.
Hooking hands
Take your right hand and cross it over the left hand. Let the crossed palms face each other. Now link up the fingers into a fist (Hands should remain crossed) . Turn the crossed fist inwards as you expand your wrists outwards and bring the crossed fist towards the center of the chest.
Stay in this position for 2 to 3 mins and breathe evenly till you feel relaxed. You will be noticeably calmer after that time.
Breathing technique
Breath in and out in equal counts to calm your nerves. When you breathe in..your stomach should come out and when you breathe out, your stomach should go in. Practice doing this to feel more energy coming in through your breath. You may do this even while you are studying.
DR. PRATIBHA SAMUEL