Effective way of Studying

Philippines
November 29, 2010 8:15am CST
Students have different kind of style in studying, what is your effective way of studying? Could you share some to help those who wants to learn more and to help others to improve their study habits? For me I make a schedule to fit all my activities for the week. I allot time for reading books, for doing my projects/assignments, for doing household chores, for leisure. Then I will find a place where I'am comfortable with and organize my materials for studying, then I'll start right away. I'm making sure that there are no temptations in my sides like laptops and gadgets so I can focus myself and recite well for tomorrow class.
2 people like this
21 responses
• Indonesia
29 Nov 10
The more effective way to study? Just study without thinking that you're studying. If you think that, you're be burdened. Study is fun for me, I don't think it's hard. That's why I study and feel it like playing a game. By thinking like that, I can enjoy any knowledge I study. Good luck, friend!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
That's really cool " STUDY WITHOUT THINKING THAT YOU'RE STUDYING", haha Yah whenever I study I get lazy because of the volumes of books I need to read everyday. I like the thing that you said that studying is fun , I think that's the secret to success...
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@cryox92 (168)
• Macedonia
29 Nov 10
The first thing i do is summarize the lesson. Then i underline the most important things and think of the most effective way to integrate them together. I study in a quiet room where i cannot be distracted. That's pretty much it :).
1 person likes this
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
Thanks for that, I do summarizing and more on outlining. Its true finding a place conducive for learning its the best idea to focus...
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• Philippines
30 Nov 10
get a comfortable desk and chair which allows you to sit properly face a blank white wall without anything on it drown out the noise with headphones playing white noise have adequate lighting
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
white noise is that thing you hear on a tv channel that has nothing on it it's a low frequency sound that enhances relaxation
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
That's new for me, "WHITE NOISE", its interesting i will try to research for it. What kind of music is that? I'm new to it , I hope this would really help me. What I do is to post some sticky notes in my wall and start to memorize them little by little. The more fun I've been doing this the more I can remember what I study.
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@incus99 (1083)
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
I use the to-do list method... I list down numbered task, which are doable and realistic... breaks to include.. for me, this the most time efficient way of studying.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
Me too , what I did is I bought a white-board w/ a monthly planner and write my tasks there, so I cannot forget my daily tasks, activities, leisure (breaks) and also special events to attend. Thanks for your suggestion!
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@pokumon (644)
• United States
1 Dec 10
I just study in my bedroom on the bed. The only problem with this is when I'm tired which is frequently I fall asleep with the light on and everything. I've even fallen asleep after imbibing coffee. I don't really take study breaks even though it's recommended because those breaks can turn long. Instead I take mental breaks and let my mind wander away from me (not really on purpose since I'm ADHD and can't take medication because of adverse reactions). I just try to start with plenty of time. Today was all last minute though because I went to jam with my sister and some friends last night. So I had to write a paper and finish reading all leading right up to class. That's not ideal but it happens frequently. For small quizzes (like daily ones) I just review notes on the way to class and have done well with this method because the material is fresh in my mind. If I'm writing a paper on a computer it's pretty easy to just focus on that. I do hate research papers sometimes.
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
TRUE!!! I also fall asleep when I'm very tired and that's a bad factor for me because it affect my study habits and distract my focus in my study.I do make breaks sometimes because it is really good, for me to prevent stress. A long time of study is not good and I do believe that if you are really determined to study you can resist the temptations of having long breaks. I just think of my future and then I will continue studying until I understand my lesson. I also ask assistance from my sister for me to understand my lesson very well. Me too researching is eating my time but sometimes I find them very helpful whenever I answer difficult questions in our exams.
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
I'm not sure if my study habits are applicable to anybody but I am definitely a procrastinator when it comes to preparation for major exams. However, in the interim of my classes I usually read everything I can grab about the subject and create an outline or a write-up of my own that covers all the topics. The write-up helps in understanding the lesson in my own words and thoughts. Basically, the only thing that I study for the major exams is my outline - resulting in my procrastination ( I call it maximizing my time efficiency). I also do my assigned topics for reports and presentations right away since so I have time to review and role-play my presentation. I do let some distractions on my alley since it helps me to relax instead of stressing out on what I am going to report or present.
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
Whooaa PROCRASTINATOR!!! That's a good strategy to perform well during exams. i never want to fail and that's the truth. I always study and study and study in order to earn more credits. I just forget to prepare sometimes and that's really a big problem for me. Outlining , is a great idea that is what I'm also doing whenever we have an exam and then I will recite it in my own for me to remember it during exams. In terms of report, I also practice myself to recite in our house everything that I will discuss on my discussion and that's my secret weapon so that I could easily share my ideas to my classmates and for them to better understand what I'm reporting.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
30 Nov 10
first of all, i would like to welcome you to the mylot community... i hope you will have lots of fun here and enjoy yourself while earning some money... to answer your question, my effective way of studying is usually at night after dinner... i usually recite what i had learn that day in uni or do assignment... i always make sure that i do daily studying so that i don't have to do last minute studying or preparation when exams are coming... take care and have a nice day...
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
Two-thumbs up for you! Thank you for welcoming me here, you're the first one who welcome me in here thanks again for that. Another 2 thumbs up for that I gonna say that this is what I really do and I can say its super effective, reciting what you've read. Handling all the subjects for the next day is hard but if you will just try to set you time for each then you can cover all of them. I also review my notes after dinner because if I will study without eating anything I always think of eating junk food which are not appropriate. Correct! Having preparation for an exam is really a good way in succeeding the toughest exams.Thank you for the third time and take care also ...
@ebuscat (5935)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
For me yes that's good of what you are doing be concentrate of what you responsible in study and before you study first pray to Jehovah God so that you can know more about your lesson.
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
Yes! Divine intervention , that's really a good idea. I always ask God's assistance whenever I study so I'm really confident whenever there will be a recitation or a surprise quizzes for us. I give also some of my time , praying before and after studying so God can help me to overcome my fears and worries if sometimes I do hardly understand what I've been studying. I know God love us all and whenever we will feel that the world close its door for us God is always there for us, giving us inspiration and blessings..
@junil_jk (496)
• India
30 Nov 10
yeah, that's a good way to get going. there's nothing better than regular study. i use to suggest my youngers (which i used to do myself with great success) to study regularly for at least a couple of hours. u don't have to study for long periods. choose your own comfortable time, relax your mind, and concentrate on your studies for that couple of hours daily. that way you don't have to sacrifice other activities you want like playing, hanging out with friends, household chores, watching tv, etc. for me the best time to study is early in the morning when everything's quiet and serene. in the evening u go through the day's lessons and revise for some time, before food. i see many students huffing and puffing right before exams studying for extended periods, even late into night without proper sleep. that's the biggest mistake. u are just gonna panic yourself upto the point where u start mixing things up. i don't suggest sacrificing sleep and proper rest before exams. at the most u may extend ur study periods a little, say like for an hour or two. i mean, if u study regularly why should the need arise to overstudy before exams? it shouldn't. i also suggest u carry on with ur normal activities and do the things u like doing as usual. that'll help u relax ur mind and give no chance to the 'panic' thing to get the better of u. and right before exams i suggest minimum study, just the revisions - that's all. u are not gonna study any new stuffs. whatever u know and are prepared for the next day's exam that's enough. focus on that and try to keep them organized in ur mind. then go and give ur best shot with whatever u know. it works well and i'm telling it from my experience. well, at least for me.
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
Good points! It's really effective whenever I have a exam , I ensure that I will study for it and the next day I know that I'm well-prepared. But sometimes its really hard to predict the questions that you will be taking. It needs deeper analization and understanding. What I've realized is that reading some books other than the required textbooks or let say other references are really a good help. It leads you to the way where you can correlate the notes and ideas of the authors and gives you the more possibility of answering the questions. Aside from studying I also feed up my leisure. I just do not focus on studying but also with other things and in my own experience this has a great impact in my school performance. Generally, student forget to join extra-curricular activities and just let the moment pass by, they don't realize that it has a great help in their future. They can include in their resume the organization they've joined or other activities. This could boost up their confidence their socialization and meet new friends. The thing is you need to balance your study and leisure so that you will enjoy your school life.
@Vnyard (286)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Before I study, I pray...I don't have to close my eyes and get down on my knees, I just ask God to open my mind, give understanding and wisdom. Who else would help you focus on your study but your Creator right? Have faith and enjoy! Studying while worrying won't help, that's for sure.
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
I really do that , I know God is always there for us, whenever we are down God will always help us to stand by just having a strong faith. Thank's for that... I do believe that worrying won't really help it will just make you uncomfortable and you will lose your focus on what you are studying. Have a great day!!!
@SilverKing (1003)
• Canada
30 Nov 10
Well I find that to study effectively you need to block out alot of distractions like tv and the internet.One thing I do though to help study is listen to calm soothing music, usually classical or old 70's tunes.It works for me as before I had a lousy mark in most classes and now i have a 98 percent in accounting when before i was failing.For some reason it seems to relay me mind and I am able to focus a lot more and can solve problems a lot faster and easier than before.Im in college right now and hope to be able to get a nice high paying job next year.
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
Definitely, temptations are hard to resist but if you are really determined to have a good future , you should really try to focus because time is running and we cannot go back to school when we are already old. I will look forward to it, I hope you get a nice job...
@oligel (130)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
a very responsible student are you. when i was studying what i did are: buy an apple about 6 pieces, climbed in our rooftop with my study notebooks and books. i sleep 9pm and wake-up 5 am then study again. if i were in the school i want to be alone when it comes to study before an examination.
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
A different one. But its hard for me to study on our roof ( LOL ) so its impossible for me to do that. Why do you need 6 apples beside from eating eat as a snack. What does it do? I know some food that could really help like eating peanuts and pineapple. How about trying it? You have a good balance of sleeping for that suggestion. Student should try to sleep early so that they could replenish the energy in the next morning. Having a lot of energy the next day could help the student for him not be lazy in class. In your suggestion of being alone during exam , I can't do that because I have a companion in our dormitory so what I just tell to her is to lower the volume of sound. Actually I need some music set in a lower volume whenever I'm preparing for an exam and that helps me a lot to become alert.
@pequeno8 (50)
• Italy
30 Nov 10
I prefer to STUDY AT HOME. Because I can repeat all paragraphs with my loud voice. Many people like to study in LIBRARY, but I think there is too much SILENCE...I can concentrate myself and I can REPEAT orally anything becuase I could disturb other people... Moreover, when I READ a text, I read again for 7-8 times and after I WRITE some keypoints next to the text... I can't study without writing a RESUME near the text. This is my WAY and I feel CONFORTABLE!
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
Nice suggestion! I hope I can do that and I will definitely try it. Having a good study habits is a bridge to your own future. And like what you are doing you are comfortable in your own style and it will have a great influence to you in your future.
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
What I do is I organize and schedule my studying. I leave breaks between subjects or topics. I read and write at the same time. Sitting and sleeping is not preferable to those people who easily falls asleep reading. It is not my habit too wake up in the middle of the night to study. I tend to skim at night and study harder in the morning when my brain is still fresh and well rested.
• Philippines
2 Dec 10
That's a good idea. Thanks for that, I hope this could really help me.
• United States
29 Nov 10
I like to try to make a to-do list everyday, not only including the homework and schoolwork I need to do, but also things I enjoy doing. I try to make a balanced sheet so if I just don't feel like studying at a certain time, I can postpone it and finish something else. As long as I finish what I wrote down before I go to bed, I'm good. When I study for tests, I normally write down the facts I need to remember over and over in a notebook. If you fill a whole page with a single fact, you'll remember it for a long while. Then dedicate the next page to another thing you need to remember, and fill that page. Always go to the first page and read through each study item. It helps me a lot anyway! Hope this helps!
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Thanks for that , I really do writing a reviewer whenever we have an exam , but I realized its much better to make an outline and recite it in your own. This way you could easily remember the most important thing to have good grades. I gather first all my reading materials, including my notes in class and correlate it with my outline.
• India
30 Nov 10
Best way is to study from the person sitting infront of you and thanking him after the exam :) "We don't need no education, We don't need no thought control. Hey teacher, leave the kid's alone." -Pink Floyd
• Philippines
1 Dec 10
But depending on others could really have a negative effect on a student. I think this is not an appropriate suggestion. The most important thing is not your grade but what you've really understand in your lesson and how to apply it. You should know your limits in asking assistance from others and keeping the good work. It is not easy to learn new things (which is true in reality) but a student must try it harder to have a better future.
@Apples24 (421)
• Singapore
30 Nov 10
In my school, before major exams, student won't go home. Instead, the will stay at school,in their classrooms to concentrate on their studies. An effective way they often use is, they turn their tables against a wall to prevent any distractions from occuring. So when they sit down, all they see is the wall and their study materials. Very effective :D
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
That's a good idea, no one can disturb you in that way and you can scan all your reading materials before the exams really well..
@vangie26 (445)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Having a study habit is very important to students. I usually schedule my time on study. And make sure to follow the planned schedule because if not, i would be in a mess. I loved studying at dawn... because everything is retained in my mind when I am studying at dawn time.
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
It's really important to make your own schedule and strictly follow it, so that you will not cram in school whenever there is a recitation . A student must come to class well-prepared. Studying at dawn wooah , but thanks for that suggestion..
• China
30 Nov 10
i think the top of line is insisting it everyday . success is not easy for morden people because they are affected by other patten.
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
Please pardon me from saying this, but I didn't understand what you wrote. But thanks for reading my discussion. I hope next time you post in any discussion , you should check first what you want to express, because sometimes its harder for the reader to understand what you want to say. But in my own understanding in what you wrote is that you want to say that students like me should study everyday and prioritize it. Success is not an easy task for modern people because they are affected by other leisure that is hard to resist. If this is what you want to say, I definitely agree with you because what we need is to focus in our study and put away first our leisure so that we can be successful in the future :)
• Philippines
29 Nov 10
I got few effective study methods to share with you guys. :) 1.) Try not to spend more than one hour at a time on any one subject. Try not to spend more than 30-40 minutes on memorization. Short blocks of time are the best method for studying and retaining information. 2.) You'll need frequent rest breaks in order to remain alert. Also, try starting your study time with the most boring or most difficult subject, and end your favorite, funniest or easiest subject. 3.) Study an hour or two before you sleep at night. Or, you may sleep early and rise up early morning let's say 4:00am and start to do the reading or memorization. While some students like to get up early in the morning and study, most will say that late night studying is most productive. When it comes to brain power, students will say they perform better at night-and science seems to agree. :D 4.) When doing memorization, try to memorize actively rather than passively.Use as many as your senses as possible to aid in the memorization rather than just simply reading something over and over. Create a mental image or picture of the idea. Say the item out loud to literally hear it. You may also associate the idea with something that is significant. These are the common methods I do when I study. Hope these helps. :)
• Philippines
30 Nov 10
I agree, this could really help me a lot. Before I have too much break than studying and this is really a big problem for me, but now I set my goals in life so that it could help me to focus and know my limits. I think study is discipline , if you have a good study habits and you know how to arrange your schedule you will definitely improve in your class. Motivations are also helpful, this makes your study really interesting and fun. My professor also said that "to create a mental image or picture of idea so that you could easily picture it out and understand them better. I don't know really if which is better, to study at night or to study in the morning? But I think you're right in saying "to review your lesson" before sleeping in that way, you could certainly not forget what you've learned from that day.. Thank's for that!!