There are different approaches towards the act of studying, where each one will
have their own way of memorizing text and formulae. Learn some study tips and
techniques if you find it hard to follow a method of your own when it comes to
studying.
When
it comes to studying or learning, every student prefers his / her distinct
pattern that suits their speed, grasping capacity and other academic abilities.
However there are certain studying techniques that can aid the learning process
to a great extent. Taking notes in the class, reviewing the notes, rewriting
the study material can seem too intimidating at times, here is a step by step
guide that you might find helpful if you are in the process of chalking out
your own study plan. First of all you need to acquire some useful study habits
to follow a good study plan.
Study Techniques for Students
Attending Classes
Classroom knowledge is interactive, as well as important. The amount of
knowledge that one can grasp in a classroom is extremely valuable for students.
Make it a point to attend the classes regularly so that you don't miss out on
the important points and topics mentioned in the class. Often teachers mention
important topics and subjects that might come in handy while cracking the class
tests and exams. Attending classes will help you to understand and remember
each and every concept clearly and clear out any doubt that you have regarding
the subject. No amount of reading or self-study can match up to the level of
interactive study that is a distinct feature of classroom sessions.
Maintaining Organized and Comprehensive Notes
Yes maintaining your notes is another essential element of studying. One simple
process to have comprehensive notes is to include the following steps:
Take Notes in the classroom.
While reviewing the notes during self-study, make your own additions to sum up
your understanding of the topic.
Research further to include additional data to your notes.
A well-organized set of comprehensive notes is the key to studying correctly.
Also make sure the notes are clean in terms of writing and presentation; avoid
scribbles in your final notes. It is always preferable that you type your notes
and maintain them online or take prints. Having a soft copy of your notes
always works well since you can take prints if and when required and in
addition to that you never have to worry about losing your notes. However don't
worry if you do not own a computer or if you prefer writing you notes on paper,
you can maintain files or notebooks as well.
Self-Study and Research
It is a common misconception that self-study can begin only after a particular
topic or chapter is taught in class. You should start preparing for the class
in advance when you After attending the classes, it is of utmost importance
that you have time to review the notes that you have taken during the class as
well as try to read more about the subject on your own. Be it reference books,
or e-books, try to hunt for more information about your subject so that you
have a comprehensive view of the topics taught under your syllabus. Often while
reading and self-studying, it happens that you come across doubts or questions
that did not occur to you in the classroom. Try and answer these questions
yourself with the help of books or the Internet, however in case you fail to
fins and answer jot down these questions so that you remember to clarify the
questions in your next class.
Group Discussions, Debates and Conversations
Yes, one of the important habits that one must acquire to enhance the studying
process is indulge in-group discussions, debates or simple conversations about
the subjects that you are studying. Group discussions can be a great way to
broaden your perspective over important issues since group discussions give
every group member a chance to voice their understanding, which might not
necessarily be alike. Group discussions are thus a healthy and a rather
informal way of exchanging information and discussing issues. Many teachers
encourage the group discussion technique in their classroom as well.
Regular Planning
No matter how much people frown upon the planning process and the timetables,
it is a known fact that having a clear and detailed plan makes it easier for a
person to reach the goal. According to your convenience, make a
daily/weekly/monthly planner for your studies. Although the monthly planning
process might seem convenient it is always better to have a weekly or a daily
plan, so that abrupt changes in class schedule or any other changes can be
taken into consideration accordingly.
Balanced Study
Yes, there exist some species of students who burn the midnight oil, and slog
it out every single day. The studying process should be such that it leaves
enough room for a student to indulge in recreational activities and relaxation.
Always chalk out a schedule that will not hamper your sleep, your health, your
sports / recreational activities and other routine tasks. Also studying a
single subject at a stretch (like an entire week or so), can get boring, hence
plan a schedule that helps you switch from one subject to another in sufficient
time.
Build the Right Attitude
Normally students get too caught up with the grades, the percentage and the
entire marking system. Always remember that if you study with the aim of
acquiring knowledge, the grades will be brighter by default. However if you
just aim for the high grades, there is a chance you might get the grades, but
you will miss out on acquiring comprehensive knowledge on a particular subject.
Always study with the right attitude, and you will never have to worry about
your grades. Knowledge is way beyond the grades and percentile marking.
Efficient Note-taking Techniques
While you are in the classroom, it is very important to pay attention to your
lecturer and attempt to grasp every single thing that is being said or
discussed. Since students cannot solely rely on their memory to retain all the
information, note making is an essential part of classroom studying. Here are
some note-making techniques that can make the process of note-making much more
convenient and hassle free.
The Cornell Method
This is one of the best methods for writing your notes. It is precise,
comprehensive and most importantly it does not include too much re-writing and
can still be clean and organized. While using the Cornell method, all you have
to do is, rule your paper with a 2 ½ inch margin on the left which leaves a
six-inch area on the right. While in a classroom, take down your notes in the
six-inch area. For every significant bit of information, write a cue in the
left margin (the 2½ inch area). When the lecturer/teacher moves to a new point,
skip a few lines after the earlier notes. Once the class is over what you will
have is succinct notes with cues in the left margin and space below every point
where you can expand the point and jot down the subject in your own words.
While reviewing the notes make use of a card to hide the notes, leaving the
cues exposed. Now, say the cue out loud, and then reproduce as much as you can
of the material underneath the card, and move the card to see if what you said
matches the written content. Rest assured that if you can say it, you know it
pretty well.
The Outlining Method
The outlining method involves listening and then writing important points in an
organized pattern that is based on space indention. The major points will be
written farthest to the left, whereas more specific points will be written
following the main point but will be right aligned. The distance from the major
point will indicate the degree of importance of a specific point. The indention
can be labeled with Roman numerals, or even decimals. Although this system is
well-organized, requires minimum editing and is easy for reviewing notes it
does have some disadvantages. Disadvantages of this system are that it requires
strong concentration level in the class to achieve accurate organization and
hence may not be easy to use in a speedy lecture.
The Mapping Method
The Mapping method is a rather graphic method to jot down your notes and hence
helps you to visually track your lecture. This system can be easily used in
speedy lectures as well since it requires minimum thinking. The mapping method
also makes it easier to edit your notes by adding numbers and color-coding.
Also, while reviewing your notes, the mapping method will require you to
restructure your thought processes which will in turn mean that you will
recheck your understanding in the notes.
Extra Study Tips for Students
Make sure the place where you will be studying is free from all sorts of
distractions. Ideally it is always better if you study in a quiet environment,
however for people who prefer studying with some music playing in the
background, it is better to keep the volume very low.
Do prepare for your classes in advance which will help you understand the
things taught in the class better.
Attend the classes regularly so you have an idea of what is being taught in the
class.
Reading the borrowed notes, or textbooks will not match the classroom learning.
Make it a point to research the subject further after the class is over. Do not
limit yourself to the syllabus; always focus on obtaining comprehensive
knowledge of a subject. Shallow understanding can get you good grades by chance
but comprehensive knowledge will enrich you in the true sense.
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