Effective study habits are essential for achieving and maintaining a high GPA. More importantly, effective study habits help you to store information in long-term memory, allowing you to use the learned information in a novel setting. Applying the following rules for studying will aid you in earning excellent marks in school.
DO:
- Keep the area around your desk neat the tidy. If possible, the area should also be quiet. If you are having trouble finding a quiet place to study, try the local library or park. The library is a perfect place to have peace and quiet. The park may not be as quiet, but the fresh air can make studying less nerve-racking. If these options are unavailable, then try listening to some music while studying.
- Have a scheduled study time for each school day. Remember that one classroom hour should be reinforced by two hours of studying at home.
- Sit down for 45 minute intervals, followed by 15 minute breks. Having an easily attainable goal, like sitting for set duration of time, is effective for increasing motivation.
- Reward yourself if and only if you have met your goal for that study session. For example, if you plan to study one chapter and succeed, then you may reward and yourself by doing something pleasurable. Examples of positive reinforcement are: food, exercise, videogames, etc.
- Make corresppondences between your class notes and your textbook. This will help you to fill in any background information not covered in class.
- Prepare questions about the chapter that will be discussed in the following class. This will help you identify areas that you don’t understand.
- Put any new words or concept to use. The more you use the learned information, the more likely you will be to remmember it. This is especially true for language classes.
- Finally, review what you have studied just before you go to bed. You will find that you will remember the words very strongly the next morning.
- Procrastinate, Cramming is not beneficial for producing long term memory.
- Studying with Friends.While fun, sometimes you may lose out on quality study time by socializing.
- Bad Environment. A poor study environment can ruin all quality time. If you are uncomfortable at a chair, desk, room, the temperature is too cold or too hot, you will be unsuccessful studying.
- Studying during a commute. Many people enjoy reading on a train, bus, or car to work and school. These environments are wonderful for light reads, but not necessarily for intense study.
DON’T
By: Kristhel Jess A. Catalan | Teacher – I | Cabcaben Elementary School
