What are some good study tips?

Question

I am having trouble studying, because I get distracted easily. Please give me some good tips for studying and remembering what I study. I need better study habits.

I am failing a lot of my classes because my study skills are bad.

Answer 1

I just graduated college. In college I took a class on learning and memory and we discussed effective studying methods.

Here is some of what I learned:
- Use various methods of studying including writing down questions and answers as well as reading them out loud
- Don't study everything in topics, you need to mix up. This may seem contradictory to common sense but it is better for your memory.
- You absolutely need to use retrieval methods. This means you can't just read it and retain it. You have to use notecards or write out the questions and answer them without looking at the answers at first. You won't retain anything for any period of time without using retrieval.
- Split up your study time. For example if you have only 4 hours to study it is better to study one hour each day than to study all four hours at once or splitting into two sections (although two sections is still better than studying all at once)

Other Tips:
- If you were drinking soda when you study it is best to drink soda when you take the test. If you always sit in the same spot in class, take your test in that spot. This is called state dependent memory.
- Get some sleep and eat breakfast. This honestly helps. It is more brain power.
- Use devices to help you remember (pnemonic devices). If it's a list of five things you need to know then use the first letter of each item and make a word with it. This helps tremendously.
- The brain becomes less able to learn after 20 minutes of sitting so take several movement breaks.

What I do:
I use notecards. It takes forever (2-4 hours) to write them all out but it is worth it. The time it takes to write them out actually helps you retain the information. Then I mix them up really good.
After that I split them up into sections of ten. I study ten at a time until I have them memorized. Then I study the next ten. Then I'll combine those two and study that twenty. Etc.. until I am finished. This is the first time then after that it usually comes easy and I can just go through the whole batch. This works so well! When I sit down at a test information spues out of me. It's great.

Answer 2

When I took Psychology (about 1 year ago) I learned a lot good study habits, here are some:

-study in a place with no TV, Computer, electronics, or anything to get u distracted.

-make sure u r not hungry or have to use the restroom

-study for 20 minutes at a time, and break for 10 minutes....
DO NOT study for one hour or more without breaking....
if u study a short time over a whole day (like every half hour) ur brain will remember better

-keep water nearby

-highlight, take notes, and re-read the info to make sure u are reading it right

-study by reading out loud

-make flash cards with the definitions and words

-do NOT stress

HOPE ALL THIS HELPS---BEST OF LUCK

Answer 3

That other postee had a lot of great tips including taking study breaks and studying the material in a quiet, comfortable place. I did also find flash (index) cards very helpful especially for learning new vocabulary words regardless of the subject. And it's easier on one's hands if using the larger index cards to make the flash cards for studying and learning.

If you do get distracted easily, and it is due to some type of learning or attention problem, you may qualify for services at your school such as longer time on tests, with the proper medical documentation such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). If you are in high school, you may need to get tested by the 'child study team' which typically includes a school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities/teacher consultant (LDTC) and school psychiatrist.

If you are in college and feel that you have trouble focusing on a regular basis, please do contact the college's disability services to find out how to receive 'reasonable accommodations' as they call it, due to some type of disability. You will need some sort of medical documentation as well, whether from a family dr, psychologist or some other more in-depth testing. If you do qualify for services thru your college's disability services, you may be able to take tests in a separate room. It can certainly be well worth it if you have trouble focusing and such and help you to raise your grades by a lot.

Answer 4

http://www.how-to-study.com/
This web site is good for all your study tips