Knowing how to study effectively isn’t a skill we are born with; it takes time, practice, and trial and error. During my first year of high school, I have critiqued and perfected the perfect method to study that works for almost any subject or class. Here are four crucial things that I do that almost always secures me an A.
- Active recall
Active recall is studying without looking at resources such as notes. I study using active recall to give me a starting point to what I need to center my focus on. I usually do this through a study guide a teacher provides. If a study guide is not provided I try to find premade study guides or practice problems to use.
- Flashcard study sets
Making flashcards on index cards or a Quizlet set can be beneficial for repetitive study on topics and singular facts you may be struggling on. If you’re covering a large chunk of material, break the sets up into smaller groups of things that go together. Studying the words in smaller groups will help you to memorize and learn facts faster and most effectively. When studying math this may look a little different. Flashcards can be used to memorize formulas, but when it comes to putting those formulas to use I recommend finding videos on the internet if you need a guided example. You can also look back at notes on example problems for a refresher.
- Paper repetition
After doing the flashcards several times, I like to set aside the cards I’m still struggling to remember. I then write the information on the cards repetitively on paper using different colored highlighters and pens to associate with each card. To use this method in math do example problems; I recommend doing each step in a different colored pen or marker to be able to understand each step required to get to an answer.
- Take breaks
Don’t be afraid to take breaks as it prevents burn out and motivation lost. When taking reasonably lengthed breaks it can be beneficial in many ways. How I determine my break lengths is through a 10:30 ratio. For example if i studied for one hour I started to lose focus I would take a 20 minute break. I personally never recommend studying or doing homework for more than 2 hours without at least a small break.
As some general study tips I recommend studying more than just the day before a test, especially when you aren’t confident with the material. Don’t throw any paper flashcards, references, or practice sheets away until the end of the school year as you can use them to review later on for tests like a midterm or final. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either, whether you ask a teacher or a friend. You should never feel embarrassed for needing help. We have all been there at some point. The final tip I recommend is removing your phone from your view point, such as putting it in a desk drawer at home or in a bag at school or the library. Remember to study hard and leave room for fun! You CAN pass all your exams!
