Writing the papers of exams is not an easy experience, but if one works hard and develops good study techniques, he or she will be able to pass them through quite successfully. Did this ever happen to you when you barely know where to start just thinking of all that’s at stake or you just get overwhelmed? It is so because many students go through the same problems. Here are 10 effective ways to study that you may use to prepare for your exams as well as for maintaining a sound mind and body.
Lets see Top 10 Effective ways:
1. Start Early and Make a Plan
However, one major factor has to do with timing and this can be summed up as follows; The opposition must make time for the exams. If this is not done effectively then the whole process is doomed. On the same note the earlier you start, the less pressured you will be when the examinations are around the corner. Cramming at the last minute may overload your head and cause so much anxiety to set in.
Discover a study timetable no less than two weeks in advance of your examination period. Divide your subjects and think of how you will tackle them in a little portion daily in a way that you are highlighting a particular area or topic. It will pay you better to study in relatively short time intervals rather than trying to cram the night to the exam time.
2. Active Learning over Passive Reading
It will not even help you if you just try to read the texts from your textbooks or notes during the exam preparation. However, it is said to continue with active learning strategy on the given material. They could include writing a brief note of what has been learnt in your word, presenting what you have learnt to a friend or even preparing flash cards for quick revision.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Your brain requires rest in order to effectively store knowledge. Grouping the study sessions for long and uninterrupted durations is counterproductive because learners are likely to feel burnt out and become less focused. However, I suggest that learners revise for 25 minutes and take a five minute break in what is mention as Pomodoro Technique.
4. Use Visual Aids and Diagrams
When addressing the subject matters particularly those that are somewhat difficult, the charts, mind maps and diagrams can be of great aid. By drawing information, your brain is able to relate information and when you are in examination you are able to recall it very fast.
For instance when doing a biology or history assignment, it may be tiresome to make new links and connections between ideas.
5. Practice with Past Exam Papers
The exams require preparation and there is no better way of practicing for exams other than using past papers or sample questions. This method does not only expose you to the nature of the examinations but also enables you to do it within the time frame like a real examination.
6. Stay Organized with Notes
Well organized notes are important when it comes to serious studying and concentrated. When reading the material, make sure that your notes are clean and understandable and accent on the most important points. Make an outline in headings so that during reviewing one is able to identify information belonging to a particular area by just looking at the color coding used for sections.
7. Join or Form a Study Group
To understand effective ways of learning, study with others ensures that different concepts are describe in different ways such that the more you listen or explain you gain a better understanding of the issue at hand. A study group lets you also share ideas on different stances, debate on those ideas, and test each other on key content.
8. Stay Physically Active and Eat Well
This is perhaps one of the reasons why people tend to forget the significance of physical health on mental performance. It is set that exercise helps brain functions such as memory which is helpful while doing examinations. Try getting some physical activity into your study schedule like doing morning jogs or stretching, walks, yoga etc.
Similarly, your diet matters. Healthy foods such as fruits, nuts, vegetables especially the green ones and whole grain products can improve brain activities such as thinking and remembering. Try and avoid sweets and coffee too much since they result in giving one a feeling of drain.
9. Get Plenty of Sleep
Staying awake all night seems like the only thing one can do before the exam, but in fact, it is one of the worst things to do. This affects the thinking, learning and memory processes since the brain is not in rest, thus it becomes difficult to deal with complex issues.
10. Stay Positive and Manage Stress
Lastly, it is very important to keep a positive attitude when it comes to dealing with stress concerning the exams. Worrying about the end result or negative thinking only takes pressure. Rather, it is time to concentrate on what you have been doing and achieving time after time gradually yet positively.
Do activities that decrease stress in your routine; these may include exercising your mind through mindful reflection or deep breathing. It will help you avoid burnout which is why if things get hard, remember that it is okay to take a deep breath and tell yourself that you are doing the best you can.
Conclusion
Students don’t have to be take stress every time they prepare for an examination. It is the most effective study method to create a schedule and follow it and also take care of the mental and physical health so as to feel good when inside the exam room.
As you will recall, all students are unique, and as such, they learn differently. Discover your best zone and stay consistent with it, and lastly never lose faith in the strategy at hand. You’ve got this!
Also check:
- The Benefits of Remote Learning: A Comprehensive Guide
- Top 8 Memorization Techniques for Students
- Improve Your Memory Naturally: 7 Effective Techniques
FAQ
What are the most effective ways to study?
Such as summarizing, teaching others using flash cards is very effective. Also improve recall while studying and use of visual aids which enhances it.
How can I improve my concentration while studying?
In various learning tips, try to use short, sharp bursts known as intervals, most commonly the pomodoro method. Reduce the noise and interruptions, and make frequent short breaks to restore the energy.
What should I avoid while studying?
Avoid cramming, study in parallel with other activities, or study in noisy places. Poor diet and lack of sleep also reflect on the ability to concentrate and the ability to remember what has been learnt.
How often should I take breaks while studying?
Going for a 5-minute break in about 25–30 minutes of study effectively enables the brain to be in focused work mode (Pomodoro technique).
Is it better to study alone or in a group?
Exam preparation alone may be a lot more effective due to the ability to filter out distractions, while group study can also be very beneficial because two heads are usually better than one, especially when difficult concepts and provide new perspectives.
