Different Methods of Academic Studying

Here are some tips and tricks to stay on track with your studying.

Photo+by+Green+Chameleon+on+Unsplash

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Many people often have a way to study that is specialized to their needs. Not all people are able to study information the same way, so everyone needs to find what works for them. There are many different methods and techniques that you can use to understand the material that you are studying or learning.

Before even studying, you need to have a plan for what you need to study. Some may remember everything they have to do off of the top of their head, while others need to write it down. Either way, it is best to write things down at least in your phone in notes. A method I personally like to use is planning and keeping track of assignments and due dates in a study agenda. A study agenda can help you study by dividing the amount of work you have to do to certain days and times. You can write down different assignments for different days that are most fitting, both when in your day you want to do it and the date it needs to be completed or submitted by. This is a great way to keep on track with your work that can keep your grades at their best.

Now, the first study method I suggest is to use sticky notes. It is a way to understand study material by jotting down important notes or to mark a spot in your textbook or notebook with important facts. If it would work for you, you could even use sticky notes instead of writing in a notebook. This can be a lot more fun for you and make studying more interesting. You could use a variety of colored sticky notes, highlighters, and pens to take your notes on a sticky note as you read and place it in a textbook. If you wanted, you could even use them in your notebook to add color to the white pages. You could place a few sticky notes on your page and write down the important information on it and background/supporting information under it. Sticky notes can be used in many ways, but they are good resources because they can be extremely helpful while being fun and colorful.

Another common and similar, but yet efficient way to study is to write down notes in a notebook or binder. According to studies, writing information by hand forces your brain to process information in a more detailed way, helping you to successfully and more thoroughly imprint that information into your memory. Also, when writing notes, you can always go back to look at them at any given time to see the study material that you want to review. You are aware this information is important since you took the time to make note of it. While using the note-taking method, if you want to take it to the next level you can make flashcards with all of your notes. You can write these by hand on paper index cards, or you can use an online website like Quizlet. Making flashcards can help with remembering the information, but generally people utilize flashcards to remember vocabulary that they must study. It is a great way to repetitively review your notes in a different form, separated on cards rather than all together on a single page.

Another way that I feel is helpful to me while studying is to read out loud. Reading out loud can target and help those who are audio learners, and it help them understand and memorize the information that they are reading. Even if you don’t typically like to read aloud, it is helpful to repeat information back to yourself if you want to try to remember it. Plus, another fun way you can memorize the material you must study is using fun nicknames for difficult and hard to remember words, or come up with a way to remember something. A common example of this that teachers already use is acronyms such as “PEMDAS”.

Now that you have heard about some methods of self-studying, here are some tips to study while being more interactive. To start off, you can find a tutor to help your in your weaker areas. Getting a tutor can help you relearn difficult information in a way that you better understand and ensure that you know it before moving on. This is better than just studying because your are being retaught the information, and it will make sure it will stay in your mind better than before. Plus, when learning from a tutor you can find a method of learning and teaching that you can better understand. At Edgewood, you can ask your teacher to help you find a tutor, and they can have a fellow student from one of our clubs assigned to help you with your needs. But, getting a tutor can feel a bit formal and a bit stressful, so if getting a tutor does not suit the way you study, then don’t be afraid to ask a friend that you are comfortable with to help you study. By asking a friend, you even have the opportunity to be each other`s aid. Another way that I feel is helpful to me while studying is to read out loud. Reading out loud can target and help those who are audio learners and help them understand and memorize the information that they are reading. Plus another fun way you can memorize the material you must study is using fun nicknames for difficult and hard to remember words.

There are still many more ways you can study, and these are only a few that appeal to me personally. Studying methods all depend on what works for you. Hopefully, my tips and recommendations will lead you to a great score on your next test.