Studying...it can be easy! 7 Tips

ORGANIZATION, May 2008, by Jenny McKee

STUDYING
...it can be easy!


pencilsHow excited are you that exams are coming up? You know you’ll study every night, have everything prepared, and then ace the exam, right? NOT! For most of you that’s not the case. Here are 7 secrets to a successful study session!

1. Clear your workspace.
If your work area is full of papers, notes, chip bags, and a pair of dirty socks, you won’t be able to concentrate on your task at hand. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when the clutter is gone. Clear everything but the items that you really need. 

2. Check your supplies.
Make sure that you have everything you need. If you have to keep searching for things, you’ll get distracted and lose focus. Any pens, pencils, textbooks, notes, hand outs and information should be ready and waiting, not somewhere in the bottom of your backpack! Get yourself a glass of water and a healthy snack too.

3. Remove distractions.
Turn off the TV and your cell phone. Make a sign for your door that reads: STUDYING: DO NOT DISTURB and tell your little brothers or sisters that when the sign is up, they can’t bother you.  They will learn to respect your boundaries, and see that you are working hard to achieve better grades.

4. Make a plan
Check your schedule, and see where you can set aside study time. Mark each subject’s time in your calendar, and stick to it. Look at it as a commitment that you have to honour. If your friends want to go out, make sure you honour your commitment first. If going out will interfere, tell them to take a rain check for another day. When you do get your studying done, go out and have fun! You’ll feel proud of yourself for sticking to your plan, and your friends will respect your commitment.

5. Break it down
Write out specific goals for each subject. If your goal is to do a book report, break it down into smaller parts, like reading four chapters, writing a rough copy, proofing, and typing in the final version. Start with one part: read four chapters of your English book and don’t stop until you do. If you can, read one extra chapter. You’ll feel great knowing that you’re ahead of the game. Breaking down bigger tasks will seem less overwhelming and give you the satisfaction of crossing off items more often.

6. Jot it down
A great way to keep notes is to use recipe or index cards. When you are studying, write down what you have trouble remembering or find difficult. During a review, the cards will remind you of the things you need to go over again. Highlight the important points and review them often. When I was in school, I remembered things better when I wrote them out a few times. If you can organize your workspace, stay focused, and follow your plan, studying won’t be something you dread!

7. Visualize
Imagine it the way you want it to be! Visualize yourself knowing the answers, finishing on time, and your teacher handing back your test with a great mark. Positive thinking goes a long way in life, and the more you see yourself doing well, the more often it will happen.

~ Jenny

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