Its has been almost 3 months since I last posted anything, and I apologise. I have been really busy recently, and simply didn't have the time to write anything. But I'm back now, and I'll be back with a bang!
Now in today's post, I'll be talking about how to study! Okayy, I'm not the most qualified person in the world to talk about it, but I did graduate Primary School with a PSLE aggregate of 253. And I survived Secondary One education relatively unscratched.
Since its the June holidays, I figured that this would be a good time to learn some new study tips, and maybe even change your game plan for the next semester.
Please do search around a little more for more tips, and find the one that really suits you best. I'm still searching too.
Tip No. 1: Find a good study spot.
Now this is really important since you will be spending quite a bit of time at your study spot reviewing your textbooks, notes, and god-knows-what-you-have, everyday. The location could be anywhere, really. It could be the Starbucks cafe near your house, it could be your school/ neighbourhood library, it could be a park, it could be your friend's house, but most of the time, it should be your own home, or more specifically, your room/ study room. Some people may have a study room in their home, but otherwise, your room works well too. Make sure that you are comfortable wherever you are.
For me, my study spot is a study room in my house, with the air-conditioning on and preferably a cup of hot drink by my side.
Tip No. 2: Determine if you can and/or want to work with music.
This is really not a one rule for all, because everyone is different. If you need music, do choose classical music, as it is said that classical music works best for studying. Sources may include: Mozart, Beethoven, studymusicproject (youtube). Don't worry if you don't know any good sources, just go to youtube, and search for 'best study music'. You will be literally SPOILT for choses, and eventually, you will find your favourite.
For me, I can't study with music. I get distracted too easily. But if I am at Starbucks, I am perfectly fine with the music there. Weird huh.
Tip No. 3: Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers.
I'll admit that the first time you walk up to try and ask for help can be scary. But you can always send an email instead. Often, your teacher's email can be found on your school's website. Most teachers are very willing to help you, and would be willing to meet you during the holidays, after school or during recess to clarify your doubts. Don't worry about teachers
For me, I belong to the group who can get the courage to talk to teachers. Just like, recently, I met with my History teacher for consultation on how to improve my History results and he gave me really good tips.
Tip No. 4: Know when your productive time is.
Some people study better in the day, some in the dead of the night. Find out when your own is.
For me, I study best in the morning, when it is quietest. But it's damn hard for me to wake up early in the morning. Frustrating huh?
Tip No. 5: Study everyday.
Okay, I know this is cliché, but do your revision regularly. Half an hour daily would probably be good enough for a normal school day, but as it gets closer to exams do increase that time period.
Tips No. 6: Do NOT, and I mean DO NOT... CRAM.
Cramming does NOT work. It'll just make your brain too tired on the day of exams.
Tip No. 7: Stay organised.
Write To-Do Lists, keep a bullet journal, file papers in different files, use a wall planner to block out study time, note down due dates, exam dates ect. This will save you a lot of time since it is less likely that you lose your materials and have to waste precious time finding them.
Tip No. 8: Look after yourself.
Now you can't study when you're sick, can you? So drink plenty of water, avoid too much fried food, or gorging yourself on sugary snacks.
Tip No. 9: Discover your learning style, and how to best make use of the advantages.
Contrary to popular belief, there are more than the commonly seen visual, kinetic and auditory learners. Find your style, and rock it from there.
Tip No. 10: Don't try to study 24/7, reward yourself.
You heard it, don't study too hard. You still need to find a balance between being a good student and having a life. Go out for an hour or so to exercise, catch a movie occasionally, watch TV, eat ice-cream. Relax every once in a while. But don't overdo this step and end up slacking, please.
Tip No. 11: Make your own study materials.
This way, you are actually doing twice the revision, once when you are making them, and once when you are doing your revision.
Now, this is not all, just a short compilation of what I have came across in the past. Do do more research if you need more help. But that is not an excuse to slack off, okay?
Peacing out,
~jessykeejiayi><