Handy Study Tips: Make The Most Out Of Your Studies
By
Ng Saw Ting and Loke Kar Mun
Photos retrieved from the Web
Photos retrieved from the Web
In a blink of an eye, the semester
is about to end and the finals are fast approaching. Students often find it difficult
to concentrate on their studies with many unnecessary distractions cluttered around
during this critical time. With the speedy advancement of communication
technologies, the Internet and now, the latest introduction of multi-functional
smartphones have made the students even more distracted from concentrating on
their studies. The latest generation of smartphones sports a variety of interesting
applications that attracts youngsters to indulge in the entertainment provided.
Undoubtedly, the role of communication
technology has impacted greatly in the daily routines of people nowadays. Students
may find themselves putting off their study time to play with their phones or
checking their Facebook pages more often than necessary. So, here are few
helpful tips on how to remain focused on studying.
1) Find
a suitable or conducive study environment
A suitable and conducive study environment can
indeed help us to focus better. A quiet and calm environment such as the
library or at home helps us to think effectively and improve our cognitive
thinking. Try to avoid studying in noisy places such as restaurants, cafés, and
other public places. You should also avoid studying on the bed as you will most
probably end up falling asleep with your books and notes. Thus, it is important
to choose a suitable study place for effective studying.
2) Find
a study partner rather than a group study
Group study may not be as effective as you think.
You will easily be distracted by outburst of random chatters and go off-topic
with your discussion with one another. Instead, you should find one or two
study partners who can really help you in your studies or revisions. A study
partner should be sensible and able to focus on studying without getting
distracted easily. The benefit of studying together is you may generate more
ideas and perspectives from others, which could prove to be helpful in developing
your thinking skill and provide suggestions and different perspectives to the
same topic.
3) Turn
off electronic devices when studying
Electronic devices such as mobile phones and
computers should be turned off to avoid distractions. You should cut off the
internet access as well if you know you will be easily tempted. Some people
will not be able to withstand the burning temptation to click on their
computers and scroll through their smart phones because of the mundane studying
process after a while. Replying texts, playing games and apps during studying
wastes a lot of time and distracts the mind from knowledgeable input.
4) Do
not do other things while studying
You are discouraged to do other stuff when you are
studying. This is due to the fact that multi-tasking will ruin your focus because
you are dividing your attention to both things simultaneously. Not only will this
slow down your studies but it will also affect your ability to think. For
instance, try not to listen to music when you are studying. Music tends to
entertain you and sometimes can distract you from your studies rather than
helping you to focus.
5) Take
short breaks in between studying
You are advised to take short breaks of 5-10 minutes
or more to relax your mind after a long period of studying. You may need to
recharge your brain by walking around or do other things besides looking at the
notes and books for hours. Resting for a while is useful so that you may not
feel stressed up and tensed by long periods of studying.
6) Choose
a suitable time to study
Everyone has a different body clock. Thus, everyone
has a different time for effective studying. You have to know when you are
“switched on” to study effectively. Choose a time that you feel is suitable for
you to memorize, do practices and make notes. It may be early in the morning,
or at midnight but remember to keep your mind fresh and alert to study
effectively. You should schedule your subjects according to these times,
difficult subjects when you are mentally active and at your best and easier
subjects when you are less efficient.
7) Eat
little, but often
Some students tend to study daily and nightly to the
extent of forgoing proper meals. You are discouraged to do so because what you
eat affects how your mind functions. You should eat healthy and light meals
such as sandwiches, fish, vegetables, fruits and food that provide the vitamins
and minerals necessary for thinking and keeping your mind fresh and alert. Try
not to take heavy meals as it will affect your digestive system as well as make
you feel drowsy.
Studying for the finals can take up
a lot of energy and may be a very stressful period. But with these helpful
tips, you are sure to be able to take on the challenge and soar through the
hard times without much difficulty.
