It’s easy to read a whole page and realize you took in nothing. If you notice your mind wandering, return it to the text. Ask yourself questions when you read. For example, ask, “What is the main point of this section?” It can help to underline as you go and write down notes in the margins.
You can also summarize the information by writing it down, which may help you remember it better. You can also recite the information to yourself out loud, as this may also help you remember it. If you’re a visual learner, try drawing pictures, charts, or graphs of a chapter’s material after you finish it.
Try to take notes actively. Do not just, for example, copy down definitions and concepts into a notebook. Try to phrase them in your own words. This will help you better understand, and therefore retain, the information you’ve learned. You should also make sure your notes stay organized. Use headings to label the notes by chapter and section. You should also date the notes, especially notes you take in class.
If you don’t know anyone in your class, you can always ask a roommate or friend if you can explain the information out loud to them.
If you’re having trouble finding a quiz, try taking the one at http://www. educationplanner. org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz. shtml.
If you don’t like handwriting, you can also type out your notes again and again. Just make sure to pay attention to what you’re typing. You can also try copying your own notes. You may understand terms better if they’re already phrased in your own words. This can help you retain the information later on.
If there isn’t a well known mnemonic device for the material you’re trying to learn, you can make up your own. Have fun and be creative. Make up a visual you can easily remember and use to recall information later.
For example, say you’re trying to remember John Steinbeck wrote East of Eden. You have a friend named Eden and a friend with the initials J. S. In order to remember this information, picture your friend with the initials J. S. standing next to your friend Eden. Imagine the two of them holding compasses pointing in the direction east.
You can make flash cards by writing information on either side of the card. For example, say you’re making flashcards for vocabulary terms. Use index cards. Write the definition on one side and the word on the other. If you don’t want to make physical flashcards, there are many websites that allow you to make flashcards online.
You can make up your own test by writing down questions as you re-read your notes and course materials. Think of questions that are likely to be on an exam. When you get done reviewing, try to answer your own questions. You can also see if your professor provides practice tests. You should take any practice tests your teacher offers, as this will help prepare you for the exam. If you have any old quizzes lying around, try retaking them. Look up online quizzes for the material you’re studying and use them to test yourself.
Instead of waiting until the day before your test to start studying, go over it during brief sessions throughout the month. Then, when your test comes around, you’ll be more likely to remember it all.
Make sure to separate materials by class. Keep a folder where you keep all your notes, past papers, and old quizzes. Keep your study area organized. If your study area is very messy, this can affect concentration. Tidy up your study area after each study session.
Keep yourself on a schedule regarding breaks to make sure they don’t take too much time. You can, for example, agree on 50 minutes of studying and then 5 minutes of break time. Make sure to time your breaks. A 5 minute internet break can easily turn into an hour internet break unless you’re diligent about setting a timer.
Sticking to a sleep schedule will help you fall asleep faster. If you go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day, your body’s natural circadian rhythm will adapt. You should also engage in a relaxing ritual before bed each night. Try reading a book or taking a warm bath. Avoid electronic screens, as these can make sleep more difficult.
Pick a form of exercise you enjoy, as you’ll be more likely to stick to it. If you’re very busy, see if there’s a way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You can, for example, bike to class instead of walking or taking the train.
