If you want better grades, there are 2 ways of going about it. You can study for longer hours, or you can study the smart way. But how should someone study the smart way? There are, after all, only 168 hours in one week. You can save time by studying smarter using these science-backed tips and tricks.
1. Learning the Same Thing Using Different Means
Research indicates that media can stimulate your brain in different ways. When more parts of the brain are working, you will understand better. Specific ways you can learn include watching videos, making your own notes, practicing solving questions from different books, or referring to different online resources besides your textbook.
2. Study More Topics In One Day
Instead of delving deep into just one topic, research indicates that it is better to learn multiple subjects in one day. So instead of learning different topics on different days of the week, you should learn a bit of all topic every day. Why is this a better way? Because similar information frequently gets confusing. Also, your motivation may improve with variety.
3. Periodic Revisions Surpasses Cramming
Periodic revisions work for one key reason – they gradually shift information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Once information moves to long-term memory, periodic revisions will consolidate it so that you remember it for longer.
4. Avoid The Back Bench, Sit Right In Front
Research shows that sitting on the front row can make a substantial difference. You may have noted that top performers tend to sit in front. And this is not just because students at the front are more motivated. The research found the same results when students were assigned seats based on their SSNs and alphabetical order.
5. The Pen Is Mightier Than The Keyboard?
Taking notes on a laptop is right in line with our tech obsession. However, old-fashioned pen and paper do indeed surpass typing when it comes to learning and remembering information. This may be because more regions in the brain are activated with handwriting notes.
6. No Multitasking
Science has repeatedly debunked the multitasking myth. And that makes sense. Multitasking literally makes one scatterbrained. It is far better to focus on just one thing at a time and please put that phone away while studying. The same goes for emails, and social media feeds.
7. Express Your Thoughts in Writing
According to research, students who practice regular journaling to express their thoughts and emotions for 10 minutes each day get better grades than those who don’t. It may be that writing a diary can help you to better cope with your emotions.
8. Read Aloud
Reading information aloud is shown to work. Both memory and comprehension improve with vocalization.