Tips for Improving Study Skills

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Is it possible to score well even if a student has been performing badly in the past few years?

The answer is YES - if you follow a specific course of action to develop more effective study skills.

With so many things to learn and so many assignments, it's no wonder students find themselves having lesser personal time. The good news is once we learn the how to develop effective skills for studying, we'll have more time for ourselves.

Here are some tips…

Develop Good Note-taking Skills

The number one factor to develop your note-taking skills is to improve your listening skills.

A good trick I use is to sit in front of the class so that I won't be distracted easily. And even up till today when I attend seminars and workshop, I still do the same thing so that I can get the most out of the seminars.

When in class, take down notes during discussion. You don't have to list down what the teacher says word for word.

Just list down the important key points. I Having keywords makes it easier for you to remember the key ideas.

At the end of the discussion, don't hesitate to compare your notes with that of your classmates. You may also clarify from your teacher if you have any doubts. (Gosh, I hope I do not sound like your teacher here!)

Study at the Right Time and at the Right Place

By now, you know the time when you feel so sleepy and don't want to do anything. You cannot absorb everything you have studied if you will force yourself to study and memorize everything. Did you know what the best time to study is when your brain is relaxed and focused?

For example, if you are nocturnal and you feel really active at night. Then, use it as your study time. And if you feel so active at daytime, then study during this time. The important is, take a rest. Remember to use your brain when it is at its best.

Another thing, choosing the right study place is just as important. Choose a place where there is proper ventilation and proper lighting.

Enjoy Yourself While Studying

The trouble is that most of the people I know do not enjoy studying. So naturally, our brain gets 'turned off' by the idea of studying and gets distracted by other activities that suggest more fun and excitement.

I've got a tip on enjoying while studying and it's real simple, you ought to test it for yourself.

While taking notes, take down the keywords and draw a little image to describe the keyword. Did you know that having pictures helps us study better? In fact, drawing pictures to remember key ideas is highlighted in the famous memory development book, "Secrets of Mind Power" by Harry Lorayne.

You can also use the sticky notes. If there are important things that you want to remember, write it down on those sticky notes and post it in the part of your room where you can always see it.

Remember these tips and apply them. You'll be surprised to see just how fun studying can now be, and how good you are at it.

Effective Study Skills for Students – Contributed by Dominic T.