Do you want to know the secrets of how to study effectively? Here are seven tips on how to study that actually work.
1. Color code your notes and study smart
There’s a lot of evidence that shows that color coding your notes can be an effective way to study effectively.
That’s exceptionally true in research conducted by NCBI, which showed that our attention is increased by color. This allows for that information to be stored in our long-term memory.
Once something is in our long-term memory, we are more able to access it in the future.
I used to really struggle to study when all I could stare at was a plain textbook. I would create shorter notes with colors that would attract my attention when I would be revising.
When you want certain details to stick, it’s always best to use visual aids! Make those details pop out with color!
When you’re using colors, you’re learning how to study smart too!
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Colour Coding!
2. Reading out loud to yourself
So this tip might sound a little strange…I was definitely embarrassed the first few times I tried it. Truth is, embarrassing or not, it works.
When I would try this trick, I was able to understand the topic I was studying ten times more than before! Sometimes, just writing colour-coded notes would only get half the job done, and I needed to hear that information out loud to truly understand it.
In fact, research shows that when we’re reading aloud, we are adding certain expressions to the text.
This allows the reader to be able to see the meaning behind the text. Try it right now, and read what this post is saying out loud! Chances are, you’ll retain the information better.
When you use this technique, you are allowing your brain to associate that topic with your memory!
3. Using flashcards as a quick study session
Flashcards are used by both students and educators religiously, and there’s a good reason for that! I used flashcards all throughout school, sixth form, and university. It’s safe to say I wouldn’t have gotten through my exams without them.
So, why are flashcards so great?
Flashcards are a great way to make studying portable. You can literally tie them up with a rubber band, and take them anywhere you go.
Need to revise quickly before an exam? Flashcards are your best friend.
However, it’s not the only perk to using them. When you are using flashcards, you are engaging in a process called active recall.
Active recall happens when you are testing yourself based on the knowledge you know.
Let’s say you have a flashcard with the word ‘cell’ and on the other side, an explanation of that word. You will actually be thinking of the answer as you turn the card around.
What’s more, is that you can assess yourself! If you know the answer, then you can rest assured that you’ve revised the topic well. If not, then you just need to work a little bit more!
See my ultimate guide to making flashcards!
4. Taking breaks
That’s right, taking breaks is a big part of studying effectively. You cannot expect to push yourself to study for eight hours with no break, and somehow retain all that information!
Taking breaks during your studying sessions is super important because it helps you manage your stress levels. The more stressed you are, the less efficient you will be whilst you’re studying. That’s where taking breaks throughout the day comes in.
A study split a few people into two groups. One group was made to work on one task for a long amount of time, whilst the other group was asked to work on different tasks during the same amount of time.
The group working on different tasks had a far better performance than the group who had to work on the same task. The break from one task to another is what gives our brains a chance to recharge.
If you want to learn how to study without distractions then you need to learn when to pause. Just like your body needs to rest after a good workout, so does your mind!
5. Creating a routine to study effectively
Human beings love routines. They force us to actually get up and do the things that we need to do.
The reality is that life can be busy, chaotic, and flat-out overwhelming at times! We need something that can bring some peace to our day, and having a routine is a big part of getting that.
If you have a bunch of subjects to study, then you are definitely going to need a routine.
The best part is that it doesn’t have to be strict! If you have a routine that states your mornings are for walking the dogs, and your afternoon is for studying, that’s still a routine!
Routines allow us to feel less overwhelmed by allowing us to make the most out of our time.
Once you have a place for everything, your brain can breathe a sigh of relief from all that mental clutter!
Related: How to create an amazing daily routine!
6. To-do lists
Structure, structure, and more structure. A big part of learning how to focus is ensuring that you have a method for how to organize yourself.
To-do lists are the most effective way of doing this, by identifying exactly what you need to do and when you will need to do it. In addition, to-do lists have been found to relieve anxiety and stress, which further allows us to focus more!
If you don’t plan out what you will do, chances are you will not perform as well on a task.
The best way to do this is to start your list with the most important task and work your way down to the tasks which are less of a priority.
7. Mind maps: the best way to understand a topic
If I could, I’d write a whole thesis about how great mind maps really are. I use this method often with my students, and have used them myself with great success!
You can use mind maps before an essay, after going through a difficult topic, and even during lessons. There are practically no limits to mind maps, which is really why I love them so much.
If you don’t understand a topic or a concept, you can use a mind map to break it down into simpler words. You can then make connections between those words and this will lead to a better understanding of the topic!
When you make those connections, you are engaging in something called meaningful learning. You can attach the new information to another word, and that way you are learning something new!
My students usually find the technique fun and find ways to be creative with their mind maps. You can easily change it up with colors, images, and drawings. Don’t just take my word for it and try it yourself!
Want to know exactly how to make one yourself? Go check my article all about it!
Have something to add to studying effectively? Write it down below!
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