Do you study the night before the exam? Do you experience anxiety and stress if the syllabus is not completed before the examination? The answer for most of the students will be, Yes!
It may work on unit tests, but it will not work in the long term or in learning the subjects. Most students cannot concentrate, are easily distracted, fatigued, or procrastinate in their studies. What can be the reason? Let’s take examples of some successful students; these students use certain strategies, have some tricks, and use some clever in their study ideas. Every student has their approach or tips to follow, but academic success is also determined by the capacity to absorb the subject.
There are two categories of students. First category students do not believe in late-night studying and consistently memorise their syllabus every day. Moving towards second category students, they start their preparation a few days before the examinations and often rote-memorising the syllabus.
Here are a few study tips and tactics that can assist students in increasing their memory power not only to accomplish the coursework but also to comprehend the subject fully. The majority of the strategies have been scientifically demonstrated to be effective!
Exam season becomes a major headache for those students who neglect their textbooks throughout the year. It turns into a contest to see how quickly someone can swallow a year’s syllabus. Many students are undoubtedly doing the same thing as the examinations approach.
The only thing that can work for students in such a situation is following effective study techniques. These techniques can help students minimise their stress and improve their overall grades. Because not every studying approach works for every student, students must try out a few of these techniques to see which works the best for them.
Students must first understand that preparing for 12 hours a day is not an appropriate task during extreme exam pressure. The article offers 13 tried-and-true strategies for making the long study sessions more efficient and effective.
Study in Small Sections (Follow Pomodoro Technique)
According to this technique, the ideal duration of the study in one unbroken stretch is two hours. As a result, students should study in sections or segments. Divide the study over two hours into four sections. Students must study for 25 minutes at first, then take a 5-minute break. After completing 4 Pomodoros, take a long 15 to 30-minute break before repeating the same process. Continuously studying for long periods might fatigue the brain. The Zeigarnik effect is here, arguing that the human mind remembers partial and unfinished tasks better than completed ones. Taking a 5-minute break and then returning to another Pomodoro will better help students understand the concept.
20:80 Ratio
When students study for the full day, their brain becomes exhausted and cannot pay much attention after a point of time. Here, students can read a paragraph, close their book, ask a question to themselves, and try to answer it without accessing the book. The ideal clever study suggestions are 20 percent read, and 80 percent recite; this will assist students in understanding the thoughts better.
Spaced Repetition
When students go over a topic several times, their brain learns it better. Instead of devoting a whole day to one topic, students must study one specific topic and then shift to another one. Students must revisit the last topic they have learnt either tonight or the next day and go through its principle briefly before moving on to the next topic. This method involves repeating the same thought several times across a few days, known as spaced repetition. Students must try this method, and they will notice that their brain comprehends the concept much faster.
Note Making
Making notes is one of the widely used techniques by most students. It is one of the most selected techniques to clear concepts. Students can make notes on any concepts they have learnt in the classroom or by themselves. Going over these notes can help students memorise the topics effectively as soon as the lesson is over. It clarifies their concepts and saves a significant amount of time learning other topics.
While making notes, students must pay attention in class and listen actively to their teacher. Ask questions from subject teachers in the classroom in case of any doubts, this will enhance their knowledge of the concepts, and they will absorb the principles more quickly when going over them later.
- Students can utilise a rainbow set of pens to highlight different headings to make clear notes.
- Make charts, flow diagrams, flashcards, and phonetic symbols to provide visual help for learning.
- Students can also record the notes on their mobile phones to listen to while moving or before heading to bed.
SQ3R Technique (Survey, Questions, Read, Recite, Review)
This technique can assist students in making the most of their curriculum. Students must take the following five steps:
- Select a particular subject book or a syllabus segment and read through its chapters. Explore all the pages of the chapter.
- Go straight to the questions. Before beginning learning any topic in the chapter, thoroughly read all of the back exercise questions at least once.
- Now is the time to read or understand the chapter (Follow the 20 per cent Read and 80 per cent Recite tips).
- Close the book, ponder a question, and recite. (Use the 20 per cent Read and 80 per cent Recite rules).
- Examine or revise the chapter for several days (Follow Spaced Repetition tips).
Time Table
Preparing an effective timetable also comes as the most commonly used suggestion among students. There is no wiser advice than planning. Students must plan their daily schedule of studying. When one knows what they need to do and how long, their mind becomes more prolific. Students can begin by experimenting with different timetables for one week and see which one works best. Which plan or timetable is increasing their productivity? And then maintain that timetable and regularly monitor the progress.
Listen to Music (Without Lyrics)
It has been proven that listening to background music without lyrics on repetitions improves concentration while studying. Even Steve Jobs often listened to music on repetitions while developing the first MAC. Students can try Classical, Flamenco, or any other music with a repeated pulse to have fun while learning.
Study Multiple Subjects
Rather than studying one or two subjects all day, research has shown that studying numerous subjects throughout the day increases productivity and effectiveness. When students continuously study one subject for a long time, their brain eventually quits paying attention to the concept, causing exhaustion and confusion. Thus, it is advised that students divide their daily schedule into four sections: morning, afternoon, evening, and night. In this four-session period, try to learn four distinct subjects. Besides improved concentration, students have one more advantage of following this technique. They can revise each subject regularly rather than take two lengthy vacations between subjects.
Group Study
Research has demonstrated that studying with friends or peer group members improves learning ability. Students can join virtual discussions with their friends to clarify each other’s doubts on specific topics or to study in groups. But this technique may not apply to everyone because many students believe that studying with peer groups can be distracting, so they select a like-minded companion to study with. When students exchange knowledge, their concepts become more obvious and stay with them long.
Use Variety of Methods
Students can learn the same concepts by employing different methods. According to research, different methods stimulate different areas of the mind. The more students use diversified media, the more they will use their brain, thereby helping them in increasing their probability of learning and remembering the concept. Students can try reading notes, reviewing their textbooks, watching online study videos, drawing flowcharts, flashcards, mnemonics, etc. Don’t attempt to acquire everything in one day.
Sleep and Exercise
The brain generates many Alpha Waves, which improve productivity and memory while also reducing anxiety and despair. The brain produces these alpha waves when people wake up in the morning, right before bed. It is the optimum time to study after performing light cardiovascular exercise or meditation.
Most students ignore exercise after studying. However, it has been scientifically proven that energetic students learn better. Exercising boosts the flow of blood and oxygen to the mind. The dopamine released by exercise keeps one motivated, productive, and concentrated.
Study Location
Some people may advise that students study in a fixed location, but some prefer to move around and study in different locations; they want to see some movement when learning. Thus, it is entirely up to students to determine what works best for them. Once they have determined which one is ideal for them, stick with it.
Stay Hydrated
It may seem insignificant, but it is, specifically for students who get easily stressed up or reside in a hot climate. Thus students must drink plenty of water as dehydration can induce migraine, disorientation, and fainting.
FAQs
1. What are the most effective tips to prepare for board exams?
Students preparing for board exams must follow these tips for effective CBSE Board Exam preparation.
1. Students must maintain a regular study schedule.
2. Sleep early and wake up early.
3. Eat a proper breakfast and then begin the studies.
4. Students should not prepare a hectic timetable to give regular breaks in their studies.
5. Exercise your brain constructively and avoid overloading it with thoughts.
6. Combine easy and complex chapters for effective learning.
7. Examine previous year’s papers.
8. Don’t forget to relax.
2. What is the last month’s study strategy for students preparing for final exams?
Students must follow these 15 key study techniques to excel in exams.
1. Create a timetable for revision.
2. Use different techniques for revision like visual notes, flashcards, diagrams etc.
3. Use multiple locations for studying.
4. Solve sample papers and mock tests of the exam.
5. Create a summary of notes.
6. Study with friends and peer group members to enhance the learning process.
7. Take sufficient rest, eat healthy food, and perform some physical activities.
8. Students can give themselves treats for accomplishing the target.
9. Study with a refreshed mind to increase memory.
10. Start with easy chapters first and then move on to complex chapters.
11. Don’t get distracted.
12. If students get stuck, move on.
13. Stay hydrated.
14. Never depart too soon.
3. What are five effective study strategies for final week revision?
These are the five study techniques for finals week.
1. Begin the day early. Students must start their revision as early as possible, start with high-weightage chapters and then move on to other units.
2. Students must study from their prepared notes. Handwritten notes are considered to be the best revision notes for final revision.
3. Make a light study schedule for the final week before the exams. Students must keep themselves calm and relaxed days before the exam to avoid unnecessary stress.
4. Join a study group with friends for better revision.
5. Get enough sleep.
4. How can a good study place positively affect the students’ performance?
There is a subtle balance to be maintained when it comes to the perfect study setting. Students need a relaxed place without being so soothing that they fall asleep. For some, this entails sitting at a desk. Others are more comfortable on the sofa or at the dinner table. Studying in bed, on the other hand, may be overly comfortable. It is easier to concentrate when students are surrounded by peace and tranquillity. Thus, a good study place can positively benefit students’ performance in exams.
5. “Good eating habits can be an effective strategy while studying for exams.” Explain.
A grumbling tummy can distract students from their studies, so take a moment to munch. Students must keep their snacks close at hand so that they don’t have to leave their reading to get something to eat.
Students can consider the following items for their next study session:
1. Fresh fruits
2. Nuts and dry fruits
3. Dark chocolate
4. Prefer hot meals rather than going for packed junk food.
Choose snacks that will keep students’ brains charged and attentive. Avoid foods that are heavy in sugar, fat, and processed carbohydrates.
Conclusions
Exam preparation does not have to be stressful if students do it correctly. Following these scientifically proven strategies will help students decrease stress, achieve a healthy school/life balance, and enhance their scores. Planning for exams is stressful for all students, but with proper preparation, students can get the grades without sacrificing their sleep schedule or spare time.
