Motivation is essential in practically all aspects of human activity. When people come to a decision, their motivational state undoubtedly influences their choice. Similarly, when students study maths, their motivation certainly influences how they learn it. As a result, motivation is vital for success. This post will discuss 15 tried-and-true tactics that successful students utilise to keep themselves motivated when studying.
15 Scientifically Proven Study Motivation Strategies
Here are some interesting motivation strategies for students:
Make Learning Active Rather than Passive
Passive learning is the process of absorbing knowledge and information. It works because students are empty shells waiting to be tapped. However, evidence indicates that this is not the best approach to learning. Scientific facts say knowledge is created by combining fresh information with what one already knows and has experienced. Thus, students must use as much active learning as possible if they want to learn a new topic rapidly and effectively.
Examples of active learning involve:
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Group Study
Many students find studying in a group to be motivating. Of course, finding the ideal friends to join the group study is essential. Students should be eager to understand the content and achieve high grades. Experts suggest that group study should not consist of more than four to five kids. When the group size exceeds four people, it becomes bothersome. Studying in a group is not only enjoyable. It also adds a culture of transparency to everyone in the group.
When students study in a group, they can make promises to one other about developing new learning habits or quitting unhealthy habits. However, the advantages of group studying do not end here.
When students study in a group, they can combine their notes and make far better notes than any single individual could.
Furthermore, learning in a group capitalises on the fact that every student has distinct strengths and shortcomings. If one student is unable to grasp an idea, there is a possibility that someone else in the group will be able to clarify it to them.
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Organise yourself: Make a Study Schedule
Experts say that making a study schedule ensures disciplined behaviour that helps students stay motivated. Here are some helpful techniques for developing a study schedule:
- Start by preparing a list of the tasks students need to perform for each subject to prepare for the exam.
- Students can download an effective study schedule and highlight the study times they are available on each day.
- Choose time blocks that are consistent each day (e.g., 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm) as much as possible so that it’s easier to recall the study plan.
- Make a daily schedule that includes a list of the most important chores for the day.
- After completing the study plan for one week, students must go over the chapters studied and evaluate their performance.
- Lastly, students must check to see if they are on pace to complete their studies in time for the exam. If they aren’t, alter the timetable to include more time for studying.
Train your Brain
Students must develop their brains to become motivated to learn. Consider the brain to be a muscle. Training is similar to training a world-class runner. It’s all about persistence and taking small steps towards it.
Even when students are not studying, they must keep their brains active. Students can do this by reading, pondering extremely challenging topics, solving puzzles, or writing. The more diverse the methods students use to educate their brain, the sharper and more adaptable it will become.
Physical exercises are also essential components of brain training, rest, and recovery. As a result, students must ensure they receive at least 8 hours of sleep per night (in some cases, students even need 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night).
Did you Know?
Another key part of brain training is nutrition. Certain fatty acids are required for the brain to operate properly. These fatty acids can be obtained by eating almonds, avocados, and salmon. Other foods for the brain include:
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Study for Short Periods
According to research, people learn better when they study for a short time. The principle underlying “spaced learning” is that learning includes the formation of memories.
Connecting neurons produces memories. The neurons must be kept undisturbed for time for these memories to become entrenched. That is why students best acquire knowledge when they study for short periods. This method allows the neurons to “lay down” this incoming information.
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Identify Why you Procrastinate
Procrastinating in studies is a controversial problem with several different causes.
Here are a few examples of procrastination:
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Students don’t know where to begin because the task has become burdensome. Thus, understanding why students procrastinate is an important step toward becoming motivated. Students must spend some time thinking about what causes them to postpone their tasks. It will allow them to determine which tip will be most beneficial.
Divide Learning Contents into Smaller Sections
One of the major reasons for procrastination is starting learning without breaking the content into smaller segments. In this way, the task ahead appears to be so massive, which is a primary reason for distraction. That is when students must “chunk down.” Divide each activity into manageable portions.
Students can assign certain sections from the content regularly following this; they won’t be confronted with a daunting assignment but with a succession of doable bits.
A section could include:
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Treat yourself
A good motivational strategy is to treat oneself with a short break after completing one or two sections of a chapter. In this treat, students can spend five minutes playing their favourite mobile phone games, going for a brisk walk, or practising on a musical instrument. Short and pleasurable breaks are an important aspect of the “chunking down” strategy.
Create Good Study Habits
Human beings are creatures of habits. It is simple to acquire bad study habits, but students can also build healthy study habits to help themselves to keep up with their studies. If students are having trouble getting motivated for their studies, they can use this idea. Habits are so potent that it will be tough to relieve without studying if students establish a study pattern.
What steps should students take to establish a good study habit?
The first step is to create a study schedule. However, keep in mind that habits do not establish overnight. According to research, it takes 20 days to build a new habit. As a result, students need to put in some extra effort. |
Be Clear with the Target
One of the best and scientifically proven strategies to stay motivated in studies is understanding why students want to obtain high grades. Students can list why they want to perform well in school.
Here are some common purposes:
- They want to gain more and grow as a person.
- They want to make it a habit to strive for greatness.
- They want to improve their focus and determination as a student.
- They like to attend school.
- They want to build a satisfying career.
Similarly, students must prepare their list of reasons for studying hard and keep it at their study desk. When they feel unmotivated, go over the list again.
Make an “Uninteresting” Subject Interesting
G.K. Chesterton says, “There are no uninteresting subjects, only disinterested minds”. Students find it tough to study a subject when they consider it “uninteresting”.
If students find a subject uninteresting, try engaging with it by asking themselves questions.
- When was this concept introduced?
- Who created it?
- What issue did it resolve?
Any subject may be made entertaining by asking the appropriate questions.
Check for Gaps in your Knowledge
Students can give mini-presentation to their friends or peer group members. They can do this formally or can talk about the subject. By doing so, students will quickly realise whether they have any gaps in their knowledge of the subject.
As Albert Einstein says, “If students can’t express a topic simply, it means they don’t understand it quite enough”.
Relax
When students are focused on preparing for a forthcoming exam, it’s easy to overlook the need to take time to relax. Remember “Space Learning”, when students acquire new knowledge by forming memories. But those memories take time to build. It entails having intervals between learning bursts.
In summary, students must schedule time for leisure to regenerate and learn more effectively.
Concentrate on Process rather than Outcome
In the beginning, it’s tough for students to notice the fruits of their efforts. That is why students should only concentrate on the process rather than the outcome. For instance,
- Did students keep their phones in some other room while studying to avoid distractions? Keep up the good work.
Here students must remember that they are attempting to form habits. Students will only achieve the desired outcome if they follow this method correctly.
Exercise
When students are inclined to study for exams, it’s easy to forget about fitness. However, experts say students must try at least 25-minutes of physical exercise every day. This theory is that exercise allows students to learn efficiently and stay motivated.
Performing regular aerobic exercises, such as jogging, swimming or walking, transports oxygen, blood, and nutrition to the brain. Improving students’ ability to think and concentrate.
FAQs
1. What is the most effective study motivation strategy?
Motivation makes students feel happy. It energises and drives them to complete their tasks effectively. But it doesn’t always come effortlessly; students go through periods when inspiration is difficult to come by. Students find it difficult to attend school, finish homework, or study for examinations during these periods.
Some students learn well with a schedule, while others require variation and change to stay focused. Students can consider using a different study venue, such as the library or their favourite café, or experimenting with alternative approaches, such as listening to sound music while studying or using the Pomodoro Technique. Students must determine what works best for them and work accordingly.
2. Describe some strategic approaches that can assist students in creating objectives and staying motivated.
Break down large chores into little steps. Completing a single step at a time allows students to concentrate and feel less pressured. It will help students feel motivated after accomplishing small segments, ultimately boosting their confidence.
Set goals that are specific, quantifiable, and time-bound. Being as specific as possible helps students achieve what they want, improving their chances of success.
Be reasonable. Setting goals as genuinely reachable as possible will help students avoid disappointment.
3. How can I stay motivated during my learning process?
Students can follow these simple tips to stay motivated during their learning process.
1. Un-motivation can cause procrastination. If students face this problem, they must learn more about overcoming procrastination to stay motivated throughout the learning session.
2. Students can explore materials that can help them in improving their study skills.
3. Speaking with a subject teacher or parents can assist students in developing tailored ways to manage low motivation. It will help students learn more effectively during the semester.
4. Explain, “Act first, and motivation will accompany you to success.”
Many individuals believe that they must first be “motivated enough to undertake something.” According to psychological studies, it is the action that leads to motivation, which leads to success. It means that students must start their task even if they don’t feel ready, knowing that inspiration will follow, allowing them to take further action, which will take them towards success.
5. Describe the two types of motivational tactics students employ to achieve achievement.
There are two types of motivational tactics that students can use to achieve success.
1. Positive motivation emphasises the positive outcomes that might result from taking action.
2. Negative motivation is concerned with the negative consequences of failing to act.
In different situations, both positive and negative motives can be beneficial. In general, students must pursue a goal that interests them or where they enjoy it the most. It can be easier than an undesirable outcome, making students feel hopeless or overwhelmed.
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Conclusion
The keys to becoming motivated to succeed are efficiently organising one’s time and effort and learning to use one’s thoughts appropriately.
That is what has been covered in this article. These 15 scientifically proven motivational strategies will help students organise their time, establish the proper mindset, and use their brains efficiently.