How to Study - What Everyone Should Know

How to Study:

Probably one of the more important things to do in school is studying and taking tests.  It all starts with taking good notes.  If you take good notes you're half way there (the other half is understanding the topic). 

Every Day

1. Keep a separate notebook for each topic.  Spiral notebooks or a computer are good ways to keep things organized.  If your school allows the use of a laptop or tablet then download an app like Evernote (free) or Penultimate (my favorites) to take notes.   

2. Date each note. 

3. Buy notebooks with dividers so you can divide the subject by school quarters or subjects.

4. When you take notes do not write every word down.  Write ideas down.  New words should be carefully spelled out.  

5. Anything your teacher writes on the blackboard (some schools now use white and smart boards).  If you use Evernote you can photograph the board with your phone and insert the note into Evernote.  If your teacher took the time to write it on the board then you should write it into your notebook.

6. Try to take notes in an outline form.  It is easier to go back and reread your notes and find the important information in an outline form.  

7. If you can use a highlighter to underline important information.

In the class:

Don't just sit in class listening to what the teacher is saying, get involved.  You want to learn what the teacher is trying to teach you.  Here are a few suggestions on what to do when you are in class:

1. If the teacher is saying something that you don't understand raise your hand and ask her to explain or give an example.

2.  Ask a question if your confused. If you don't ask your only going to get even more confused.

3. Some people learn better with pictures.  Ask the teacher to draw on the board or sketch it out yourself in your notebook.  

4. Participate in group activities. Your teacher is doing it because it will help you understand the subject better if you work together with your classmates.

Review Your Notes Every Day:

This one suggestion you can't ignore.  It is so simple but most people just don't do it.  Go over your notes every night for 30 minutes. Here are two reasons for doing it:

1. Research has proven that if you read your noted within 24 hours of hearing the information you will retain about 60% of what you learned.

2.  Reviewing your notes before the next class gives you the chance to find the things your still confused about. Confusion is bad.  

Read your Text Book:

Most teachers will not give you all the information on a subject because there is not enough time in a class period or school year.  The teacher expects you to read the text book. The book might help you understand something the teacher presented that day.

Read the chapter assigned before the class.  It will help you understand what the teacher is teaching.  If your going to high school or college most teachers will provide you a course outline or syllabus.  The outline or syllabus will provide you a way to prepare for class. 

How to read a textbook:

1. First skim through the chapter to get an idea of what will be discussed.  Look at the pictures, charts and any study questions at the end of the book. 

2.  Next read the chapter.  What your try to do is not just read the chapter but rather your reading to understand. Look up words you do not understand. If you're keeping the book, write definitions of the word in the margin. If you're not keeping the book then write it your notebook.

3. The first time you read through the chapter write down the major ideas.  Also write the things you don't understand so you can ask your teacher during the next class.

4. Now read and answer the study questions at the end of the chapter.  Do this even if your teacher did not assign it to you.

Doing Your Homework:

1. Don't do your homework at the last minute, the last day before it is due.  Most teachers will not accept late homework.  In high school and college most research assignments can not be done in one night.  You need time to do research. 

2. Do not turn in sloppy work.  Teachers have to grade not only your assignment but also your classmates papers and the papers of her other classes. Sloppy work makes it harder for your teacher to understand what you are trying to say. Many teachers will take points off for sloppy work.

3. Learn to type if you don't know how.  More and more schools require homework to be typed.  

Getting Ready for a Test:

1. Do not wait until the night before to study for a test.  You should be reading your notes every night, not just the night before a test. 

2.  Look at the syllabus to see what type of test she will be giving you.  Is it an essay exam or multiple choice exam?

3. Highlight important notes.

4. With a different color highlighter, underline vocabulary terms.

5. Outline your notes.  Write concepts first then underneath the concept write the details about the concept.  Don't try to memorize your notes (except vocabulary).  

6. What you need to do is understand the ideas. 

7. Try to use the concepts/ideas in examples.  Make charts, drawings, graphs, lists to help you understand the ideas.

8. Use falsh cards to memorize vocabulary words.  Okay so I said don't try to memorize your notes but this is an exception.

9. Write your own dificult exam questions as you study.  When your done studying take your own test!

10. Never pull an all nighter the night before the exam. You will not be alert or able to concentrate if you don't have enough sleep.  A good trick is to sleep more the night before a test.

On Test day:

1. Write some ideas you want to make sure you have fresh in your mind.

2. Be well rested.

3. Bring your test taking tools like pencil, pen, calculators etc.  Bring back ups.  

4. Go to the bathroom before taking the test. Most teachers will not let you go during the test.

Final thoughts:

1. Never miss a test.  You're never going to be more ready than when the test is actually scheduled.  Most teachers will not allow you to take a test on another day.

2. Save everything.  Keep returned exams, handouts and notes.  They will help you at the end of the year or for IB students in high school it will be helpful for your end of program test.

3. Be organized. Keep things together by subject.  

4. Always have your school materials like notebooks, laptop/tablet (if allowed) with you during school.

5. Have a study area at home.  

6. And read every night.

7. Your education is your job. Take it seriously.  It is hard work but it will be rewarding later in life.  People who take their education seriously will do well in school, get scholarships, have a lot of school options and finally feel good about themselves.