HOW TO STUDY.

Now. I know that sometimes studying does equal to student dying, but it doesn't have to be like that all the time!!

Here are some top tips about how you can make studying one of your favourite activities:

1. organise your study area

No one can work effectively and make use of the time studying when they are looking for their work, pens, highlighters, etc. in the aftermath of a hurricane. I suggest you start your study revision session by making sure you have everything you need so you won't need to get up and get something which can disrupt your focus. Have a nice, clean, organised space where you can find everything you need quicker than a flash of lightning. But don't take so long organising that you end up procrastinating studying.

2. get cosy

Grab your favourite drink with your favourite mug. If it's cold, grab your blanket and cosy up. Turn on the lights and light some candles. Play some instrumental music, I recommend jazz, and start!!

3. make a quick list of what you must get done in that session ⏳

Use it as a guide to what you should get done in that session. This way you make sure that what you revise is really what you need to and you study more effectively. At the end, you can tick it off and rest assured that you're doing amazing well.

4. don't just read & highlight

In order to study effectively, you need to do active recall. This means that your brain must be actively retrieving information without any prompt. Active recall is very beneficial because it simulates how your brain will behave when it is in the exam. This way, like an athlete trains their body to run a race, you're training your brain to remember the key information. Additionally, active recall strengthens long-term memory, which is vital for preparing for your exams.

Reading and highlighting and rereading again is a cycle that cannot be disguised as studying. Instead, use flashcards, make mind maps, make questions from the specification and/or your notes, teach someone else, do blurting (where you write down everything you remember about a certain topic/chapter/etc. on a blank page and afterwards fill in with a different colour pen anything you missed), complete the 'Look, say, cover, write, check' method, do exam questions, etc.

A method that worked for me is to make notes from the specification - IT'S YOUR HOLY GRAIL - then rewrite the notes and do exam questions. However, this method can take a while if you're rewriting all your notes and it doesn't always use active recall (unless you do the look, cover, write, check method) so it's not always the best choice.

A very important tip from this method though is to USE THE SPECIFICATION. It has everything that you will be tested on in the exam. Have it open at all times or print it out and have it by your side every time you study or read from the textbook. Textbooks can have too much information that may not be required for the exam or miss out some parts of the spec so the specification will guide you through your journey.

5. study until you start to lose focus, take a break, then repeat.

Even though the pomodoro technique can help, the traditional 25 mins studying then 5 mins break is often too short when you're in the flow of studying. The 25 minutes seem to go by in a flash that you start to think, have I actually done enough work in the 25 mins? Eventually you may end up doing less work than you wanted because you spent that time having lots of breaks too soon. I believe taking a break when you feel that you have worked your mind enough is more effective. But don't spend hours on end not taking breaks, unless you can, then go for it (and have a relaxing nap after you're done). Just make sure to get back into the flow when you've had your break.

Don't spend the break on your phone, even though that's easier said than done. A 5 minute break can suddenly turn into half an hour spent scrolling on your socials. You can't afford to waste the time, especially when exams creep ever closer. So, I suggest putting your phone in another room, or giving it to a member of your family while you're studying.

However, if you're using your phone to study, make sure do not disturb is on, so you don't receive any notifications that may distract you. Make spending time on your phone a reward at the end of the study session.

6. reward yourself 🤩

Speaking of rewards, they are a great motivator to study.

Some rewards could be:

spending time with your family ❤️
spending time on your phone 📱
watch your favourite show 🍿
listen to your favourite songs 🎵
talk to your friends ☎️
eat a nice dessert 🧁
have a nap 💤
read a good book 📖
do nothing, just sit there, relax! 😎

This is one of the best ways to study, if you follow this method, you're guaranteed to gain high marks. Remember, it's all about self-discipline. Consistency is key. Good luck and have a great study session. 😉