Study Smarter, Not Harder
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Back-to-school is just around the corner, which means students will soon be fully immersed in lectures, homework, exams and more. Starting a new year can be a stressful time, especially for students trying to improve their grades to get into their dream college. But improving grades doesn’t necessarily mean studying harder. Instead, students should do their best to study smarter. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Breaks are Important. Schedule time for homework with breaks in between. Studies show that taking a 10-minute break after 45 minutes of homework or studying can help students retain more information and prevent burnout.
- Study with a buddy. Discussing and reviewing class materials with another student can be mutually beneficial. This can help students understand what others learned or if anything was missed, and also help learn from prior mistakes.
- Ask questions. Asking a teacher, parent, or fellow classmate for help is highly encouraged, which also helps teach collaboration and team work.
- Pick a productive study spot. Set up a designated space at home, or find a cozy spot in a quiet library that is free of distractions and will allow full focus. Noisy cafeterias or a room with a sibling playing a video game are easy distractions that will interfere with any productivity.
- Set goals. Before you begin a study session, determine what subject you’re going to focus on and what you plan to accomplish in a specific period. This will help organize which topics are a priority, and help you manage your time best.