Study Success: Practical Strategies for Overcoming Common Study Challenges
Overcome Study Challenges with the Best Strategies
Looking for help with your studies? Don’t worry, study challenges happen to everyone and School is Easy is here to help. From making better use of your time to taking notes effectively, we have some of the best ways for your study success.
Time Management Techniques
Giving yourself time to examine the material is incredibly important when studying – waiting until the last minute is never the best approach. If this is the case for you, we recommend working on your time management skills. Our top piece of advice is getting organized and disciplined.
Start making a study plan, especially if you have a test coming up, and schedule study time every day a week or two before the exam. Consider covering different topics during each session so you can master the content. It can also help to try and identify some time pockets during the day that you can use, such as commute time or the lunch hour.
Below are two different time management techniques that we found to help, and you can pick the one that works best for you:
The Pomodoro technique
Breaking down your study sessions into smaller time increments helps you study smarter. With this technique, you set a timer for a limited amount of time, such as 20 or 25 minutes. When the timer rings, you take a short break for about five minutes. Get up and move away from your desk, grab a coffee, take a quick walk, etc. Then return to your desk and re-set your timer and start over.
The time blocking method
Time blocking enables you to make the most out of every minute of the day. You start by dividing a piece of paper into two. On the left side write down every hour of the day, then on the right fill in how you’re going to spend that hour. You can also break the time down into 30-minute blocks. Make sure you allow a little buffer time between each activity or block of time.
Effective Note-Taking Methods
To be successful when mastering a subject, you have to understand the material; therefore, taking good notes is key. To help you create your perfect note-taking technique, we recommend trying:
- Write notes in an outline: Structure your notes in an outline format so the order and flow of information stimulates your memory when needed.
- Paraphrase your notes: Write notes in your own words to simplify important information so it makes sense to you and allows for easy memorization.
- Skip the small words: Skip determiner words like “the” and “a,” and write in phrases that focus on key terms helps you get all the important information down, especially in a lecture.
- Highlight the important points: Go over your notes with a highlighter to familiarize yourself with the information and emphasize the important points.
Seeking Help and Support from Resources
If you find yourself struggling and are at a complete loss, don’t be afraid to reach out for help!
- Talk to your teacher and see if they can recommend extra resources to help you grasp the course material better.
- Consider finding a study partner to help you. While you may immediately think of a friend that may fit this role, be careful that the person doesn’t become a distraction rather than a support.
- Tutors can help prepare you for exams and tests by working with you while you study. Find one that already knows the material you’re trying to learn, such as social studies. Then you’ll be able to combine your knowledge to better understand the subject.
Memorization Tips and Tricks
Memorization may not be your strong point; however, you can enhance this ability with some tips and tricks, including:
- Write it out – Rewriting notes or course material can help you remember it better. You can also say it out loud while you write and visualize the concepts you’re reviewing.
- Mnemonics – a great trick when you’re trying to memorize material during a study session is to use mnemonics. One example is to make the first letter of each concept stand for something important, for example, music students memorize the notes on the lines of the treble staff because of the phrase, “Every Good Boy Does Fine,” and those notes are E, G, B, D, and F. You can also use songs and rhymes to help you memorize material, with the best example being the Alphabet song that helps preschoolers learn the letters in the alphabet.
- Teach it – practice explaining course material to a friend in the same way you would teach it to a class. This can help you test your own understanding and deepen your knowledge of the subject. Teaching material to someone also gives them a chance to ask questions that may help you understand the subject far better.
Dealing with Distractions and Procrastination
The scourge of every sturdy session are distractions! Like us, there have been plenty of times when you sat down to study and find yourself checking emails or social media posts.
These distractions hinder your ability to study effectively, but you can overcome these interruptions of your time with a few helpful tips:
- Clear your study area of anything that may compete for your attention.
- Put your phone on silent and out of reach.
- Go to a quiet place such as a library or study hall. This is especially important if your living situation is not conducive for quiet contemplation.
- Choose a time to study where the chance of distractions will be minimal, such as the early morning or later evening.
Unlock Academic Success with School is Easy: Your Partner in Overcoming Study Challenges
Although studying is a challenge for most of us, with the right approach and some help – such as a tutor from School is Easy – you’ll be on your way to mastering course material and boosting your grades.
School is Easy has tutors that are skilled in various subject matters that can help you in person at one of our many locations or by offering online tutoring. Contact us today and let us help you find study success.
