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Instead of stressing over the inevitable act of studying, embrace these information-retention strategies.
Kiss
Your Study-Habit Worries Goodbye
By Krista Michelle
Arrigo
The
CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- As you gear up for the new school year, there's
one thing you should get a handle on right-quick... How to study!
"Study an hour a day for each class,"
says Shati Gerald, the assistant coordinator for the student tutorial center
in the ACCESS Program at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA. If you do so
throughout the semester, you'll better prepare yourself for those dreadful finals.
Gerald is totally against cramming. If you wait until the last minute, chances
are you'll stay up all night studying and you'll be too tired to remember anything,
she explains. She also advises you don't " study right before a test because,
as she puts it, "you'll go blank."
But,
if the problem is getting
all the vital 4-1-1, and then studying,
Gerald offers her six super study strategies:
1.
Hit "Record"
The
key to good studying habits starts with good note-taking skills, Gerald insists.
So, if you're not a great note-taker, in addition to jotting down key points,
she suggests taking a tape recorder to class with you. "Tape the professor
and then put [what they say] into your own words to better understand the material,"
she says.
2.
Gather in Groups
"Form study groups and meet at least two or three times a week," Gerald
advises. This meeting-of-the-minds will allow you to compare notes to help review
relevant test material. Afterwards, says Gerald, "test your study partner[s]."
And, have them do the same with you. How can you go wrong with your buddies
pitching in to help you retain key knowledge?!
3.
Turn to a Tutor
No, this isn't a sign of weakness, but one of strength and intelligence. To
boost your grades up a letter or two, Gerald suggests getting help in your weakest
subjects. "Get
some extra help from a tutor on a one-on-one basis," she says. A tutor
can sometimes provide insider tips on how to solve a problem or suggest an easy
way to remember something.
4.
Skip Ahead
Besides reading daily assignments, Gerald also recommends reading the chapters
ahead of time. "Knowing information in advance will help you excel."
And remember, the mission to this study method is not to memorize the material,
but to become familar with it and understand it.
5.
Study With Serenity
When sitting down to study, Gerald recommends retreating to a quiet and comfortable
place, to help you concentrate and fully absorb the material. Some savvy spots
might include the library (they oftentimes have study rooms within the main
library) or a vacant classroom (you'd be surprised what studying in a classroom
setting minus students will do for your grades... believe me, it works!).
6.
Speak Aloud
To
remember things more easily, Gerald recommends reading things out loud and then
repeating them constantly. This is where retention sets in. And if you like
the way you sound, that's an even cooler incentive to sound off!
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