Do you have a big test ahead? You got this! Prepare for your upcoming exam with the following tips:
Tidy Up
Organize your desk or study space. Make your surroundings comfortable and conducive to studying. With fewer distractions, a clean workspace boosts productivity and focus. A Harvard study found that students working on a clean workspace performed better when dealing with a difficult task than students in a cluttered workspace.
Use Visual Aids
This is especially helpful for students who prefer visual learning. If you’re more of a visual learner, make diagrams, maps, and flow charts to help you understand and remember complicated concepts.
Try Out Memory Systems
Memory systems are techniques you can use to store and recall information better. The method of loci is a good example. You might have heard of the term memory palace. Detective Sherlock Holmes in the British TV series Sherlock is known to use this method, and it helps him solve cases.
In this memory technique, you make use of objects found in a place or a series of places, and you associate each with an item or idea you need to remember. For example, take your daily route to school. List the landmarks or memorable objects you see along the way, and “tag” or link the objects with a piece of information you need to remember.
If you’re trying to remember the names of all American presidents, you can link your bus stop with George Washington, the cafe near your house with John Adams, and so on. This memory system is helpful when you need to remember information in a specific order.
Practice Makes Perfect
Take some of your previous tests that are similar to the one you are preparing for. Looking at past exams will help you come up with strategies. See how long it takes for you to answer each type of problem or question, and figure out which items you need to spend more time with.
Talk It Out
You must have heard of this Einstein quote: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Practice by explaining your answers to someone. They can be your friend, brother or sister, or anyone who is willing to help you. Articulating ideas helps you figure out gaps in your understanding of the subject. The other person may ask you questions that will point you in the right direction.
Don’t Forget To Rest
Studies show that productivity decreases significantly when you work for more than fifty to ninety minutes. Take breaks between periods of studying to give your brain enough time to rest and process the information it has just taken. Take your mind off the subject for a while; do something completely unrelated. You can move around, take a brisk walk, or nap. You can chat with a friend, grab a snack, or play a quick game too.
Eat Well
Good diet and proper hydration contribute to your brain’s performance. You can back these up with a healthy and safe nootropic supplement that will help boost your brain power. OPTML NootropX will help you retain more information, stay focused, think clearer, learn faster, react quicker, and perform better. It contains clinically effective doses of Alpha GPC Choline, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, Panax Ginseng, Vitamin B12, Huperzine A, DMAE Bitartrate, Acetyl L-Carnitine, and Vitamin B6—all known to support brain health and mental functions.
Do you have your own study strategies and hacks? Share them with us in the comments below!
References:
https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips
https://smallbiztrends.com/2018/01/clean-office-increases-productivity.html
https://www.thoughtco.com/visual-learning-style-3212062
https://www.inc.com/neil-patel/when-how-and-how-often-to-take-a-break.html
https://www.memory-improvement-tips.com/memory-systems.html
https://www.memory-improvement-tips.com/journey-method.html