How to Study Blog » High School Study Skills

Sleep your way to higher grades

brian7 — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:50:01 +0000

College is on its way or already here and with it comes: sleep deprivation.

Sure, it makes sense that the more you sleep the better your grades might be, but has anyone actually looked at this from a research perspective? You bet!

Back in 2001 a group of researchers looked at the GPAs of college students who were: short sleepers (less than six hours); average sleepers (six to eight hours); and long sleepers (eight-plus hours) and … the long sleepers had the highest GPAs.

Full Article Here

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Equipped for Studying: What You Must Have

brian7 — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:36:35 +0000

It’s 6 p.m. and you’re behind in your studies. Tests and papers are coming up, so that means it’s not to hit the books and study, study, study. But then you hit a few roadblocks. You look around the house and can’t find a pen. Then you need some scratch paper, and can’t find it. Fifteen minutes later you find some and sit down to begin. Now where’s that calculator? Is it in the other room? Did your roommate or brother take it? After you find it, you notice that the batteries are dead. Now it’s time to find extra batteries. And on and on it goes.

You can waste a good hour just looking for all the supplies you need to study and do your homework. The good student, though, doesn’t take this chance. He’s prepared by always making sure that he has everything he needs for his study sessions. This means having a good place for study and a “kit” full of all of the things he’ll need. Here’s what the successful student should make sure he has:

1) A good place to study. This is important because obviously, this is where you’re going to keep all of your other supplies. That means it needs to be a place where you can conveniently store all of your study supplies. I should also have a comfortable chair and good lighting. Preferably, it is turned away from things that will distract you, like windows or open doorways.

2) Computer and printer. We don’t need to say much about this, except that many of the school-related tasks that once required a trip to the library can now be accomplished on the Internet. Also, many assignments must be typed. That’s why you also will need a printer.

3) Get a box or holder to store other supplies in. You could use a drawer in the desk, a storage tote, or even an old shoe box. The most important consideration is that it needs to be easy to access. You should keep all of your study-related items in there, ready to go. This storage container should never move from your desk area. Make sure that family members or roommates know that these supplies are important and that they should not be used without your permission. They’re to be used only in that area. You might even place a label on them to avoid any confusion.

4) Inside this box should be kept the following items (Some variation is allowed, depending on what classes you’re taking): pencils, pens, erasers, calculator with appropriate batteries, markers (Make sure lids are tightly attached), highlighters. You’ll also need printer paper, but it will be kept at your printer. Your books will stay with you in your backpack. Everything else can go in this “study kit.”

Now, with your handy kit, you should be prepared the next time you’re ready to study–and you won’t be stymied by not being able to find the right supplies.

More about a good study environment

BACK TO SCHOOL: Your First Two Weeks

Robert — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:32:01 +0000

Regardless of whether you’re getting ready to start college, graduate school, or an external degree program, your success depends in large part on what you do during the first two weeks. These first days will set the stage for the rest of the semester and perhaps the year. So make sure you take care of the following 7 priorities:

1) If there are any classes that you know you cannot handle this semester, and you’re able to drop them, then do so now. You don’t need to bring down your GPA in your first term. And most schools have a limited time frame in which you can drop a course.

2) Learn about your school’s policies. This means reading the college handbook so you understand the rules, how the schedule works, how your GPA is calculated,, and even the bad-weather policy.

3) Buy all necessary supplies. Your instructor will likely give you a syllabus that tells what materials you’ll need. This will include textbooks and other supplies. Many students fall behind simply because they don’t have what the course requires.

4) Make a planner for your class assignments. Be sure to take this with you to each class and immediately put down the date on which each paper or project is due and the date for each exam. After class, you can go back and fill in when you will study for each exam and work on each assignment.

5) Consider getting a tutor. You should be able to tell within the first days of a course if it’s going to overwhelm you. If so, now is the time to find a tutor to help you make it through the material. And remember to act quickly, because tutors disappear quickly.

6) Explore what services and resources your school has to offer. This includes a trip to the library, checking out the gym, finding out about career counselors, and other services.

7) Try to make at least one different friend in each class. This is important for several reasons. First, if you miss a class on a day, you can ask your friend to loan you his or her notes. You can also get together with your friend to study for exams.

These steps are not a sure step to acing your classes, but they do set you on the right path.

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30 Days to Better Study Skills

brian7 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:00:07 +0000

The study “strategy” for most students is the same: Wait until the night before an assignment is due or before a test to hit the books and study. Unfortunately, for most of us, that strategy eventually catches up and hits our grades—hard.

Good news: There’s a better way! Here’s a systematic approach that in 30 days can turn you into a master student. We’ll start with week 1.

DAYS 1-7: Take some learning assessments. It’s a fact that professional educators have known for generations: Everybody learns differently. Fortunately, there are tests available now (Many on the Internet) that tell you what kind of learner you are. Once you know how you learn, you can base your study strategy on these facts rather than on speculation about what might help you. Do a google search on “learning style” or “learning assessment.”

DAYS 8-15: Meet with a career counselor. Often the career counselor can give you the assessment we discussed above. Even if you take the assessment online, though, it’s still helpful to meet with her. There are career counselors at high schools, colleges, and even employment centers. Ask the counselor for information on learning strategies based on your own particular needs. Alternatively, you can again do a Google search on “study strategies.” There are scores of good articles available. Print them all out and compile them in a notebook and spend several days doing nothing but reading through these strategies.

DAYS 16-20: Begin implementing at least one of the strategies in your notebook that you believe meshes with your learning style. Usually you should implement only one strategy at a time so that you can determine which one works for you and which one you can discard. Having said that, it’s possible that different classes will be helped by different strategies, so don’t forever limit yourself to just one strategy. And again, remember: All strategies that you try should match with what you have determined is your learning style. For instance, maybe you’ve decided that you’re a visual learning. Then use the strategy that is heavy on visual aids.

DAYS 21 -30: Spend time assessing your progress. It’s pointless to stick with a strategy if it’s not improving your study time and your grades. During these 10 days, therefor, you examine your current strategy and see how well it’s been working for you. If it’s going well, keep it up. If not, move on to another strategy on your list.

These last two steps are key. Any time you determine that a strategy has not helped you in real, detectable ways (Your grades improve and you’re able to learn the material better and faster), no matter how much you like that strategy, discard it. There should be plenty more ideas on your list, so find something else and try it for a week or 10 days. Then assess again. Eventually you’ll latch onto something that works, and your grades will eventually start reflecting your new, better study habits.

The Effect of High School Studying on College Results

Robert — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:27:42 +0000

Most of us know in our gut that in high school, you don’t need to study nearly as much as you do in college to get grades. But while we never think of it in this way, this is a trap that causes many to do poorly in their higher education. Old habits really do die hard, and yet your old high school study habits will destroy your college GPA.

When you get to any institution of higher learning, whether it’s a bricks-and-mortar college or an external degree program, things change drastically from high school. Study habits which remain undeveloped will soon bloom into a full-blown academic weakness that could lead to your scholastic death.

To fight this, you need to start learning study habits before you ever reach the higher education levels. This means, for the teen-ager, to start developing solid study habits while still in high school. For the adult learner, you should hit the library and begin learning how to study—really study—in a way that will lead to success. Develop a crazy thirst for knowledge and it will serve you well in the long run.

When you first try to get into college, many of the schools you apply to will look at your grades to decide whether to admit you or maybe whether or not to give you a scholarship. Because an education can be so expensive these days, a scholarship often means the difference between whether or not you can get into the school or the program that you want. And even if you get accepted, sloppy study habits can still slow your momentum and rob you of your success.

So starting right now, even if you’re not enrolled in any course, begin finding time to study on a regular basis. Even if you’re an adult, long out of high school, but thinking about getting a degree, start now by studying something—anything. Study that math concept you never mastered, or some period of history that bored you in school. And learn how to study it well.

And don’t make excuses for yourself! None of this “I can’t study” or “I can’t memorize” nonsense. A lot of people who say that can memorize baseball player averages or the names of the characters on a favorite soap opera. You can study if you want to study!

And if you’re still in high school, make time for what’s more important for your future. It’s easy to get distracted with the parties, dances, getting a new car or clothes, a part-time job, etc. And yes, you want to have fun while in school. But ultimately, those snazzy clothes or fun parties will not lead to a better career. The right study skills just might.

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Stress Management Tips for Students

brian7 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:05:45 +0000

Students are under enormous pressure, and they experience a great deal of stress. Keeping up with studies and making good grades is difficult in itself, but there are also the added pressures of work and relationships. When everything starts to seem overwhelming, the use of stress management techniques can make life easier. Stress Management Tips

Not all stress management techniques are suitable for students because of the time involved. The following stress management techniques are not only some of the most common, but also are well suited to students:

Do not wait. If you know that you have an assignment due or an exam looming on the horizon, do not wait until the last minute to open your text. By starting early and focusing on small amounts each day, you will be prepared for the exam or have the assignment finished well before the due date. When you wait until the last minute, you increase your stress and anxiety, and your performance typically suffers.

Perform routine maintenance. Just as a car needs maintenance, like an oil change, your body needs its own version of routine maintenance. You need to eat regular, healthy meals and get plenty of rest. In addition, take personal time to take a walk, go out with friends, or do other activities that you enjoy. Taking care of you creates a more positive mood and better performance.

Exercise. Physical exercise is not only good for your body, but it also serves to relieve stress. Engaging in physical activities increases your circulation, clears your mind, and boosts your overall energy level. Exercise also decreases levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, helping you to feel more relaxed. Of course, there is also the benefit of having a physical release for negative emotions, like anger or hostility.

Use relaxation techniques. The use of relaxation techniques, like visualization, meditation, and breathing exercises, are stress relievers that can be practiced any time. You do not need special equipment or a great deal of space for these, making them a great tool while sitting in the classroom preparing to start an exam.

Get organized. One of the major factors in stress for students is lack of organization. Make a schedule that shows where you have to be and when, as well as when assignments are due and when exams are scheduled. Organize your study area so you can find books, notebooks, and pencils or pens quickly and easily. Simple organization will take care of missed deadlines and forgotten assignments, and it will prevent you from being stuck with starting assignments at the last minute.

While many people may not realize it, students are constantly under a great deal of stress, and often feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they are expected to accomplish. Not only is stress harmful to your physical health, but it also causes poor performance and negative attitudes. Through simple stress management techniques, you can reduce stress, improve your overall performance and improve your mental and physical well-being.

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How to Improve Your Study Skills with Proper Nutrition

brian7 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:55:18 +0000

Ever heard of eating brain food to improve your study skills? Studies have shown that there is a link between IQ or mental development and certain nutrients; a study conducted on British schoolgirls revealed that the schoolgirls who were not getting enough iron performed worse in school than those who were able to meet the daily recommended iron allowance.

The bulk of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these so-called brain foods in improving one’s study skills consists of testimonials or anecdotal evidence; but we’re going to enumerate several nutrients that can help you improve your study skills anyway – for your information:

Ginseng. Ginseng is a Chinese herb commonly added to health or sports drinks; apparently there is an increase in oxygen flow to the brain when ginseng drinks are ingested, thereby improving overall mental performance.

Vitamin E. Some studies have shown that there is a connection between memory loss and lack of Vitamin E; so it is common for Vitamin E to be included in the supplement staples of senior citizens and stroke victims. However, the studies do not conclude that taking a 400 iu capsule of Vitamin E will boost one’s memory.

Lecithin. Like Vitamin E, there have been medical studies that have shown that lecithin to be beneficial in treating neurological disorders, memory loss, and depression. According to research, Lecithin may be involved in the transport of lipids and good cholesterol from the liver to the blood.

Peanuts are also considered as brain food; peanuts are high in protein and proteins are known as the building blocks of our organs and muscles – brain muscles.

Coffee and Colas. Coffee and colas with high caffeine help because the caffeine keeps you awake; other than that, there is not much basis to consider them brain foods. Watch out though. Too much and it will have the opposite effect!

And that rounds up our list of popular brain foods; these are supposed to keep you awake or enhance your memory and studying prowess, but they cannot substitute for studying itself.

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How to Create a Productive Study Space

brian7 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:18:18 +0000

In order to understand and retain information, you need to be able to concentrate on what you are studying. This is dependent on you studying in an area that is suited to your learning needs and style, which makes creating a productive study space is an essential element of studying well.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a productive study space:

Identify your needs. Some people need absolute quiet when they are studying, while others prefer to have music playing in the background. You know what you need to help you concentrate and stay focused, so set up your study area accordingly.

Set up a study place that is equipped for studying. Pens, pencils, paper, calculator, pencil sharpener and other supplies should be within easy access of your study area. If you need to get up and move elsewhere every time you need something, you will not be able to stay focused on studying.

Be consistent. Use the same study area every day, and try to study at the same time each day. This establishes a connection between the time and space and studying, and going to your study space at the same time every day will become habit. Use your study area only for studying and you will associate that place with studying. That will help you stay focused on your studies while you are there.Make sure your study area is a place where you can relax, yet stay focused. Your bedroom may seem like a great place to study, but you may doze off continuously while studying there

Set up study rules. If you study better at certain times or when you are able to take short breaks, then make that part of your study rules. Make sure others realize that’s part of your study routine.

Use study totems. Athletes have lucky socks or lucky shorts. You can have a study hat or study scarf. You can use a figurine, a toy, or any other type of object as your study totem. When it is time to study, put on your study item or set out your study totem. A study item or study totem helps you study in two ways:

Once others understand what your study item or totem means, seeing it will tell them you are studying so they will not interrupt you.

When you start having trouble concentrating, you can look at your study item or totem instead of staring into space. It helps refocus your mind on the task at hand.

Your study area should be comfortable. The temperature should not be too hot or too cold. Make sure your chair is comfortable and you have room to wiggle your toes. Being confined or uncomfortable will become a distraction during a study session.

Establishing good study habits begins with setting up a productive study space. Your space should meet your needs, and personalizing it is always a good option. When you have a space used only for studying, it is easier for you to concentrate on the materials and ignore or avoid distractions.

Forming a Study Group

brian7 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:13:42 +0000

Study groups are a great way to supplement your individual study. Being involved in a study group provides you with the opportunity to get feedback on how well you know the material, as well as reinforcing what you have learned. In addition, a good study group gives you practice at working as part of a team, a skill that you will need in the world outside of school.

Forming a Group

Here are some tips for forming a good study group:

Talk to other students before and after class and during breaks. This will give you the chance to find out which students you can work well with, as well as which students know something about the material and work at succeeding in the class.

Invite other students to study with you.

Make sure you have enough group members that you still have a functioning group if one member can’t make it, but keep the group small enough that you are able to accomplish goals during study sessions. A group of 5 or 6, including you, is usually a good size.

An alternative to inviting others is to study whether you can see other members of your class. Ask them a question about the material to start a conversation about the class.

If you are uncomfortable approaching other students, ask the professor or teacher if they can pass around a sign-up sheet.

Set a meeting time that works for everyone’s schedules. Schedule enough time to cover material thoroughly.

Choose a location that will be free of distractions and interruptions. Make sure the environment is comfortable because you will be spending a great deal of time there.

There are two ways to approach study group sessions, and you will need to take the approach that best suits your group.

Formal group – At the end of each study session, write an agenda for the next session. Assign topics or sections for each group member to present.

Informal group – At the beginning of each study session, decide which areas will be covered. You can cover those by having group members present different areas or through group discussion.

Staying on Track

At some point, every study group will start to veer off track. The following tips will help get the group refocused and prevent it from becoming a social group:

Set a schedule. Decide ahead of time when the study session will end. Schedule time for breaks, too. This makes it clear how much time is available to cover the material.

When students in the group begin venturing off track with their discussions, simply ask them if that material is on the test.

Don’t allow group members to constantly come unprepared. Often, establishing preparation as a rule when forming the group will be enough. If not, explain that the group is not a tutoring session and the individual will not be welcome to continue attending if they cannot contribute.

Remember that the study group meets to study the material. Complaints about professors, teachers and classes should be saved for scheduled breaks.

A well-formed and focused study group can be a valuable tool for learning. The interaction and support from the group will help you stay motivated, and group feedback will help you discover your strong points and weak areas. In addition, study groups can make your learning experience a more enjoyable one.

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5 Great Ways to Study History

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:23:32 +0000

History is a fascinating subject that can challenge students to question everything that has happened before their existence. It opens up doors to times long ago and lets students know that while there are differences across eras in human history there are also many similarities. Many students roll their eyes when it comes to history class but with the proper perspective this can be their favorite subject. The key is to clear the first hurdle of being engaged in the subject and then it’s time to learn how to study history. Here are five tips for helping students grasp this all-encompassing subject:

Learn to cross-reference. If you come across places, people or words that you’re unfamiliar with then you need to make notes of these words or phrases and look them up in a reputable encyclopedia. It’s one thing to do the assigned reading; it’s another to understand what you’re reading. You will be asked to recall facts, sequences, causes and effects of why and how things happened. By having a firm grasp of the material you’ll be able to put back together the puzzle that is studying history.
Blend secondary and primary sources. Your history textbook is a secondary source and is the interpretation of the author’s view of history. Be sure to consult primary sources that were produced during the actual time of the event you’re studying. This will help you better discern what truly happened.
Review lecture notes. After each lecture examines your notes and mark material as either totally understood or as material you’re unsure of. This way you can approach your instructor and ask for clarification. It’s imperative that you clear up any information you’re unsure about before the curriculum passes you by.
Sift through the facts. As you’re reading through texts and your notes mark down names, dates and places and keep a chart or outline that will put them in an order that makes sense to you. Depending on the era you’re studying you will come across facts that you’re unfamiliar with more so than others and this is a way you can begin to have them make matter to you.
Maps are your friends. The best way to learn about land formations is to draw the map yourself. This way you can better learn the boundaries that surround the area you’re investigating. You’ll get a better idea about where the major cities and ports are and the type of land forms that help shape the area’s history.

By-line:

This guest post is written by Heather Johnson, who frequently writes on ITT Technical Institute Online. She welcomes your comments and freelance writing inquiries at: heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com.

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How to Study Blog » High School Study Skills

Sleep your way to higher grades

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Equipped for Studying: What You Must Have

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Your First Two Weeks

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30 Days to Better Study Skills

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The Effect of High School Studying on College Results

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Stress Management Tips for Students

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How to Improve Your Study Skills with Proper Nutrition

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How to Create a Productive Study Space

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Forming a Study Group

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5 Great Ways to Study History

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