If you struggle to study and memorize information, you’re not alone. College and high school students often complain about their poor study habits and the fact that they can’t remember what they’ve learned at the end of each week. However, there are some steps you can take to improve your memory and study skills so that your grades don’t suffer because of bad habits!
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1) Read Out Loud
When you read something out loud, your brain processes it differently. This is because while your eyes are focusing on reading each word, your ears can hear what's being said at a deeper level. By reading something out loud, you activate different pathways in your brain, which helps you remember what you read for longer. It also makes it easier to remember information because when we listen we have more memory cues than when we only read silently. That's why many teachers read aloud during class instead of just talking to their students.
2) Elaborate on Ideas
Elaborating on ideas is a great way to absorb information. To elaborate, you can ask questions, summarize what you’ve just read or heard, connect new ideas to old ones that have been around for a while and make analogies between things. What’s important here is that you’re thinking deeply about something so it makes sense in your mind. This will help you remember it when it counts—the exam!
You should also be reading with a highlighter (or several) in hand. When you come across an idea that catches your attention, highlight it; underline particularly interesting facts or sentences; use post-it notes to mark pages of interest; draw diagrams... all of these are ways of helping you focus on what’s most important and take notes quickly without having to decipher your handwriting later. Lastly, use study groups! The more people who know something, the more likely they are to remember it.
3) Work in Shorter Time Intervals
Split your studying time into smaller chunks. The short rest periods in between will allow you to focus your brain for a longer period before getting tired, which means better long-term memory retention. This is especially useful when you have large blocks of material that need memorizing. For example, if you’re learning organic chemistry, split each chapter into shorter sessions over a few days instead of cramming all night right before an exam. You’ll be able to retain more information and avoid unnecessary stress.
Studies show that it takes around 20 minutes for our brains to get fully engaged in any activity, so try splitting up your study session into three 10-minute bursts—or even five 5-minute ones—to keep yourself focused without burning out too quickly. The goal here is quality over quantity; while these small breaks won’t do much good if they interrupt deep thought or concentration, they can help prevent burnout after extended study periods.
4) Take Notes by Hand (the old-fashioned way!)
Taking notes by hand causes you to analyze your professors’ lectures as they speak—instead of simply typing what they say into a word-processing program. In addition, taking notes by hand forces you to think critically about the material (since it doesn’t transfer directly from your professor’s mouth to your keyboard) rather than just relying on an audio or video recording. Taking detailed, in-class notes also can help you review concepts later. If you have trouble remembering things, try breaking them down into smaller chunks and writing each chunk separately. This makes information easier to remember because it is organized visually.
5) Reread Notes Often
One of the best ways to study is by rereading your notes shortly after you’ve taken them. This way, not only will you ensure that you have read all of your notes, but you will also reinforce them with greater accuracy. The act of reading your notes aloud may be one of the most effective techniques for studying. Doing so requires much more mental effort from our brain to process and understand what we are saying. It’s similar to how writing something down helps us remember it better. If you can write down something in a sentence or two, then say it out loud to yourself as if you were explaining it to someone else, then chances are you will remember a lot about that topic long-term. It makes sense—if we hear something enough times (or repeat something enough times), then we learn how to say it ourselves without even thinking about it.
6) Sleep Upon Studying
Studies have found that people who get eight hours of sleep do better on tests than those who get six or seven. This is especially true if you have a full week between your studying time and when you take an exam. That's because your brain needs time to process everything it's learned—and more often than not, that means during sleep. In other words, if you crammed all night for a test, chances are you'll forget most of what you studied by the next day—at least that's what science says! So don't be afraid to put in some extra hours before a big exam; just make sure you get enough rest afterward.
Conclusion
The key to studying is knowing how you learn best. If you’re someone who prefers hands-on learning, then get messy and try out a science experiment. If you’re more of a visual learner, stop by your local art supply store and pick up some new supplies.
FAQ;
Why do I forget what I study?
1. Because your brain has no memory!
2. Because you are not studying!
3. Because you have a bad teacher!
4. Because you don't know how to study!
5. Because you're too lazy to study!
6. Because you're just plain stupid!
How can I memorize faster?
1. Learn how to use your brain better. You should learn how to use your brain as a muscle. If you want to get something done, you have to use your brain. When you are learning something, you have to think about what you are trying to remember. This way, you will make sure that you are using your brain correctly.
2. Use visualization. Visualization helps you to remember things much easier. When you visualize something, you are actually creating a memory in your mind. So, if you want to remember something, try to picture yourself doing whatever it is that you need to remember.
3. Make flashcards. Flashcards help you to remember things much better. They are great tools for studying anything from vocabulary words to math problems. You can even create your own flashcards to help you study.
4. Do not overthink. Overthinking makes you forget things much easier. When thinking too much, you are going to start doubting yourself. Doubts will cause you to lose confidence and this will lead to forgetting.
5. Practice. Practice makes perfect. When you practice something, you are making sure that you are getting it right. By practicing, you are building up your muscles.
6. Take notes. Taking notes while listening to someone talking will help you to remember everything they say. Also, taking notes while reading will help you to retain information much better.
How can I stop forgetting to study?
1. Use your phone's alarm clock!
If you're like me, then you probably have a lot of things going on at once. You may not even remember that you set your alarm until the morning comes around. If you don't want to rely on your memory, use your phone's alarm clock instead. Set your phone to go off at a certain time each day and you'll never forget again.
2. Start studying early!
You've heard this before, but it bears repeating. Starting your studies early will help you stay focused throughout the entire semester. When you start out strong, you won't feel as much pressure to finish everything on time.
3. Make a schedule!
It's hard to get motivated if you don't know what you need to do. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. This way, you'll know exactly what needs to happen and when.