Are you a student that wants to get outstanding results this semester? Doing productive study isn’t only about how many hours you put in. It also depends on how and where you study. The team from Belle Skylights have provided the following tips on how you can boost your study performance this semester.
Study in an environment that is free from distraction
To give yourself the best chance of being productive with your study, you need to be in an environment that is free from distraction. Get rid of items such as phones, music and social media applications that can interrupt your study progression.
You’ll also want to opt to study in a private area away from people that might want to socialize with you during your study time. Remember, the less distraction you have, the more progress you will make.
Study in rooms that have good natural light
Studying in areas with little or no distraction is advised, but not to the point where it suppresses your motivation. That’s why good lighting is essential to productive study. Study in rooms that have a good abundance of natural light. There have been several studies that have linked the benefits of skylights to positive productivity and learning. Alternatively, bright artificial lights should illuminate the room so it is easy to study. Other positive factors include using light paints, mirrors and glass objects to illuminate the study area.
Have a focused study plan
It is important to have a studying game plan that will allow you to achieve your study goals. Your study goal is to get as many answers correct as possible on your subject’s topic in a way that your teacher or lecturer asks you to answer. They may ask for multiple-choice answers, written answers or short essays.
Some of the best ways to prepare include:
– Researching back copies of exams and running through the questions and answers for each one.
– Consulting with the teacher or lecturer to get a clear direction where you should study.
– Summarize the most important topics into notes and have a reference system that you can use to recall specific details in an exam.
– Know your best study method. (Should you learn through reading, audio, visual or practical activities?)
Have a good study team around you
Having the right study partners can help you accelerate your study success. When you have people around you that are motivated to study and excel, you will naturally follow suit. If people that aren’t interested in studying surround you, then your study will be affected.
Study periodically
Cramming the information the night before your exam won’t give you the best opportunity to excel in your studies. You will only be able to retain some of the information and it will be difficult to recall detailed information. Instead, study periodically throughout the semester so you can train your brain to recall information effortlessly.
Learn illustrative examples
Illustrative examples can have a profound effect on your ability to recall detailed information. Everything that you will be studying will be theoretical. However, learning or experiencing real-life examples will help to put everything into perspective. For example, a student that studies about individualism vs. collectivism in an International Business course can see how it works among peer and working groups from Asia, Europe and the USA.
Give yourself enough rest
Staying up late to study all night might make you feel that you are being productive, but it can actually be counterproductive. Having low mental energy will make it difficult to study and understand the theories that you need to comprehend to succeed in your exams. Listen to your body and take rest when you need it.
Studying doesn’t need to be difficult. Instead, keep your study process as simple as possible so you can maximize your chances of achieving your study goals. Being productive with your study should boil down to studying smarter, not harder. Use the tips provided to give yourself the edge when studying during the semester.
*This article was contributed.
