How to study effectively...??

Have been finding no any effective result, in spite of studying long hours these days?? Well, spending many hours of studying is not necessarily productive, but it is possible to gain better marks by studying more effectively rather than for many long hours…!!

Here are few things that you can follow easily to study more effectively..

  Ø  Identify what is really needed :

 Study assignment titles carefully. Work out exactly what is required for assignments. This saves time  in re-writing assignments later. Time spent in preparation is well spent.

  Ø  Work strategically :

  Set yourself clear goals and work towards these.

  Ø  Make the material meaningful :

  Looking for 'the meaning' or how things work, rather than focusing on remembering information.  Work with the material, looking at how it fits together and applies to different circumstances. If you  develop your understanding of the subject, it will help you to take in future material more easily.  This makes reading easier. It also improves your memory for the subject.

  Ø  Look for links :

  Be active in searching out links between different aspects of the program. Look also for links between what you are learning and the wider world. This helps to develop understanding and  memory.

  Ø  Work with others :

  Work with other students so that you share ideas and gain mutual support. You may be able to share some research tasks and clarify your lecture notes. Studying with others makes study more interesting, as you gain a different set of perspectives.

  Ø  Set yourself SMART-F targets :

  Targets should be:

  strategic: they assist you to achieve your goals

  measurable: you can tell when you have completed them

  achievable: you are likely to succeed in meeting them

  realistic: they fit the circumstances

  time-bound: you have a set time to meet

  flexible: you can adapt them if the circumstances change.

  Ø  Look for shortcuts :

  Look for reasonable shortcuts that do not compromise your studies.                                    

  For example: avoid unnecessary tasks such as writing notes out neatly.

  Ø  Use abbreviations in your notes :

     Write assignments onto a computer if possible, rather than writing them out by hand and then  typing  them up. Focus your notes around themes and questions rather than making long notes that    you do  not really need.

  Ø  Take care of yourself :

    Take rests when you are tired. Study takes longer and the brain is less effective when you are tired or stressed. Plan your time so that you get breaks. A change of scene stimulates the brain and helps creative thinking.