Question

what are some of the best study techniques?

Answer 1

What helps me is annotating the life out of the handouts given. If the teacher was to give me a handout, I would be sure to underline vocabulary words I don't know and then pay close attention to how the teacher explains it.

For notes, I try to make sure I take the most important parts and simplify them. Like in math for example, we were going over polynomials, rational expressions, and ways to solve them. I simplified the explanation and then was sure to have an example the teacher worked out already. That way, when I review, I could read the simplified explanation AND would have reference on how to solve the problem.

When I took biology a few years ago, and I was studying parts of cells, I often drew each part individually by the name and explained the function easily. Color helps too, but if you don't have time for color, go back to it later during review.

Remember that every student is different. What would work for me, may not work for you. I am the creative type of thinker. I love art, so drawing and breaking things down to the core works for me better. Some people don't like drawing. Some people like rap music and would rap about the day's lesson to summarize the material. Find what works best for you and give it a try.

Here are a couple things you could try out:

Draw- What comes to mind when you hear a word, the word that matches the definition, something to symbolize the term, etc.

Color- Maybe have a different color for definitions, a different color for example, and a different color for maybe pictures.

Annotate- When you have a handout and you are still in class, take advantage. If there is something you don't understand, ask questions. Don't be shy. Teachers will often see that if a student asks questions, they are engaged with the lesson. They are more willing to work with a student who does their best to pay attention than one who constantly talks and doesn't care. Write down what the teacher says on the sides, back of the paper, anywhere that would make sense for you.

Simplify- Sometimes when teachers use big fancy words, we understand in the moment. But then time goes by after you attend other classes, deal with the day's drama, and stress. By the time you review the material, it is all gone. Explain the processes or term in a way you feel like it is SO simple, an idiot could look at it and get it. Make sure EVERYTHING is simplified.If you use a term while explaining, make sure you have it somewhere the definition of the word in simplest terms.

I am more of a loner when it comes to studying. But, I heard sometimes working in study groups gets things done. You could try that too.

Answer 2

@InExileWeTrust wow thank you for this detailed answer

Answer 3

No problem, anything else?