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8 foolproof ways to study better
1 Say no to cramming
Study in intervals. Studying in 20- to 50-minute periods, and giving yourself five to 10 minutes in between, is more beneficial than cramming. Distributing learning over time typically benefits long-term retention more than a short period.
2 Say yes to cardio
Science says that just 20 minutes of cardio can improve your memory. Whether you’re dancing, jogging or busting a sweat by walking, exercise will increase your energy level and reduce the effects of stress. Very important.
3 Eat superfoods / antioxidants
Everybody knows that you should eat breakfast on the day of a big test. Research suggests that high-carb, high-fibre, slow-digesting foods such as oatmeal are best (oatmeal is more fulfilling than cereal). But what you eat a week in advance matters, too.
When university students were tested on attention and thinking speed – then fed a five-day high-fat, low-carb diet heavy with meat, eggs, cheese and cream – and tested again, their performance declined. The students who ate a balanced diet that included fruit and vegetables, however, held steady. When you study, your brain consumes glucose, so take a five-minute break every 50 minutes to let your body produce more fuel for your studying. Eating a healthy snack is beneficial and can make a significant difference. Almonds, fruit and yogurt are good choices.
4 Alternate study spots
Shake up your routine. Spending all night in the library can be draining. Simply alternating the room where you study improves retention.
In an experiment, psychologists found that students who studied a list of 40 vocabulary words in two different rooms – one windowless and cluttered, the other modern, with an outside view – did far better on a test than students who studied the words twice, in the same room. Why? Supposedly, the brain makes subtle associations between what it is studying and the background sensations it has at the time.
Try alternating your study spots between the library, a study room and a quiet coffee house.
5 Improve time management
Cramming causes anxiety, which lowers your ability to retain information. By creating a balanced study plan and schedule, you will be able to study each subject in its entirety and, ultimately, boost your test performance.
6 Avoid the all-nighter
Almost every student pulls an all-nighter, but it is a bad idea. All-nighters impair reasoning and memory for as long as four days. As a result, you will receive lower grades. But that’s not all. Waking up earlier than expected is bad too. In short, get a good night’s sleep and expect to perform better on tests. (Quick tip: Review the toughest material at the end of your study session. It makes it easier to recall the material the next day.)
7 Minimise distractions
Research shows that while many teens prefer to study while listening to loud music, texting friends or watching television, they are less likely to retain information that way. If you must listen to music, stick to instrumental music and consider downloading study tools to keep you focused.
8 Maximise practice-testing
You may have thought highlighting, rereading and summation would be effective ways to study. Think again. A 2013 study found that these techniques do not consistently boost students’ performance. Practice-testing
through the use of flash cards or taking practice exams was observed to be a highly effective study technique. – Compiled by Yvonne Grimbeek
