I was talking to a friend of mine while we made our way to world history class. I had asked her if she had studied for the unit test that was assigned for that day. She had told me that she hadn’t. She even laughed, like the idea of studying was ridiculous. I wasn’t surprised. I’m more surprised when people say that they do. Why don’t students study?
I have asked this question before, and every time my friends say that they’re unprepared and that they hope they at least get a passing score. Maybe it’s a lack of energy or effort, maybe the student is too busy with sports and friends that they aren’t able to study, or maybe the student doesn’t know how to study. As an advocate for studying and knowledge in general, I believe that studying is something that every student should have some time in their day to do.
To build knowledge and understanding of a subject area and help prepare students for an upcoming test, they should obviously take the time to study and to memorize the topics being taught. One of the most significant aspects of studying is that it helps you develop problem-solving abilities. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, being able to solve problems effectively is a valuable skill. By studying and working through difficult problems, you will be able to develop this skill. Learning study skills will not only help through your years in high school and college, they will also help you succeed in life. Good study skills can increase your confidence, competence, and self-esteem. They can also reduce anxiety about tests and deadlines.
But the big question is: how do you study?
I’ll give a list of tips on studying and advice that can help students to memorize the subjects and mathematical formulas.
My first tip is to create flash cards. There are multiple digital resources available for all students to create flash cards. I have used Quizlet way too many times to study history or French notes and vocabulary. Flash cards provide an easy way to familiarize yourself with the key components and pieces of information about any subject.
My second tip to study is to test yourself or have someone quiz you on the questions on your study guide provided by your teacher. This is an old studying method, but it never fails to help you memorize the significant concepts of any subject.
Tip number three would be to listen to music while studying. According to professors at National University, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory.” Listening to music can improve focus on a task by providing motivation and improving the student’s mood. During long study sessions, music can aid endurance. In some cases, students have found that music helps them with memorization, likely by creating a positive mood, which indirectly boosts memory formation.
My last tip is to put effort into your studies. Ambition is something a lot of students lack. A strong desire to achieve academic success is a quality that students need more of in this day and age. I hope this motivates you to try to take a couple of minutes of your day to review your notes before your test, especially with finals arriving this month. Good luck to all students!
