Concentration strategies.

 

Practice some mental concentration strategies. 

Working on improving your concentration takes time and patience. After practicing some of these strategies, you'll probably begin to see improvement within days. Some concentration strategies include:

Be here now.

This simple and effective strategy helps bring back your wandering mind to the task at hand: When you become aware of the fact that your thoughts are no longer on your studies, say to yourself, “Be here now,” and try to reign in your wandering thoughts, and focus back on your study material.
For example, you're in class and your attention strays from the lecture to the fact that you're craving coffee and the last bagel at the café is probably gone by now. As you say to yourself, “Be here now,” you fix your attention back to the lecture, and keep it there for as long as you can.

Keep track of your mental wanderings.

Mark down every time you catch your mind drifting away from what you should be concentrating on. As you get better and better with bringing yourself back to the present task, the number of times you break concentration should be less and less.

Allow for some time to worry. 

Research has shown that when people put aside a designated time to worry and think about things that stress them out, people worry 35% less within four weeks.That proves that when you let yourself worry and think about things during a certain amount of time, you spend less time worrying and getting distracted when you should be concentrating on other things.
If you ever find yourself worrying about something while you're trying to focus and concentrate, remember that you have a special time to worry about things. You can even try the “be here now” method to bring yourself back to concentrating.
For example, give yourself a half hour before you start studying to worry about upcoming exams, your family, or whatever else is on your mind. Worry during this elected time so when you have to study, you can put all your attention and focus on doing that.

Set study goals. 

While the subjects you need to study might not be the most interesting topics, you can shift your perspective while studying to make concentrating easier. By setting goals for yourself, you change your studying experience from having to “get through,” the subject, to reaching check points and continually succeeding in progressing with your study session.
For example, instead of having the mentality of, “I have to study all of chapter 6 tonight,” set a goal for yourself with something like, “I will study sections 1-3 by 4:30, and then take a walking break.” That way, conquering a study session transforms from a large, daunting task, to a smaller, more achievable portions. This sectional break up of study time increasing your willingness to concentrate and reach your studying goal

Study with short breaks. 

Normally, studying for about an hour at a time and then taking a 5-10 minute break is the most effectual study schedule to maintain concentration on a given task. Taking a short break gives your mind time to relax, so it can be ready to stay productive and absorb information.
Move around. Get up and stretch after sitting for about an hour. You could do some yoga, push ups, or any other kind of physical activity to get your blood pumping. These short breaks in studying will make the time you spend studying more productive and attentive.

Maintaining concentration

 

Maintaining Concentration While Studying

Find an effective study method. 

Finding an effective study method that suits you can help you stay concentrated while studying. Again, every person studies differently, so you will have to experiment and find a method that works best for you to maintain focus. Essentially, the more ways you can experience and interact with what you're learning, the better your chances will be of staying on task and absorbing what you're reviewing. Sometimes, simply reviewing readings, notes, or quizzes can serve as an effective way to study, but some other study methods include:

Making notecards.

For vocabulary or academic terms, making notecards and flashcards and repeatedly reviewing them can help with memorizing words, terms, and concepts.

Drawing.

Some studying requires reviewing structures and diagrams. Copying those diagrams and structures, and drawing them yourself allows you to create and visualize what it is you're trying to study, therefore making it more memorable.

Creating an outline.

Creating an outline may help with mapping out bigger concepts including the smaller details. It can also help create visual sections and groupings of information that may help recalling details when exam time approaches.

Using elaborative interrogation.

Elaborative interrogation is basically producing an explanation for why something you're learning is true. It's like you coming up with a defensive reason for why a fact or statement is important. You could also use this method to talk about concepts out loud and make yourself more familiar with the material by justifying and explaining it's significance.

Be an active learner. 

When reading or listening to a lecture, try to engage with the material. This means instead of just being present with the material, challenge it and yourself. Ask questions about what is being lectured, connect the material to your real life, compare it with other information you have learned throughout your life and discuss and explain this new material to other people.
Actively participating with your studies makes the material more meaningful and able to hold your interest, which, in turn, makes concentrating on it easier.

Concentration

 

Concentrating is hard especially if it is a hard subject or a boring subject. While studying has never been the most exciting aspects of school, it doesn't have to be the drag that it is made out to be. With a sense of determination, and by implementing some effective study techniques, even the dullest subjects can be conquered with increased concentration during a study session.

Preparing to Concentrate While Studying

Find an appropriate study environment. 

Generally, it is a good idea to eliminate distractions as much as possible while studying, so you can concentrate on what's in front of you. You want to find a place that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for you.
Find a quiet area, such as a private room or a library. If you like fresh air, go outside to an area that is reasonably free of distractions, and somewhere you can still connect to Internet, if necessary.
Keep in mind that everyone has their own studying environment preferences. While some prefer to study in quiet, others thrive in a bustling environment that mimics white noise.
Always believe in yourself.
If you don't know your studying preferences, experiment in different areas, studying in a group or studying solo, studying with or without music, etc. Your ability to concentrate and be productive in different environments will reveal itself rather quickly.

Gather all of your studying materials. 

Your studying materials include things like notes, textbooks, study guides, papers, highlighters, or anything else you might need to concentrate and be productive while studying; this includes a snack like a granola bar or nuts, and a bottle of water.
All your materials should be within arm's reach so you don't disrupt yourself by going to retrieve your things when you're in the zone, studying.

Clear the study space. 

Clear away materials you don't need to study, and keep your space organized to reduce stress and allow for better concentration. Having any materials around you that don't directly contribute to your concentration only serve as potential distractions.
This includes throwing away food containers, paper garbage, and other miscellaneous items.

Unplug from unnecessary electronics.

 Turn off any electronics that you don't need, especially cell phones, music listening devices, and perhaps computers (provided you don't need a computer to study your material).
Your laptop or computer could serve as a huge source of distraction when you're trying to concentrate.

Stick to a routine. 

Arrange a schedule for study time, and keep with it. This allows you to build studying time into a habit, making you more likely to follow through on study plans. Be aware of your energy levels throughout the day. Are you more energetic (and therefore more able to concentrate) during the day or nighttime? It may help to study your harder subjects when you have the most energy.
Once you know the time of day that you're more energetic, you can make sure you study during those times, increasing your ability to focus and concentrate on your work.

Find a study partner. 

Sometimes reviewing material with someone else can help break up the monotony of studying, clarify confusing concepts by bouncing ideas off of someone else, and see things from a different perspective. This partner can help you keep on track with your studies, and concentrate on the task in front of you.
Some people may find study partners distracting. When looking for a study partner, try to find someone who is sensible and focused, maybe even more of an active student in class than you are. That way, you are always pushing yourself to stay matched with them.

Think of an incentive. 

Before you start studying, think of something that can serve as a reward for you successfully studying. For example, after reviewing your history notes for 1 hour, talk to your roommate about your day, make dinner, or watch your favorite upcoming television program incentive can motivate you to concentrate on studying for a specific amount of time, and then you reward yourself for your solid block of time concentrating on your work.
For bigger projects, develop a bigger incentive to reward yourself for your extra hard work.

Effective study step 2

It’s time to study until your heart’s content for those upcoming exams. You sit down and open up your textbook at chapter one and start reading, beginning to end. Does this sound like you?
Forget what you think you know and get stuck into these exam study hacks instead.

Find a study space

Where you study is really important, so if you don’t think you will get much done with your friends, then study by yourself.
At home, find somewhere without distractions. Not at the kitchen table while your family is making dinner or when your favourite Netflix show is on. Pick a space that is clean and tidy because cluttered spaces often lead to cluttered minds, and increase stress and anxiety. You don’t have to Marie Kondo your life right at this moment, but it would help to find a spot that is mess-free so you can concentrate.

Short study sessions

We all have a limit before our attention begins to wander, so study in shorter, more frequent bursts.
There is a method called the Pomodoro which might help. Pick a specific task you want to study in that one session. For example, Human Biology, week 11, the brain. Then start a timer for, say, 25 minutes, focus, and study as hard as you can without getting distracted. As soon as the timer goes off, stop and have a break. And make sure you have a break. Your brain will thank you.

Put music on

Music has an incredible impact on the brain. It reduces blood flow to the brain’s fear centre and increases dopamine, allowing you to de-stress, so get a good playlist together and chill out. However, if you’re someone who likes to study in complete silence, that’s fine too.

Explain the subject to someone

Explain the topic in your own words. You’ll notice where you don’t quite grasp concepts and if you have any points you need to clarify.

Deeply question your subject

It’s hard to remember fact after fact, so here are a few tips to connect the dots. Make your subject ‘real’ and apply it to real life scenarios or picture real people in the situation; try to find links between this topic and others; connect this particular topic with an underlying principle; or see where there are similarities and differences between concepts.

Create concept or mind maps

You scribbled away furiously during lectures, wrote every last thing down, and now have the most beautiful pages of notes. But do you actually recall everything on the page? Probably not.
Create a concept map with the information. Make a big circle in the middle of the page with the main topic, and then break it down into the different topics, headings, or parts. Then write the minor details under each.
You’re flying through your notes or chapter pages. But then you realise you don’t remember a thing you’ve just read. A better strategy is to stop after each topic, chapter or major point and test yourself. Don’t wait until the end.
Study the subject in different modalities
If your textbook or notes aren’t cutting it, see if there’s a YouTube lecture or a podcast episode that might explain it a little better. But make sure you don’t go down the rabbit hole and learn about things that aren’t relevant.

Speak out loud

You might feel a little ridiculous but speak out loud to yourself. Saying the words out loud might help you pay attention and absorb the message properly.

Draw diagrams and pictures

Yes, even if one has been provided for you. The act of drawing something with your own hand adds a different element to processing and understanding information.

Repetition

There are lots of different hacks here but what we recommend – above everything else – is repetition and frequency. The brain learns by repeating the same information over and over. This doesn’t mean memorising by rote, but it does mean revisiting information regularly.

Effective study

 

Study Effectively:  Secrets For Success

Being Properly Organized And Prepared For Tests And Exams Can Make All The Difference To School Performance. Effective Studying Starts With The Right Attitude—A Positive Outlook Can Shift Studying From A Punishment To An Opportunity To Learn.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when learning how to effectively study. Studying methods should be tailored to each student. Everyone has different abilities, so it is important to determine what works for you and what doesn’t. (Find out what type of learner you are and which study techniques will work best for you!)
For some students, studying and staying motivated comes easily — others may have to work a little bit harder.

The Most Effective Way To Study

Finding the best way to study is an ongoing process. It isn’t something that can be left to the night before the test. You should be constantly improving your study skills to better understand what works (and what doesn’t).
Learning how to study better helps avoid panic and frustration the next time a big test is coming up. After all, you are more likely to do well and be less stressed before a test when you have had time to properly review and practice the material!
Mastering effective study habits not only makes it easier to learn but will also help you get better grades in high school and post-secondary.

Get organized

Carry a homework planner at all times. Entering homework, projects, tests and assignments as soon as they are assigned will make sure they aren’t forgotten about.

Pay attention in class

It’s important to concentrate and avoid distractions when the teacher is speaking. Practice active listening by concentrating on what’s being said and taking notes in your own words. This will help make sure you hear (and understand) what is being taught in class.

Steer clear of distractions

Distractions are everywhere—from cell phones to social media to friends. Be aware of what distracts you in class and know how to steer clear of these distractions. Avoid sitting next to friends if you know they will distract you. Turning off your cell phone will also help make sure you are paying attention to your teacher.

Make sure notes are complete

Writing clear and complete notes in class will help you process the information you are learning. These notes will also become study notes that can be reviewed before a test. Talk to friends or the teacher if you have missed a class to ensure your notes are complete.

Ask questions if you don’t understand

Raise your hand and ask questions if you don’t understand something. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of everyone, write yourself a reminder to talk to the teacher after class.

Make a study schedule/plan

When making a study schedule, look at your planner and think about what needs to be accomplished. Think about the types of questions that will be on the test and the topics that will be covered so you know what you should focus on. Set specific goals for each study session, like how many topics you will cover by the end of the session.

Review notes from class every evening

After school, review and expand on the notes from class. Reviewing notes helps move material learned from short-term memory into long-term memory, which will help next time you have a big test.

Talk to teachers

Teachers are there to help you do your best. Talk to your teacher and ask for clarification or extra help if you need it before your test. Taking the initiative to ask for help goes a long way with teachers!

Designate a study area

The best study spot is one that is quiet, well-lit, and in a low-traffic area. Make sure there is a clear workspace to study and write on. Everyone’s needs are different, so it is important you find a spot that works for you.

Study in short bursts

For every 30 minutes you study, take a short 10-15 minute break to recharge. Short study sessions are more effective and help you make the most of your study time. Find out more about taking a study break that works.

Simplify study notes

Make studying less overwhelming by condensing notes from class. Underline or highlight key words. Create visual aids like charts, story webs, mind maps, or outlines to organize and simplify information and help you remember better.

Study with a group

Working with classmates encourages an interactive environment to keep you engaged. This gives you a chance to test your knowledge with others, quiz each other on the content, and help boost each other’s confidence.

Study Smart, Not Hard

Knowing how to study effectively is a skill that will benefit you for life. Developing effective study skills requires lots of time and patience. If you follow these tips you’ll be on your way to discovering which type of studying works best for you—so you can knock your next test out of the park!

Study techniques

 

1. Try a five-step approach:

 survey, question, read, recite, and review. This is called SQ3R or SQRR and is a study method that involves active reading which helps with comprehension and learning the material. The method gets you to preview the material and actively read so you are more prepared when you read a chapter or article.
Start with Survey, which means to glance through the chapter to look for tables, figures, headings, and any bold words.
Then Question by making each heading into a question.
Read the chapter while trying to answer the questions you made from the section headings.
Recite the answers to the questions verbally and any important information you remember from the chapter.
Review the chapter to make sure you include all the main ideas. Then think about why this is important.

2 .Use the THIEVES strategy. 

When you are beginning to study a new chapter, it will make the information it contains much more meaningful and easier to learn if you preview the chapter using THIEVES.
Start with the title. What does the title tell you about the section/article/chapter? What do you already know about the topic? What should you think about while reading? This will help you frame your reading.
Scan the "headings" and subheadings. What do these headings and subheadings tell you about what you will be reading? Turn each heading and subheading into a question to help guide your reading.
Move to the introduction. What does the introduction tell you about the reading?
Read the first sentence of every paragraph. These are generally topic sentences and help you think about what the paragraphs will be about.
Look at the visuals and vocabulary. This includes tables, graphs, and charts. More importantly, look at the bolded, italicized, and underlined words, words or paragraphs of a different color, and numerical lists.
Read the end of chapter questions. What concepts should you know by the time you finish reading the chapter? Keep these questions in mind as you read.
Look at the chapter summary to get a good idea of what the chapter is about before going on to read the chapter as a whole

3. Highlights important details. 

Use a highlighter or underline the most important points in the body of the text, so that you can spot them more easily when you review the material.Don't highlight everything - that defeats the purpose. Instead, only highlight the most important phrases and words It also helps to make notes in pencil in the margin in your own words to summarize or comment on important points.
You can also readjust these portions to quickly review the material you have learned while it is still fresh in your memory, and help the main points to sink in.
If the textbook belongs to the school, then you can use highlighted sticky notes or a regular sticky note beside the sentence or paragraph. Jot your notes on a sticky note and paste them beside the paragraph.
It's also a good way to periodically review in this manner to keep the main points of what you have already learned fresh in your mind if you need to remember a large amount of material for a longer period, like for a final examination, for a comprehensive exam in your major, for a graduate oral, or entry into a profession.

4.Summarize or outline the material. 

One good way to study is to write the material in your notes and the textbook in your own words. That way you can think about it in your terms instead of textbook language. Incorporate your summaries into your notes, if there is a connection. You can also outline. Organize it by main ideas and only the most important subpoints.
If you have enough privacy, it also helps to recite your summaries aloud to involve more senses. If you are an aural learner or learn better when verbalizing it, then this method could help you.
If you're having trouble summarizing the material so that it sticks in your head, try teaching it to someone else. Pretend you're teaching it to someone who doesn't know anything about the topic, or create a wikiHow page about it! For example, How to Memorize the Canadian Territories & Provinces was made as a study guide for an 8th-grade student.
When making summaries, use different colors. The brain remembers information more easily when it is associated with color.

5.Make flashcards. 

This is usually done with index cards. Place a question, term, or idea on one side of a flashcard and have the other side contain the answer. These are convenient because you can carry them around with you and study them when you are waiting for the bus, for class to start, or have a few down moments.
You can also download computer programs that cut down on space and the cost of index cards. You can also just use a regular piece of paper folded (vertically) in half. Put the questions on the side you can see when the paper is folded; unfold it to see the answers inside. Keep quizzing yourself until you get all the answers right reliably. Remember: "Repetition is the mother of skill."
You can also turn your notes into flashcards using the Cornell note-taking system, which involves grouping your notes around keywords that you can quiz yourself on later by covering the notes and trying to remember what you wrote based on seeing only the keyword.

6.Make associations. 

The most effective way to retain information is to tie it to existing information that's already lodged in your mind. Using memory techniques can help you remember difficult or large amounts of information.
Take advantage of your learning style. Think about what you have already learned and remember easily--song lyrics? choreography? pictures? Work that into your study habits. If you're having trouble memorizing a concept, write a catchy jingle about it (or write lyrics to the tune of your favorite song); choreograph a representative dance; draw a comic. The sillier and more outrageous, the better; most people tend to remember silly things more than they remember boring things.
Use mnemonics (memory aids). Rearrange the information in a sequence that's meaningful to you. For example, if one wants to remember the notes of the treble clef lines in music, remember the mnemonic Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge = E, G, B, D, F. It's much easier to remember a sentence than a series of random letters.You can also build a memory palace or Roman room to memorize lists like the thirteen original colonies in America in chronological order. If the list is short, link the items together using an image in your mind.
Organize the information with a mind map. The result of mapping should be a web-like structure of words and ideas that are somehow related in the writer's mind.
Use visualization skills. Construct a movie in your mind that illustrates the concept you're trying to remember, and play it several times over. Imagine every little detail. Use your senses--how does it smell? Look? Feel? Sound? Taste?

7.Break things into smaller parts. 

One way to study is to break things into smaller sections. This helps you learn the information bit by bit instead of trying to understand everything at once. You can group things by topic, keywords, or any other method that makes sense to you. The key is to lessen how much information you learn at one time so you can focus on learning that material before moving on.

8.Make a study sheet. 

Try to condense the information you will need into one sheet, or two if necessary. Bring it around with you and look at it whenever you have downtime during the days leading up to the test. Take your notes and the chapters and organize them into related topics and pull out the most important concepts.
If you type it up onto the computer, you can get a lot more control over your layout by changing font sizes, margin spaces, or bullet lists. This can help if you are a visual learner