Skip Studying Hard, Focus on Studying Smart! Here’s How to Do Smart Study!

Do you ever feel that your study habits aren’t up to par? Do you ever wonder what you could be doing to improve your performance in class and on exams? Many students realise that their high school study habits may not translate well to college. This is understandable given how different college is from high school. Professors are less involved personally, classrooms are larger, tests are more important, reading is more intense, and classes are much more difficult. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad person; it simply means you need to improve your study skills. Fortunately, many active, effective study tactics have been demonstrated to be helpful in college classes. Read this blog which provides you with tips on how to do smart study. 

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12+ Tips on How to Do Smart Study

Smart studying entails learning how to learn. This includes learning how to learn faster and more efficiently while remembering material for extended periods Here are some tips on how to do smart study:

1. Learn the same material in different ways

According to the research (Willis, J. 2008), different media stimulate distinct areas of the brain. The more brain areas that are active, the more likely you are to understand and retain the knowledge.

To understand more about a given issue, you could do the following:

• Examine the class notes
• Examine the textbook
• Watch a relevant video.
• Look for other internet resources.
• Make a mind map.
• Teach what you’ve learned to someone else.
• Practise issues from several sources.

2. Focus on Multiple Subjects Rather than One

Many students devote hours to a single subject, which is justified. You have numerous exams, and you should concentrate on a single subject. However, we frequently require clarification and end up confusing comparable topics and concepts. As a result, reading numerous subjects regularly is one of the best study ideas. For example, covering a little maths, history, physics, and chemistry every day is preferable to dedicating an entire day to maths, etc. You can take multiple items at once, which helps you avoid contradicting the information.

3. Periodic Review Is Better Than Cramming

You can’t afford to forget what you’ve already learnt, especially if you’re studying for a competitive exam like the IIT JEE or NEET. Remember that if we don’t review things regularly, they fade away. So, instead of cramming, undertake a periodic review if you want to remember studies for a longer period. It also aids in reinforcing concepts and dispelling any remaining concerns.

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4. Make Notes by Hand Instead of Typing 

If you’re wondering, “How to do Smart Study for Exams in Less Time?” this is the place to be. The greatest strategy is to make a habit of writing essential things down on a notepad after each reading session. According to research, handwritten notes are more likely to be processed in our brains than typed notes.

5. Read out Loud

While studying or revising, consider reading the important information out loud to stress your mind and train your mind to recall it faster. Several studies have demonstrated that reading any information aloud speeds up the processing of that knowledge because it combines both reading and listening.

6. Multitasking Isn’t Always Beneficial

You frequently try to multitask to complete tasks quickly, which might occasionally hinder your study. So, how can you learn more in less time? When you sit down to study, get into the zone and concentrate on one activity at a time. Avoid doing things like watching TV, surfing the internet, or gossiping with friends because they will divert your attention and cause you to lose track.

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7. Connect one piece of information to another

How do you learn quickly for exams? The best technique is to connect what you’re reading to something comparable you’ve already learnt. It will help you remember crucial information more simply, effectively, and for a longer period.

8. Recognise Your Weaknesses

Learning isn’t enough until you identify your areas for improvement and work to overcome them. The greatest idea is to put your preparations to the test. Test your knowledge by practising past year’s question papers or simulated examinations. It will assist you in resolving all of your troubles and improving your speed and accuracy.

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9. Study in Chunks

Students frequently engage in continuous study hours, especially when exams are approaching. When you stress your brain with regular study, it becomes fatigued and depleted. You recall nothing but feeling dizzy and worried. So, how do you study quickly and effectively? Allow yourself a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate between each hour of study. A 15- to 20-minute break is sufficient for focused study.

10. You, too, are Deserving of a Reward

When you begin a study session or establish a goal to finish a chapter in a certain amount of time, decide on a reward for yourself that you will deserve at the end of each goal or session. It will increase your motivation to complete your studies and enhance your morale to stay on track. It could be viewing your favourite movie, for example.

11. Learn Like a Teacher

Do you know how to study quickly while not forgetting? It’s best to communicate everything you’ve learnt to someone else. This allows you to recollect all of your lessons and overcome any concerns. It also aids in the retention of knowledge.

12. SQ3R (Survey, Questions, Read, Recite, and Review.)

This is an approach that can assist you in making the most of your curriculum. You must take the following five steps: 

• Pick up the book or syllabus and read through the chapters. Examine all of the pages in a chapter.
• Go straight to the questions. Before you begin learning any idea in the chapter, read through all of the questions once.
• Now is the time to read or study the chapter (follow the 20% Read and 80% Recite instructions).
• Close your book, ponder a question, and recite. (Use the 20% Read and 80% Recite guidelines.)
• Review or review the chapter (Use Spaced Repetition).

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13. Test Yourself

According to research, self-testing is the most effective strategy for improving academic achievement. Regular evaluations allow you to track your overall performance and understand where you are. 

Rather than just reading the notes, start quizzing yourself on what you’ve learnt. Conduct mini-assessments in which you record your readings without consulting your textbook. Contact your teacher for feedback and suggestions on how you might improve. 

Do you frequently put yourself to the test? If not, it’s time to start practising and see what happens!

Other Strategies on How to Do Smart Study

Here are a few pointers to help you study and learn more efficiently. Take a look at some other strategies on how to do smart study:

• Find your Mnemonics – Everyone has a different method for remembering information, such as combining the initial letter of a table or linking things to music. You must locate your mnemonics. 

• Concentrate on Concepts – Learning a chapter is only useful if you understand what it is about. Rather than cramming, invest significant effort in grasping the idea. Solve connected problems.

• Learn to Manage Time – Create a timeline and stick to it throughout the planning process. It will assist you in staying on track with your education and help in time management.

• Study in a Group – Studying in a group is also a fantastic way to have similar minds. You may resolve their concerns while simultaneously resolving your own. 

• Stay Hydrated – Studies show that dehydration reduces our brain’s overall processing power. So, drink more water or aim to drink at least seven glasses of water every day.

• Eat Healthy- Better eating habits lead to better physical and mental health. Incorporate a nutritious and protein-rich diet, such as eggs or Omega-3 fatty acids, into your daily routine.

• Sleep More – A productive study requires an active, fresh, and vibrant mind. Sleep for at least eight hours.

• Exercise – Studying smarter and faster will benefit from strong physical and mental health. Try to work out three times a week.

• Stop Procrastinating – Avoiding reading or putting it off until tomorrow is your worst adversary when it comes to effective study. Prepare your thoughts by studying regularly.

• You Can Do It – Maintaining a positive attitude during your preparation is critical to your success. Keep company with those who support you and stay away from folks who are negative.

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FAQs

If you’re wondering “how to learn fast for exams,” try incorporating some of these ideas into your everyday routine. These ideas can help you get the most out of your education, whether you’re studying for a Bachelor’s degree, MBA, or competitive examinations like JEE or NEET. This was all about how you can do smart study instead of studying day and night with no substantial results. For more interesting reads, subscribe to Study Abroad Experts.