4 Ways to Study Better

Do you have difficulty cultivating good study habits? Don't worry: it happens to just about everyone! It's normal not to have the time and energy to review the material well, especially when you're alone. Luckily, just read and follow the practical tips in this article. The results will speak for themselves!

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Planning Your Day-to-Day Study Sessions

Step 1. Create a daily study routine for yourself

It's no use trying to study everything in a single day! It's best to distribute the content, starting with choosing the best possible time. Then decide which story you're going to review at a time, and start jotting down those appointments in a calendar or other accessible place.

• The ideal study time varies from person to person. You may be more productive in the morning, while a classmate is more focused right after class or before bed. Try until you get a positive result.
• Remember your other commitments when scheduling your study sessions. For example: let's say you play a sport every day after school. In that case, it might be worth studying for an hour at night, before going to sleep, and an hour in the morning, right before class.

Step 2. Alternate subjects so as not to tire the brain

Try not to study the same subject for too long, as you will get bored and have a much harder time assimilating the content in fact. It is better to set a maximum time for each subject and respect this window.

• For example, you can devote two hours on Monday afternoons to studying math and Portuguese. Set aside the first 45 minutes for math, take a 15-minute break, study Portuguese for the next 45 minutes, and rest for another 15 minutes. Finally, work out a list of exercises or review the content very quickly.
• Leave the story you like the most last. This will make the study session much more lively towards the end.

Step 3. Organize the material you are going to use

You need to manage your time well, as you probably have a lot to study. Organize all materials: notebook, handout, support texts, pen, pencil, eraser, highlighter, etc. Put everything in a specific place and within easy reach.

• For example: store pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, etc. in a purse in your backpack or in a pencil holder on your desk. Also, use different colored pens when taking notes.
• Save any digital files the teacher sends to the class in your Google Drive for easy access anywhere.
• You can make notes on perforated sheets, like those in a binder. If you prefer, keep these documents in a decorated accordion folder (or decorate everything to your liking).
• Keep notebooks, handouts and other reading materials next to your place of study.

Step 4. Organize the study space

Any table or desk with a minimum of space is enough for those who want to study. The important thing is that this environment is bright, organized and free from distractions. Once again, put everything you are going to use nearby: notebook, binder, handouts, pen, etc.

• You can adapt this space to your personal style. For example: a lot of people like to study in libraries and other public places.
• Study by listening to music. Build a playlist that helps your concentration. Try listening to instrumental songs, but you can also see if songs with vocals don't get in the way.

Step 5. Keep distractions away while you study

It will be much easier to study if there are no distractions around. Get the cooperation of those around you, turn off the television, put your cell phone on silent, and so on.

• Clean up the mess around you before you start studying for real.
• You can even download a productivity app or browser extension that blocks access to social media and other such pages while studying.

Step 6. Don't leave studying for exams at the last minute

Chances are you've had a few days (or even weeks) to prepare for the assessments! Therefore, plan to not have to review all the material running. It's much harder to memorize the content like that.

• A friend of yours might do well studying at the last minute, but you can't tell if he prepares in any other way. Don't try to imitate other people.
• Do something fun and relaxing the night before the race, like taking a relaxing bath or watching your favorite movie. You'll wake up much more motivated and willing the next morning.

Method 2 of 4: Reading Handouts and Notes

Step 1. Review your notes at the end of each school day

You will probably need to reread your notes a few times before you really understand. Therefore, take a few minutes each day to consult what you wrote in the classes you took. It doesn't have to take anything long.

Do this in your spare time, such as when you are at the bus stop, on the way home, or the like

Step 2. Focus on major concepts, not minor details

Anyone is overwhelmed when they need to study tons of information, but no one is forced to memorize what's in the notebook and handout cover to cover. It's much better to stick to the main points that teachers point out and then try to fit the details into them (but without getting bogged down in everything). For example:

• Start studying literature by becoming familiar with the main literary currents that the teacher mentions in class. Then, try to identify the characteristics of these currents in specific works and times.
• When studying math, focus on the logical explanation of formulas. Then proceed to apply these concepts to practical problems.
• To study history, you'd better pay more attention to the socio-historical factors that led to major conflicts and events. No need to cling to specific dates and people.

Step 3. Read most important information aloud

This exercise facilitates memorization and is handy on the most important parts of the content. Go to a quiet place where no one is around and read your notes or handout texts aloud.

The exercise is also for those parts of the content that raise questions

Step 4. Try to associate what you are learning with what you already know

Many students have a hard time making associations between what they learn in the classroom and real life, but it's not that complicated. Start thinking about connections between theory and practice and, over time, you will better memorize all the content. Reflect a little on the classes and see if you can. For example:

• You probably used math concepts to calculate the area of your bedroom walls when buying paint to paint the place!
• You can also associate characters from literary works you read with real-life people.

Step 5. Rewrite your notes with additional information to create a study guide

A good study guide serves as a basis for reviewing the content and makes it much easier to understand. Start by creating a blank document to enter your notes. Add more and more details to this file, including answers to exercises that are in the handouts.

• This tactic helps because it goes beyond the mere rereading of notebook notes and handouts. You need to read, think and write the process steps for each discipline.
• Many students prefer to make these study guides by hand. No problem! Use colored markers and think of a form of organization that suits your style.

Step 6. Watch video lessons if you have a lot of questions

You are not required to understand all parts of the story right away. The internet is there to be a great ally of every student! Watch video lessons, read tutorials, and so on. Just don't leave these last-minute appointments.

YouTube is full of interesting video lessons in Portuguese

Method 3 of 4: Optimizing Your Learning

Step 1. Make appointment cards with the most important information

You can use reference cards with virtually any discipline: to memorize specific Portuguese vocabularies, mathematical formulas, historical dates, scientific facts and processes, etc. Plus, you can do it all by hand or print from the internet. Test your knowledge!

• Even the process of making these consultation cards already counts, as you will have to write the information on each one.
• Download consultation card templates from the internet or create your own.

Step 2. Organize the information you are studying into a mind map

A good mind map helps any student create connections between different pieces of content. Start by drawing a circle with the name of the story inside. Then pull arrows from that central shape and make more circles around it, each with secondary (but relevant) information. Keep this up until you're done sifting through the details of the content.

Again, check out examples of mind maps on the internet or create your own template however you like

Step 3. Test your knowledge

Allow 15 to 20 minutes at the end of each study session to test what you have reviewed. Try running a drill or at least use the reference cards to see if the important concepts are well understood. This helps you see what is going well and what still needs improvement.

• If possible, ask a family member or friend to take this test with you. That person can use the query cards to ask for definitions of important concepts.
• Make simulations of the end of the handout or the internet and try to identify the points where you still have difficulty.
• Consult the resolution of the exercises if you don't get it right at all.

Step 4. Teach the content you learn to others

Explaining parts of a story to others is one of the best ways to consolidate knowledge. Give a "lesson" to a family member or friend every time you finish studying certain content. Ask if the person has any questions and try to resolve them all.

• Write down the questions that you can't answer and do some research to answer your own and the person's questions.
• You can also do this exercise with classmates and turn proofreading into a two-way street!

Step 5. Incorporate activities that fit your learning style into everyday life

First, find out what learning style you have. For example: visual learners can retain more information when they see it; auditory learners assimilate the content they hear; kinesthetic learners need some kind of movement; and so on. Determine which category you fit into and tailor your study sessions.

• Are you a visual learner? Start highlighting your notes with markers and highlighter, study from documentaries and slideshows, and even try to draw a mind map that represents your ideas.
• Are you an auditory learner? Try reciting your notes in the form of poetry or music, read them all aloud, or listen to audio versions of your handouts.
• Are you a kinesthetic learner? Try "acting out" using your notes as dialogue or listening to audio versions of the handouts as you walk around the house. Also, try playing with consultation cards and drawing mind maps while standing.

Step 6. Create a study group with classmates

Participating in study groups helps a lot, as members can share ideas and explain parts of the content to each other. Invite dedicated peers and make regular appointments at least once a week. Do your best not to miss these appointments.

• Consult your colleagues to find out what time each is available for group meetings. For example, you can arrange meetings for Tuesdays after school.
• You can also make appointments on Saturdays, especially if you are very busy on weekdays.
• Finally, consider the need to schedule more than one meeting per week!

Method 4 of 4: Seeking Motivation to Study

Step 1. Take a ten to 15 minute break every hour of review

Many people think they don't have time to stop when they're studying, but that's just bad for your health! You need to take a break and recharge your energy whenever you review the content.

• Try the Pomodoro technique if you can't concentrate for very long periods. For example: set the clock to wake up every 25 minutes and study non-stop; take a break of two or three minutes; then go back to studying - repeating this cycle until you complete it four times. At the end of the fourth cycle, close the books for the rest of the day or rest for 15 minutes and start another block.
• Do something to recharge your energy during these breaks, such as eating something light or taking a walk. Don't sink into the couch to watch TV or play video games!

Step 2. Be active during study breaks

Doing aerobic exercise improves circulation, which stimulates brain and memory function. Try going for a walk, doing some jumping jacks or even dancing during breaks.

Think of an exercise you really enjoy doing

Step 3. Eat healthy and energizing snacks

You will be much more motivated and focused if you eat something light while studying. The important thing is to choose something healthy. Place these products near your study materials or head to the kitchen during break time. See some interesting examples:

• Fruits.
• Almonds.
• Popcorn.
• Cereals.
• Carrots and hummus.
• Bitter chocolate.
• Greek yogurt.
• Apple slices and peanut butter.
• Grape.

Step 4. Sleep between eight and ten hours a night

Teenagers between 14 and 17 years old need to rest for at least eight hours a night. Otherwise, studying (and concentrating in general) is much more difficult. Nobody withholds information when exhausted!

People aged 18 and over need between seven and nine hours of rest per night, while children aged between six and 13 need nine to 11 hours

Expert Q&A

• What is the best time to study?

Try to dedicate the hours of the day when you are most willing to study. This varies from person to person, but is usually in the morning or early afternoon. For example, set the clock to wake up one hour before you have to go to class or work, or set aside time after lunch.

• How can I motivate myself to study?

Think about what is at stake and what you will achieve with your studies: a grade sufficient to pass the subject? A place at the university? This is also a great motivator.

• How can I improve my memory to study?

Many assessments require more reading skills and logical reasoning than memorization. In these cases, you can make simulations to familiarize yourself with the format. Depending on the situation, the best thing to do is train with exercise lists until the content takes hold.

Tips

• Be patient. It may take you a while to get used to your new study habits.
• Ask for help if you cannot understand the material at all.
• Reward your effort with studies! Chat with a friend, draw, play a little video game, read a book, etc.