A common struggle for high school students is finding efficient or consistent studying methods. Balancing extracurriculars with school work can often cause stress, and with final exams approaching at the end of the school year, it is important to be prepared by studying. Here are a few tips to help stay on track:
1. Environment
Ambiance is one of the most important factors when trying to study. Whether it is finding peace in the outdoors or coziness in a cafe, choosing an area with little distractions can increase concentration and productivity.
West Ranch sophomore Daniela Lesmana explained that “Noise, lighting, comfort or even scent can impact a person’s thought process. It could simply be finding a spot, lighting a candle or dimming the lights. When it comes to study environments, the opportunities are endless.”
2. Group study
Another method to enhance your studying abilities is to find the right people to work with. Not only can studying in groups enhance teamwork and communication, but it can also bring in new ideas from different perspectives to clarify understanding of the material.
West Ranch freshman Brianne Loyola illustrated how this strategy helped her: “Group studying works out for me because when my friend teaches me something, it sticks better than just reading it online, and you can recognize it easier if you just remember that your friend explained it to you.”
3. Blurting
The blurting method is a way of note-taking that can be effective in helping you learn and remember information. Lesmana described the steps of blurting, where “You read or watch a topic, then take a blank piece of paper and write down anything and everything you can remember. Since I am a visual learner, blurting is a great method for me because it allows me to see my mind laid out on paper.”
4. Plan a study schedule
Consider how much time you want to spend on each topic to prevent feeling overwhelmed, and try segmenting bigger subjects into smaller sections. Evaluate how long you want to spend studying each day, make sure to take breaks and prioritize sleep.
As Lesmana suggested, “Do not stress too much, give yourself plenty of time and find a method that works best for you! As long as you know what helps you the most and you stay calm, you will get it done.”
Overall, studying can seem overwhelming, but with practice and different strategies, students can utilize efficient methods that they find are the most helpful for them. Cats, as we face an influx of tests and finals towards the end of the year, it is important to stay motivated and keep working hard. So, good luck and end the year strong!
