Christian Said:

How can I study effectively for a test?

We Answered:

When I was in school, I always sucked on a mint while I studied. Then when I took the test, I sucked on the same flavor mint. There have been studies about it improving the brain's ability to recall information, and it has worked for me. Also I think that if you study somewhere like a library or kitchen table (somewhere that is similar to where you will be testing) it puts you in the "testing mentality" which should also help when you are taking the test. Of course, just because it worked for me doesn't mean it will work for you. Everyone has their own way, and maybe you just haven't found yours yet.

Craig Said:

How to study effectively in a place where there is lots of noise all around?

We Answered:

What grade are you in? If your old enough you could go to a library or someone slse's house. You could get ear plugs or listen to classical music with headphones. For most people studying with noise is very hard. Just try to concentrate.

Lucy Said:

Does anybody know of steps on how to study effectively?

We Answered:

Hi Carolyn Remillard,
My simple tips:
1. Pay attention in class.
2. Take good notes.
3. Plan ahead for tests and projects.
I recommend this book for you 10 Steps To Academic Success 6th - 12th Grade Edition: How To Study
Without Wasting Time. This book is a great resource for students trying
to improve their study habits and techniques. These 10 easy steps not only
help students improve their grades and test scores, they also create a
formula for success in life. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1438247…

John Said:

How do you study effectively? Share your study habits. I am going to Grad School next year and am curious...?

We Answered:

As we say in the biz, "spaced practice is better than massed practice". That means that it's more effective to study often for short periods (e.g., an hour or so) than to study once for a long period of time. The reason is to avoid fatigue and to let your brain process what you've learned. It will also give you time to follow up on things that may not be clear, before moving forward with the rest of the material.

The best time to study is immediately after a class. Ideally, you can record the lectures, then as soon as possible listen to them again while going over your notes. Write down any questions you have and send them to the prof or post on the course bulletin board as soon as possible. Always go to your profs' office hours, and the TAs as well, and ask lots of questions.

Another good study habit is to use multiple methods to study the same material. Some people like to study alone, some in groups, but it's actually best to do both. In grad school you'll be surrounded by other students who are as focused as you on the same subjects, so it will be easy to find a few smart ones to form a study group. Keep it small (3 or 4 max). You can study alone, then with the group, then alone again. Secure additional reading material on the same subject, as well as visual, auditory, or experiential material. There's a ton of info on the web of course, which can be a blessing and a curse. Show your additional info to your prof to make sure that you're staying focused and not taken astray by material that is interesting but irrelevant to the class.

They say that if you fully understand something you should be able to explain it to a 12-year-old. If you have a 12-year-old at your disposal, that's great. Otherwise you can tutor others on the material. Depending on your school, there may be many or few opportunities for this. Some schools have mixed grad/advanced undergrad classes, so you can tutor the undergrads, or you can tutor students taking an undergrad version of the same class. You always learn material better when you're learning it to teach it to others, as opposed to learning it to take an exam. Plus you can make a buck... ;-)

Finally, you'll probably have to turn the iPod off. It sounds like you've got some study habits that you're comfortable with, and you got into grad school so they must work well, but all the studies going back decades show that we can't pay attention to two things at the same time. Instead, we shift our attention rapidly between our study material and the music. If it's music that you're relatively uninterested in and perhaps without lyrics, it may be preferential to drown out other distractions in the library. But if it's songs you like esp. with lyrics, you're better off without it. Sorry!

Tiffany Said:

What is the best way to study effectively for an exam in a couple of days...?

We Answered:

You can put the picture of failing in your mind to motivate you. Life isn't about doing what you want, but sacrificing to get things done. Different study techniques can help depending on the subject. You can put flash card together to help with memorization. If you are having a brain freeze from sitting in the same room at the same table, I would suggest taking you and your books on a road trip. Try hitting the library, a coffee shop or even a park. You might find the change of scenery more inspiring than where you are at the moment!

Audrey Said:

How do you study effectively for the AP European History Exam?

We Answered:

barrons is good, brief but covers alot. make sure to read chapters throughly!!!