Study Methods

What to Study
There are two aspects to be considered. Homework and Study:
Homework:
1. Set by teachers
2. Generally connected with current work
3. Set fairly regularly
Study:
1. Set by self
2. Generally connected with previous work or working ahead
3. Only regular if student makes it
Homework set by teachers should be completed first.
When planning study time try to give equal time to each subject. However, if you
are behind in one or two subjects spend extra time on them. Keep a study topic
list and as each subject is learned tick it off. You then have a record of progress
in each subject.
Where to Study
Select a quiet place where there are few distractions. Some noise may not be
harmful, like from soft music. You need a desk table and a straight chair which
should be a comfortable height. A good supply of fresh air is necessary to keep
you awake. In cold weather beware of the heater which puts you to sleep. Good
even light is essential, glare or dim light can cause eye strain. If possible place
your desk against two bare walls.
When to Study
There is no best time to study. Choice of the time depends on individual
preferences. Some people prefer to study early in the morning, others at night
after dinner. However, it is advisable to allocate a set number of hours per day to
study and complete homework, and keep to the time allocated. Should you have
to o out one night, then make up the time. Some people find it useful to work out
a study timetable where the subjects to be studied are set out in half hourly
periods each night.
GENERAL RULES FOR ORGANISING A TIMETABLE
1. Avoid following the subject of one subject by another which is similar. Thus
follow English with Maths or Science
2. Study periods should be in Half-hourly periods. After each sessions have a
break of 3-5 minutes
3. Try to give each subject two half hours study periods in each week, in
which you learn new work and revise
4. In each sessions, spend some time learning work and sometime testing
yourself on it
5. If possible, complete difficult tasks early and leave things you enjoy till
later
6. Space revision for exams over a period of time. Avoid cramming
HOW TO STUDY
1. Have a clear idea of what you want to learn before you start
2. A good plan is to write down one or two questions to which your studying
must supply the answers
3. Aim to cover a number of exercises or a particular topic in the time
allocated
4. Work under pressure to complete the work in the available time
5. The most important principle of learning is ACTIVITY, but kind of activity
varies with the subject. Math is best revised by practising examples, social
studies lends itself to summarising, maps, diagrams
6. However, first the pupil must understand the material. It has been
scientifically proved that meaningful material is remembered better than
that which is not understood
WAYS OF LEARNING
1. This method is suitable for courses where there is not a great deal
of reading to be done as it involves a good deal of time
a. Skim through the material to be learnt, noting such things as
headings, questions, and topic sentences
b. Read it again, one section or paragraph at a time. Study hard
sentences until you understand, look up strange words, study maps
or graphs. Think about why some ideas are important
c. If the teacher has given questions, read with these in mind. If not,
plan your own questions as you read and write them on the left
page of a notebook. After reading each section thoroughly, close the
text and write the answers to the questions
d. After you finish the answers to one section, refer to your book and
correct any errors and add any points left out. Then go on to the
next section and complete these steps
e. After each section is over, close your books, cover the answers and
test yourself again on the questions or ask someone else to test you
2. This method is quicker than above and suitable for courses with a
lot of reading
a. Read through the chapter or class notes very quickly noting main
points only, topic sentences and section headings
b. Start at the beginning again, still reading fairly rapidly but more
deeply. Jot down important words or phrases but not sentences
c. Close the book and from your notes write a brief summary of the
chapter or topic
d. Reopen your book and check your summary with the original,
adding or correcting if necessary
e. Keep the summary for quick revision before exams
3. General method
a. Read the material
b. Use some appropriate material to reinforce it e.g. draw a map, say
the material out loud, make notes from it, or summarise
c. Actively test yourself by writing your notes from memory, drawing
the map from memory and then check your accuracy
GENERAL HINTS
 1. Overlearn formulas, language verbs etc. Dont stop when you can just
barely get it right
2. Use 3 and 4 ways of learning eyes, ears, mouth and writing over. You may
find a tape recorder useful for this
3. Revise work as soon as possible because
a. 50% of core thoughts are lost in first two hours after reading
b. Some subjects like math and language have steps to further
learning
4. Practise examples in Maths and Science
5. Spaced learning is more effective than massed, a short time each night on
a subject is better than one massed session per week
6. Beware of what is called retroactive inhibition, the learning on one
subject may interfere with material previously learned, and this can be
avoided by arranging your study sessions so that they are followed by
material which unlike that of the sessions before and after. If this is not
possible, the break between sessions becomes even more important
Remember that learning is a skill, as skill which can be practised and improved.
Try to have a positive attitude to your work, organise yourself to make the best
possible use of your time. If you have personal problems which are interfering
with your study, then deal with them as effectively as possible and then try to
put them out of your mind. If you need help with your work or your study
methods then seek it as early as possible, dont wait until the week before the
exams. Set realistic goals and discipline yourself to achieve them.