Written by Aspengrove student Krescyn Moonsamy
Hello Everyone, my name is Krescyn Moonsamy, and I am in grade 11. Studying can be tiresome and confusing at times, and its importance in school makes it essential to comprehend; with that, here is a blog post surrounding some essential study tips.
Foremost, it is essential to have a good diet, activity, and sleep schedule during these study periods. Eating a balanced diet of proteins, carbs, and fats is vital to keeping energy levels high. Participation in sport/exercise is critical for effective studying. Increased blood flow to the brain coupled with a break allows for greater focus and superior studying, 1 hr per day is the minimum. Lastly and most importantly is sleep; your brain function can decrease up to 20% with insufficient sleep which is bound to lower your performance, thus 8hrs is recommended.
A frequently used and effective method of studying is the Pomodoro technique. The method includes 25 minutes of straight studying followed by a five-minute break. These are repeated as many times as necessary, and after four cycles, a 20-30 minute break is recommended. The technique improves focus and concentration, limits distractions, and increases overall efficiency. This technique, combined with a studying schedule, is fundamental during exams or times with multiple tests in quick succession. Relegating a certain time block to one subject can help all the necessary material be covered without having an unwanted imbalance in subject focus and continual review over a studying period.
Last-minute studying or cramming the night before does not serve you well for a test the following day, especially for those in the Diploma Program at Aspengrove School; knowledge is not retained for your final exams. Instead, it is recommended that you space out your studying for a test, a week or more if needed. This is with a 30-60 min commitment each day for studying, which helps to commit the material to long-term memory. A supplementary strategy is frequent knowledge tests. This application of knowledge mimics the tests and demonstrates your preparedness for the subject tests. It may further highlight areas that need to be revised and help visualize the possible format of questions. Quizlet is a great resource, and simply googling x topics quiz/tests/worksheet will often contain sufficient material to practice. Having a friend or parent test you may also be helpful.
The opportunity to explain complex topics aloud can help further your understanding of the topic. This is amplified with the use of diagrams and mind maps. Visualizing the information can improve your recall during a test as our brain better remembers interesting graphic information than plain written text. Likewise, handwritten notes often are superior to typed notes as the physical act of writing is better stored in your memory when written compared to typed. Re-writing prior notes when studying could vastly improve your recall/understanding.
A good diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule, the Pomodoro technique, a studying schedule, spaced-out studying, pre-testing, topic explanations, diagrams, and handwritten notes, will ensure that you will ace your exams. Best of luck!