Finding it hard to study. Some help?
Discussion
Sorry, I know this doesn't technically fit in 'Jobs', but was hard pressed to find a better section.
Anyway, I'm currently trying to self study something, and am finding it hard. I lose concentration way too easily. Also, I'm worried that I'm not actually taking any of it in when I do read it.
So, my questions are:
1. What would you recommend to help me study? Any techniques, etc?
2. What's the best way to keep this new information actually in my brain? Writing it down, etc?
Anyway, I'm currently trying to self study something, and am finding it hard. I lose concentration way too easily. Also, I'm worried that I'm not actually taking any of it in when I do read it.
So, my questions are:
1. What would you recommend to help me study? Any techniques, etc?
2. What's the best way to keep this new information actually in my brain? Writing it down, etc?
Pulse said:
2. What's the best way to keep this new information actually in my brain? Writing it down, etc?
Writing it down is good, especially if you paraphrase, rather than just straight copy.What really nails the info to your brain is when you need to produce the info, repeated output is much better than repeated input. Getting someone to test you is the ideal
short blocks of study aid concentration. For my finals a few years back I studied 40mins on 20 mins off it takes discipline to do but is very effective, dont watch tv on break - go outside for a few minutes. I achieved a First class honours degree using this technique.
ETA: as others have said writing out and paraphrasing are good too, as are cue-cards.
ETA: as others have said writing out and paraphrasing are good too, as are cue-cards.
Edited by patmahe on Wednesday 7th May 12:31
patmahe said:
short blocks of study aid concentration. For my finals a few years back I studied 40mins on 20 mins off it takes discipline to do but is very effective, dont watch tv on break - go outside for a few minutes. I achieved a First class honours degree using this technique.
ETA: as others have said writing out and paraphrasing are good too, as are cue-cards.
Ok, I think I'll try the whole 'writing it out'. I've done this in the past, and it has worked fairly well.ETA: as others have said writing out and paraphrasing are good too, as are cue-cards.
Edited by patmahe on Wednesday 7th May 12:31
When I had to do my M.Sc I found I did way better as I went to the library. There is nothing to do BUT study, so 2 hours there focused is better than 4 hours at home (with a cheeky few pistonheads sessions
)
Just my 2p. You can then put that study time into a box and not have it affect your time off chilling at home, as the two can get blurred.
) Just my 2p. You can then put that study time into a box and not have it affect your time off chilling at home, as the two can get blurred.
It depends on you, your circumstances and maybe the type of subject.
A 'Good Study Guide' by Andrew Northledge (sp?) is useful.
It also depends on the structure of the course, whether you are tested by assignment or exam.
I preferred reading, adding post its to a page with a good quote or interesting point. They act as a book mark so if you flick through it is like revision.
I tried index cards, matrices and the like but they didn't work for me.
Choosing study intervals that suit you is good, think about duration, time of day, work/domestic factors etc.
What works for you, may not work for others. The hardest thing I found was just being disciplined. Good luck, Dave
A 'Good Study Guide' by Andrew Northledge (sp?) is useful.
It also depends on the structure of the course, whether you are tested by assignment or exam.
I preferred reading, adding post its to a page with a good quote or interesting point. They act as a book mark so if you flick through it is like revision.
I tried index cards, matrices and the like but they didn't work for me.
Choosing study intervals that suit you is good, think about duration, time of day, work/domestic factors etc.
What works for you, may not work for others. The hardest thing I found was just being disciplined. Good luck, Dave
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