Some of the most brilliant people in class are those that have learnt how to study smart as opposed to studying hard. In order to pass your exams, you need not burry your head for hours on end just so as to get a certain concept. In fact the lesser time you spent studying smart the better. This requires that you look into studying in a holistic perspective where you look at all the aspects as one. You will have to establish an interconnection between the different facts that you are studying and learn how they are linked to one another and once you are able to do this then it means that you will have understood as opposed to cramming.
In order to study smart you have to avoid forcing the information into your head. Once you feel that you are using force then that is a signal that you are studying too hard. The information should flow readily and you need to understand what you are studying without any sort of pressure, so if you find that you are forcing the information then take a break for a couple of minutes or seek assistance.
The most important and yet challenging thing that you need to know and do on how to study smart is the ability to build up a mental picture of what it is that you are reading. Try as much as possible and use your imagination to bring to reality what you are reading and you can do this by reflecting on what it is that you are reading. Making use of metaphors is also a way to go since you will be able to simplify the information and the complex ideas will become easier to understand.
You need to test your understanding so that you are able to gauge what you have been able to learn from your study. There are very many ways that you can do this such as getting someone and explaining to them just exactly what you know, teaching another person what you have learnt or simply looking for practice exercises and testing your knowledge.
So as to know how to study smart, you will need to know how to use the time that you have available for study to the best of your ability. Adjust your learning such that even if you have less time to study you still do a lot. This only means that you will have to ensure that you are able to read, listen and take notes effectively including making sure that you are in an environment that is conducive for study. Make sure that you know what works for you and with the minimal time that you may have, you will be able to do quite a lot.
You need to learn the right time to study, meaning that you need to know when to study and when not to study. Study the times that you are feeling that you are feeling energetic so that you will be able to fully understand what you read. Once you are aware that you can study at certain times and not others then you will now be aware of the basics of how to study smart. You should also be able to determine the duration of one study session making sure that you leave room for rest. Smart readers know that it is wise to review notes immediately after lectures since the information is still fresh.
Reading effectively is as good as reading smartly so as you read ensure that you first pay attention to the introduction and the summary as you will get an overview of what you will read. Ask yourself questions as you read looking at clues and remembering to recall, recite and review what you are reading. Listening skills are also very important so you will need to have prior preparation before the lecture, write good notes while in the lecture making sure that you write the important notes first and never forget to review the notes on a regular basis.
Once you follow all the instructions above and practice regularly, then you will be on the road to understanding how to study smart and improve your grades.
Resources:
Middle Tennessee State University
