Learning to focus and optimizing your productivity when studying is essential for students, especially when it involves school-life or school-work balance. Retaining information (at least 90%) can be challenging for many students regardless of the program or industry they are enrolled in.
We’ve compiled some of the best tips to keep in mind for studying, starting with outlining a productivity map.
Visually Restructure What You Learned
Although reading the same content twice or more may help us memorize it, the possibility of forgetting or not understanding the information shortly after reviewing it remains a dilemma. One solution to boost retention is to create a mind map in the way you understand the information. A mind map is a visual representation of information where words or concepts are linked to a central subject. Since our brain remembers information through visuals and stories, this can help you retain information for a more extended period. Almost 65% of people are visual learners, with the other 40% being auditory or kinesthetic learners, according to a study published by inc.com. Placing the information in a visual form can increase your chances of retaining the information.
Take Mental Breaks
Can you perform any physical activity for long hours without taking a break? Nobody can. Your brain also requires breaks to re-energize so it can consume information adequately. If you are reading the same page twice or more and still can’t memorize the information, then you should give yourself a break of at least 10 minutes. Listen to music or take a nap, do something that refreshes your mind. Breaks help you rejuvenate your mind, improve your concentration, and increase your productivity. You can also use the Pomodoro technique, which blocks off time to keep you productive and sets the alarm every 20 minutes to take a 5-minute mental break.
Condition Yourself for Productivity Through Your Environment
Studying on your bed or in the area where you are used to playing games can be distracting. Find a place where you can concentrate while studying. If there is a place where you’re used to working or studying, then use that spot for studying. Your brain acknowledges the fact that this place is used only for studying or working. You may also opt to study on the deck or near the window if you feel focused when in-between natural surroundings.
Teach the Material You Have Studied
The best way of learning is to teach. When you explain the content in the simplest way possible, it helps you understand and memorize the subject better. This explanation helps your brain create a mental picture of the material that you have learned. Once you know the information, you won’t have difficulty remembering it. Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.”
While these are just a few tips to help you study, you can always discover new ways to retain information. Never give up. Stay motivated and keep trying. If you are still having troubles get a teacher or friend to help you.
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