How To Study Effectively And Fast

Last Updated on January 19, 2023

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How To Study Effectively And Fast

The main aspect of studying is not studying for a longer period of time but to study in a smarter way.

In that manner let’s glance through a few study tips on these effective speed reading study techniques and prepare for final exams.

how study fast effectively

Best Way to Study Fast and Effectively to Prepare for Final Exams:

The following mentioned are few tips to study faster and study skills on how to study quickly and effectively for exams

1. Approach variety of exam tips for studying the subject:

When any topic or subject is chosen, do not always limit yourself with just your textbooks or notes.

With the advancement in technology, there are various sources to view the same data.

Research has also proved that varied parts of the brain are stimulated by varied media (Willis, 2008).

When numerous areas of the brain are activated, the information is well understood and retained in the brain.

In order to cover up a particular topic, students can read the textbook and class notes, research for various online resources, creating a mind map and practicing problems from varied sources.

2. Developing productivity system:

In order to build new skills and develop good study habits for studying, the basic foundation system is necessary.

For the same adopting productivity system is mandatory. The student must develop habits where they are effective and consistent with note-taking.

The student also requires a clean and tidy desk for study and a system where they could save all their materials to be referenced.

This step is mandatory to make the student effective and efficient.

3. Studying varying subjects per day:

It is said to be effective to study more subjects per day rather than focusing on just one or two.

An example can be that if you have subjects such as physics, math, chemistry, biology and history, then each subject must be studied a bit every day.

This is one way to learn faster rather than focusing on one subject per day. The student has more chances to get confused if he studies the same subject for a longer period of time.

It is hence a good habit to allot time for each subject per day and study accordingly. By this way, the brain will also have more time to merge information.

4. Practice speed reading:

As a student, you need to read through a number of offline as well as online resources.

Keeping the time aspect in mind, the second tip to study fast and effective for exams is fast reading.

Speed reading helps improve comprehension along with fast and effective reading.

In order to read faster, pick the right material, the section you are about to read and keep your eyes moving quick and steady. By this way, your speed in reading is doubled.

5. Periodic review of subjects:

In order to move the data from short-term to long-term memory, it is important to review the studied subject in a periodic manner.

By this way, better grades can be obtained in exams. The first review must be done after the first day of learning, in the same manner, the 2nd review after three days of learning, 3rd after 7 days, and 4th review after 21 days of 3rd review, 5th review 30 days after 4th review, and so on. This way the information is clear and retained in the mind.

6. Working on paper:

Thinking and working on paper is quite effective and efficient. By this way, many things get off the mind and paves the way for creative thinking.

You can use special study methods and notions to highlight important aspects. You can also memorize condensed matter and learn by developing mind maps.

Instead of believing your computer or your mind, you can use paper and work on it for better and effective results.

7. Sitting in front of the class:

Remember to opt for the front seat when you sit in the class. Studies have revealed that (Rennels & Chaudhari, 1988) students who occupy the front bench, score more marks.

The average scores of students according to their seating arrangement is that front rows score 80%, middle row 71.6% and back rows score 68.1%.

The other advantages of sitting in the front row are that the board is clear and also the voice of the teacher is apt. It also helps in increasing concentration when the front row is considered.

8. Making use of Multisensory techniques:

The student must make sure of their preferred learning style and make their studying for exams effective.

The student must make out whether they are auditory learners, a visual learner or tactile learners.

As the student uses their preferred style, the brain would absorb the information promptly and in an effective manner. The learning style can be synced with other in order to make learning more effective.

An example is that visual and tactile learning tips and methods are combined by writing down things. In the same manner, when you read aloud it means combining visual and auditory learning styles.

9. Do not multitask:

Multitasking makes a person dumber, less creative and also sidetracked. There are studies also which has mentioned that students who are good at multitasking are perfect, but are average in their scores.

To be effective, the student should only focus on one aspect at a time. Hence, the student must not try multitasking like studying, watching TV , surfing net etc

10. Few tips to enhance concentration:

In order to concentrate on studies, the students should avoid and get rid of all distractions.

They can turn the mobile to airplane mode and keep it away; they can log out of all messaging apps, switch off the internet in the mobile, clear clutter from the study area, switch off TV, and concentrate only on studies for few hours.

11. Allowing brain to absorb:

There are students who have their own rhythm of studying. There are few students who are comfortable learning in the morning and few at night.

The students should find out which is best suited for them and enhance their learning ability.

By this way, your brain would absorb more aspects and also help you learn effectively. It is good to take breaks and do things that are completely varied.

12. Simplify information and then compress and memorize:

Making use of acronyms is one best way for effective and fast learning. A mnemonic device is the best way for studying and can be used wherever possible.

By this way, information can also be summarized where one can develop a mind map, comparison table, and diagram.

These are few tips for exams by which learning can be effective and fast.

13. Taking notes by hand rather than laptops:

There are a number of distractions when online services are used for taking notes. It is also mentioned that it isn’t effective at all.

By this way, learning would be less fruitful. Processing and reframing of sentences are done by students who take notes by hand.

Whereas ones who use the laptop just type the notes what the teacher has told without any processing of information.

14. Use flow charts and diagrams:

Visual aids are the best that can help you remember promptly and score in the exams. Write down everything you know on paper and highlight all mandatory points.

Later on near to exams condense the portion and make this as a visual drawing so that they are easy to remember.

When you have your notes in a brief format, you can recall things easily without hassles.

15. Choose the right study area:

The place to study must be conductive and concentrating, a place which has a lot of distractions is not the right place to study, and hence students must choose the right areas to study.

Students can opt for library, a silent coffee house, or a student lounge for studying. Search for a number of places on-campus and off-campus; do not just stick to one area.

Choosing the right place is important so that you study fast and in an effective manner.

16. Visualize:

Students should remember to visualize every concept they learn. Visualizing makes it easy to understand and remember.

Hence, students must have the habit of visualizing in order to grasp concepts quickly.

17. Practicing old exams:

Another effective and best study tips for exams is practice old question papers. By this way, the student understands and gets used to the pattern of the question paper.

Time management is also practiced by practicing old question papers and hence this can be a perfect way to prepare for exams.

18. Group study with friends:

This is a quick way to learn fast and also effective study skills as group study has number of benefits.

In a group study, friends share their knowledge and we also teach whatever we know. There are a number of questions raised and queries solved in a group discussion.

Any topic which isn’t covered by one student is taught by the other and in this way all topics are covered and doubts are cleared by one or the other. This is an effective and quick way to study for exams.

19. Test yourself often:

In order to enhance your academic performance, it is mandatory to self-test. Apart from reading your class textbooks and notes, it is also important to quiz yourself on the main concepts, theories, and equations.

Research and get a number of practice questions and work on them before attending exams.

20. Read main information loud:

Research and studies mention that when a student reads aloud it assists to learn fast and in an effective manner.

This is because when any information is read loud it is seen as well as heard well but when you read in a silent manner, then you can only see it.

The real fact is that not every single concept or notes can be read aloud. For the same purpose, the student must run through the book and underline the key concepts and data.

Then reach out to all the underlined data, equations, and concepts and read it aloud.

21. Taking study breaks:

In order to improve focus and enhance productivity, the student needs to take frequent study breaks. It is not advisable to sit for complete seven hours and learn for the exam at a stretch.

For every 40 minutes of study, a 5 to 10 minutes break is essential. Break times can refresh you and also avoid using phones or computers during breaks.

After a break, the student is rejuvenated and starts studying rapidly and effectively. Hence, breaks are mandatory.

22. Reward yourself after studying:

In order to enhance memory formation and learning, reward yourself after each session of your study.

You can stretch yourself, go for a short walk, listen to music, have healthy snacks, do exercise, play musical instruments, or also take a shower.

This is proved to be an effective way to study and also makes studying quickly.

Scientific Ways to Learn Faster:

Exam time is surely a hectic time for students. They not only will be nervous but the external pressure they get from their parents, teachers and others makes them even more distressed. Even if the students have done their preparation well, their fear at the time of exams is a common thing.

Dealing with it will be very helpful for them and can also have an effect on the final output. Having expectations on students is a normal thing but pushing them towards breaking their limits could turn to worse situations. Instead, they should be provided with great support and guidance so that they get relaxed mentally.

Also, the study system you set for yourself will also have a great role to play here. Listed below are few tips you need to follow which can help learn effectively and easily.

  1. Start studying a bit earlier
  2. Break down the topics into smaller portions
  3. Complete small portions at one go
  4. Do not stretch you study hours too long
  5. Take breaks in between
  6. Concentrate and focus on the core subject
  7. Take up easy subjects in between for a change
  8. Writing can help you memorize quickly
  9. Make the habit of taking notes
  10. Choose the help of online videos related to subject
  11. The visual study helps you a great way
  12. Revision is very important
  13. Have enough good sleep

how to study fast without forgetting

How to Learn Without Forgetting

Method1Planning for Success

  1. 1Approach studying in a positive manner. If you crack open the books while in a bad mood about having to study, you won’t have an effective study session. However, if you are motivated about what you are about to learn, you will have an easier time learning it and remembering it come test time.[1]
    • Don’t tell yourself, “I’m never going to learn this.”
    • Be patient with yourself as you try to master new material.2Create and stick to a good study schedule. Take the time to think about when you are most alert and able to concentrate. For some, this may be immediately after school. Others may be more productive if they take a break after school and relax a bit before opening the books. Regardless of when you choose to study, you will retain more information if you study a bit each day (for 30 to 60 minutes at a time) rather than cramming at the last minute.
    • Remember to incorporate breaks into your study schedule. Breaks give your brain a chance to absorb what you just studied.
    • During your break, it is helpful to take a short walk or get some fresh air to help clear your mind.
  2. 3Pick a good place to study. You need to find a quiet space free of distractions, such as a library or an isolated area of your house. By having an area devoted to studying, your brain will become used to calming down and absorbing material once you get there.
    • Keep a set of materials near your study space, such as books, paper, pens, highlighters, a calculator, and so on.
    • If you need a computer for your research or studies, you can utilize an app to block specific websites for a certain period of time. That way, you won’t be tempted to check social media accounts or news feeds when you should be studying instead.[2]
  3. 4Stay organized. Disorganized notes or a messy study room can be enemies to your memory. By creating order in your environment, you foster order in your mind, so you can better memorize facts and recall them later.[3]
  4. 5Get enough sleep. When you sleep, your brain converts facts from short-term memory to long-term memory. Even a short nap can help with this process.[4]
    • If you study in the afternoon and don’t have time for a nap then, review your notes or flashcards at night before going to bed.
    • Aim to get 9 hours of sleep each night, the optimal level for adolescents. The recommended sleep range for adults is between 7 and 9 hours.[5]

Method2Practicing Active Learning

  1. 1Read your materials out loud. Using multiple senses can help you retain more information, so even just saying the words out loud and then hearing them can be helpful. Don’t worry about looking foolish reading your biology notes to your dog. You’ll be happy if it helps you ace your next exam.[6]
    • If you’re in the library or somewhere else you can’t speak aloud, try mouthing the information.
  2. 2Discuss what you are learning or teach someone else. Similar to reading your notes out loud, talking about what you are learning can also help you retain the information better. You can either study with a friend and quiz each other, or you can try to teach the material to a parent or younger sibling.
    • Using your brain to figure out a way to teach the material to someone else causes you to think about the material more in-depth and analytically.
    • You will be able to figure out which materials you need to further study if you have a difficult time teaching the concept to someone else.
  3. 3Write out what you have to memorize. Putting pen to paper and either taking notes on what you’ve read or simply re-writing over and over a formula or concept you’re trying to master can really help.
    • It can also be helpful to write out an outline of the materials you are trying to learn. Just the process of organizing the materials in a visual manner can help your brain recall the information in an organized manner.
    • You can also write out flashcards with important facts, dates, or formulas on them. This is doubly helpful, since the act of writing will help you remember, and the flashcards are a portable tool you can review while riding on a bus or waiting for an appointment.
    • If you’re reading, summarize each paragraph in the margins. You are in effect teaching it to yourself when you summarize and analyze it.[7]
  4. 4Take a practice test. If you can locate a practice exam or one used in the past, this can be a good tool for figuring out what you have mastered and which topics you still need to study.
    • Once you finish the practice test, research the material you did not know and try another test again in a few days.
    • Remember not to limit your studies to only those items found on the practice exam. Odds are, your test will include all of the information you’ve been assigned to study, not just questions you found on a previous or practice test.

Method3Utilizing Memory Aids

  1. 1Master mnemonic devices. These are memory tools that help you recall things such as names, dates, and facts through turning that information into a memorable rhyme, word, or sentence. For instance, you can remember the names of the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior) by remembering the word HOMES. The first letter of the name of each lake is used to create that new word.[8]
    • Another example of a common mnemonic is the name “Roy G. Biv,” which correlates with the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.[9]
    • Be creative. Use the first letter of a group of words you’re trying to remember and make a silly sentence or phrase with words that start with the same letters.
  2. 2Create rhymes for what you are trying to remember. Rhymes are a type of mnemonic device that use audio (sound) information to help remember things. In other words, the rhymes are easily linked together for us by their sound. Think about this classic rhyme: “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
    • Try to organize the information or list of words you’re trying to remember into a rhyme.
  3. 3Develop a mind map. Mind maps are diagrams or pictures you can create to help you visually organize information. They help show relationships between pieces of information so you can better understand the connections between different concepts or groups of data. By better understanding how different ideas connect together, you can better remember them and recall them at test time.[10]
    • Place the main idea in the center of your mind map, and use connected branches to add related information.
    • You can create a mind map on paper, or there are computer tools to help you create them digitally.
  4. 4Chew gum while studying. Some researchers believe that the act of chewing gum actually allows more oxygen into your brain, which helps you concentrate better. Furthermore, if you chew a particular flavor of gum while studying, such as peppermint, you may be able to better remember information you studied if you also chew that gum during your test.
  5. 5Use your sense of smell. Smells are often associated with memories, so you can use this to help you remember what you’re studying.[11]
    • Try this experiment: smell a perfume or scent while studying. Then, smell the same scent right before your exam. You may be able to better recall the information you studied.

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