Have you been trying to study hard but to no avail? Sometimes, putting in the hours to study may not guarantee good results if you are not studying effectively, as we frequently encounter in our Sec 1 Science tuition classes. Don’t worry, effective studying doesn’t have to feel like a chore or take up sleepless nights. We have prepared a handy list of study hacks backed by science for you to leverage the full power of studying!
Listen to Music for Studying
Does studying get boring easily? You could make it more interesting by putting some songs on your playlist. In fact, certain types of music can help you focus better. You may be thinking of classical music at this point, but actually, your choice of music doesn’t have to be limited to strictly classical. Research on the “Blur Effect” discovered that students were able to concentrate better when they listened to music that they enjoyed, even if that music wasn’t classical. The most important aspect is for your music to have a rhythmic beat. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with listening to classical music if that’s what you like, but you can play anything to your preference. For best effects, play your music at a low enough volume that it is audible, but soft enough to still hold a conversation over – think café ambient music.
You can also use music to time your study sessions. For instance, you can make a playlist that lasts 30 minutes and give yourself a revision topic to finish before the music ends, serving to keep you on task and focused with the music. This technique meshes great with our next tip: rewarding yourself with a break.
Take Short, Regular Breaks
When you’re rushing to complete an assignment or studying for the test tomorrow, it may seem as if you have little time to do anything but mug for hours on end. However, many students end up neglecting their own wellbeing as a result. After working on one thing for too long, it can get difficult for the brain to concentrate on the task and your attention may wane. Set study timers to ensure you get frequent breaks in between your study or homework sessions. Breaks don’t have to be extremely long – just a few minutes to get up, stretch your limbs and walk around the room can be rejuvenating. In fact, we highly encourage our Sec 1 Science tuition students to incorporate breaks into their daily routines so that they can come back to their schoolwork with a more focused mind. On top of giving yourself a breather from studying, taking some break time also improves the blood circulation all around your body, including to your brain – giving you more mental power for a renewed study session ahead. Sometimes, what you really need to solve a problem is a well-deserved break for your mind to sort things out subconsciously.
Snack on Healthy Food
While you’re taking a break, the urge to munch on something can be overwhelming. But before you grab that bag of chips or open that soft drink can, consider snacking on some healthier alternatives instead. We always recommend walnuts to our Sec 2 Science tuition students. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support brain function, supercharging your brain for better study. Other types of food include flaxseed, spinach, cod fish and salmon, all of which have been shown to improve your cognitive abilities. You may be surprised – eating the right foods can even help to calm you down before an exam!
Find a Study Group
Studying with peers is a great way to make studying less monotonous and bring in a second or third perspective, which is one of the benefits of attending Sec 2 Science tuition. Besides, it’s also an excellent opportunity to help and receive help from your peers! If you need homework help, you can always ask your peers during study group. Or even if you don’t need any help in a subject, you can still benefit from study groups! By coaching a weaker peer, you can reinforce your own understanding of a topic more than you could just studying alone.
Be careful, though – while study groups can be a powerful tool, it is important to choose your study mates wisely. Some study friends may turn into a distraction especially if they are uncommitted to the task. The best scenario is to find people who are focused, willing to improve, and keen to work hard to achieve their goals. For bonus points, find buddies who are working on the same subjects as you! In this way, you will be able to discuss difficult questions and exchange ideas with them, instead of struggling to work it out alone.