Study Tips!

Studying Tips For the Upcoming School Year

     Yes, it's that time of year again. When homework becomes apart of your afternoon routine and the taste of school lunches fill your mouth before dinner every night. This article is here to teach you how to handle the stress of tests and quizzes during what some may call "the most dreadful time of year".

No Electronic Distractions

     I love going on my phone and checking up on my favorite celebrities as much as the next teenager, but because electronics withhold so much of our attention, they're not the best to have around when studying. Although, if you like to hear music while you are studying and don't believe it will distract you, then go ahead and play music. Although, I prefer to play music on a break. My mom often tells me this phrase when she feels I'll forget about something, "Out of sight, out of mind". This phrase can apply to this tip because I think that it's best to keep your phone, computer or television out of sight when studying because if you're always distracted, you'll never study anything needed to pass your test. 

Make Studying Portable

     If you're obsessed with your phone and can't possibly put it down, then you're in luck because you're phone is a studying tool in and of itself. Applications or apps, such as Voice Memos, Notes, Microsoft Office Mobile and Docs are very helpful during studying. If you're a visual learner, then ask your teacher to send you the PowerPoint(s) from class earlier that day or week and use those to study. Chances are, your teacher used graphics in the PowerPoint that may come in handy. If you're also a visual learner, then typing is definitely for you. I frequently use my self entitled, "typing technique" when studying because not only does it help, but it occupies your hands during studying. I would first memorize the phrase or definition in which I needed to study for and then, I would type in the definition in the Notes app to make sure that I've fully memorized the definition(compare the typed definition to the one written on paper). The Microsoft Office Mobile and Docs app can be used to open up PowerPoints or Word documents emailed to you. They can also be used to try out my "typing technique". However, if you prefer to listen to something while studying, then why not listen to the sound of your own voice? This tool is quite helpful because if you're a music fanatic, then you always have a pair of earphones with you and can listen to the work you have to study for everywhere at anytime. The last studying tool that I have is...index cards! I wanted to include this tool because it never grows old and one of my favorite YouTubers, Bethany Mota mentioned it. Index cards are not only portable, but they're quite creative. On one side of the index card, you can draw an illustration and write the phrase or definition you need to memorize on the other.

Time Management

     MAKE TIME TO STUDY! My sister often tells me to plan myself out and now I'm going to lend that advice to you. I often plan out my after-school schedule mentally, but I also own a planner that helps me remember the specific time I want to complete certain tasks throughout the day. Planners do help, but if you're obsessed with your phone then, your Reminders app helps too because it takes the place of a physical planner and makes it mobile.

Access to Friends

     Having access to friends is very important. Don't just take my word for it, but take famous YouTuber, Bethany Mota for it(Check out her YouTube videos). When I hate studying by myself, I usually e-mail or Kik a friend to make quizzing exciting and a little less pressure filled. I would message a friend who's as serious about the test or quiz as you are because you still want to maintain a steady focus while studying because every grade counts toward your final grade of the semester. 

     Studying is important and does pay off in the long run when you see that huge A on your test or quiz and rewards from your parents in the future. Happy Studying!

To see Bethany Mota's tips, go to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8PhMzVcsP8&list=UUc6W7efUSkd9YYoxOnctlFg