A Guide to Efficient Study Habits
Although it’s not something that I’m proud of, I have vast experience in leaving studying for my exams until the last minute. I have a few tips to stop you doing the same. Positive mental attitude, or PMA, is the place to start. You need to relax and not stress out over the forthcoming exam. The worst that can happen is that you fail, this isn’t a national incident. Chill out and you’ll find studying a lot easier.
The worst thing that can happen is that you get an F, and from there the only way is up, so put things into perspective. Concentrate on your work at all times, try and take things in as you learn them, don’t just think you’ll catch up before the exam; you are putting yourself at a disadvantage from the outset if you do this.
So now that you’ve accepted the worst possible scenario, take a deep breathe and do your best. You can’t be condemned for failing if you have tried, and resolve to do better the next time.
In effect, you are really going to get up your classmates noses by getting really good grades and not doing the enormous amount of study time which they have to put in.
Now I’m going to tell you how I studied at the last minute and still achieved high grades. This method can deviate slightly depending upon the subject, but the theory is the same. You need to break down the subject matter into smaller chunks that are easier to absorb. Get into the underlying concepts of each small chunk and when you put the chunks together you will know the answers.
So effectively, you are only taking in a small amount at a time, so it stays there. Then before you know it, you have learnt all the key components and are ready for your exam.
You have added valuable layers of knowledge to what you had previously, so if you were expecting an F, you will more than likely now achieve at least a D.