Are you a student who has studied hard for your board exams but still feels disappointed with your results? Or a parent questioning your child’s efforts and ability to excel despite long study hours? Don’t worry—there’s nothing wrong with either of you. The key to success lies in adopting smart and effective study techniques.
Our team of school counselors and psychologists at Fortis Hospital has compiled a list of the most effective study strategies to help you ace your board exams with ease.
1. Create the Perfect Study Environment
- Study at your table: Avoid studying in bed to maintain focus and avoid drowsiness.
- Eliminate distractions: Stay away from TV and music while studying.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to keep your mind fresh.
2. Improve Your Focus and Attention Span
- Instrumental music exercise: Spend 15 minutes a day listening to instrumental music and focus on one instrument.
- The ‘e’ exercise: Practice striking out all the ‘e’s in a paragraph of a newspaper article to sharpen your attention.
3. Effective Study Methods
- Study in intervals: Work for 40-45 minutes at a stretch, followed by a 5-10 minute break.
- Avoid overload: Don’t tackle too many new topics or subjects in one day to prevent confusion.
- Skim read: Fast reading while focusing on key words helps with concentration and retention.
- Highlight important points: This makes them stand out as distinct visual memories.
- Create connections: Group related points together to form a single memory chunk.
- Use mnemonics: Employ flow charts and graphics to aid memory.
4. Take Breaks
- Relax with breathing exercises: Simple breathing exercises can help you relax and refocus.
- Step away from the study area: Avoid TV, reading, and computer use during breaks. Instead, opt for light snacks, music, or a walk.
5. Develop a Revision Routine
Memory retention declines significantly within the first 24 hours of studying. To combat this, follow a structured revision schedule:
- Day 1: Review the material
- Day 7: Review again
- Day 15: Another review session
- Day 30: Final review
Use a revision chart to track your progress.
Remember, during revisions, focus on reading your notes and highlighted sections.
6. Self-Evaluation
- Weekly self-tests: Time yourself and grade your performance.
- Track your progress: Put up a chart in your room and rate yourself on a scale of 0-5 for each subject.
By incorporating these smart study strategies into your routine, you can enhance your learning efficiency and boost your confidence. Good luck, and study smart!
