How to Study Smart

"Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn" - Albert Einstein

It is a proven fact that there is no substitute for hard work and the power of perseverance greatly outweighs intellectual ability. However, mastering the art of studying smart can go a long way in helping your child achieve their learning outcome. This involves setting the right environment, taking care of your child’s physiological requirements, setting up a realistic and effective plan, and most importantly, executing on it.

Environmental

Having a tidy and organized environment greatly helps with the learning outcome. A quiet and well-lit room with the right temperature and without any item of distractions will help your child focus on the learning. Ideally, a room with the above characteristics that is strictly used for this specific activity will create a positive association with the learning outcome.

Physiological  

In order to achieve the desired learning outcome, it is important for your child is in prime physiological shape. This includes adequate sleep, well fed with balanced healthy diet and hydrated, physically in good shape through regular exercise and sporting activities. Lastly, we cannot ignore the importance of hygiene. Lack of hygiene can cause irritations and other distractions that can impact on focus.

Organization

Effective planning and organization of learning and other tasks are crucial to the learning outcomes through study smart. There are some proven study smart techniques that your child can explore for effective learning outcome. Some of these are as follows:

• Prioritize the learning tasks ahead of other activities as a fresh well-rested mind can absorb new concepts faster

• Create a credible plan that has a mix of subjects so that there is less monotony and boredom

• Study in focused 30 min blocks with 5 min breaks to maintain concentration repeat 4-5 times and then take a break longer than 30 mins. You can repeat the cycle if you have to cover more (Pomodoro technique)

• Make sure that you have dedicated focus and not multi-tasking

• Think about the task that you need to complete, rather than the outcome – if you complete the task well, your outcome will follow

Study Smart Strategy

• Concepts First Facts Later: Focus on Active Learning where your child is spending more time in understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. Active learning is important as it helps in longer retention

• Study Groups: If possible, participate in active Study Groups. Your child can benefit significantly by being a part of a study group. By actively participating in a study group, your child can improve their depth of understanding with their peers through discussions and questions.  It also makes your child accountable for making the effort to prepare before the group study

• Class Notes: It is important to take notes in class and then elaborate it soon after class. You can approach the teacher to clarify anything that you didn’t fully understand and update your notes

• Text Books: Follow the SQ3R approach, where:
  • Survey – Skim through the chapter to frame questions on the subject areas that you would seek answers for when you read it in details
  • Questions – Frame the questions
  • Read – Read the chapter to find the answers to the questions you have framed in your survey
  • Recite – Recite the concepts in the chapter in your own words
  • Review – Review the chapter to see if you have missed any of the key concepts in your recitation

Tip: Spend 20% time reading and 80% time reciting

• Mnemonics: Use Acronyms, Coin Sayings, Images/Locations to facilitate recall of facts/learnings

• Practice Tests: Spend double the time doing practice exercises/tests than learning and repeat practice tests after rectifying mistakes

In conclusion, we can maximise our children's learning outcomes by helping them study smart by providing them a conducive environment and nurturing their health and spirits.

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Here is a very useful link:
•Marty Lobdell - Study Less Study Smart