I sometimes get asked “how do you remember all of that stuff” when talking about tests I’ve taken for computer certifications such as the Comptia A+, Network+ and a bunch of stuff I’ve learned throughout earning my BS and MBA. Honestly there is no one trick or tip that works for everything but there are some that will work for most things.
1.) Set time limits on your reading. I find that I can usually give about 100% for the first 30 minutes or so of reading and then I need a 10 to 15 minute break in order to retain the most amount of information. Last minute “cramming” this ain’t. You have to carefully schedule your study times based upon your retention and attention span. Me? I can take even the most dry topic for 30 minutes. If it is an interesting topic I MAY be able to stretch things to an hour so I try to be flexible.
2.) Do not schedule studying either early in the morning or late at night unless you are normally alert at that time. I don’t know why, but many people study around the edges of sleep time. This is not an effective way to remember things. Instead pick a time when you are usually at your most alert and do it then. Here’s a hint, if you are yawning, you may not be getting the most out of your time.
3.) Take notes. Summarize what you read in sections and paraphrase things. This forces you to comprehend what you’ve read and makes for a super handy last minute study guide.
4.) Stick to the curriculum provided by the instructor and set a schedule by it. If they tell you to read pages 10 – 90 then read 10 – 90. Sometimes you get tempted to flip through the book looking for something more interesting to look at. This isn’t a magazine, it’s a textbook and you need to focus upon what you should be learning, not reading ahead or behind looking for something more entertaining as this can be a severe time waster.
5.) Turn off the TV.
6.) Try not to answer the phone or do anything that can break a chain of thought.
7.) Study one subject at a time. Don’t flip back and forth between 2 subjects as this can get confusing, messy and eventually you’ll retain less of both subjects rather than if you study each independent and exclusive to one another. In other words, don’t flip between biology and algebra in the same study session if possible without a good long break in between after finishing on one or the other.
8.) Learn how to skim through a text for the important stuff while skipping the fluff. Sometimes chapter outlines and table of contents can help you in this. You’re doing well if you can look at the table of contents and be able to tell something about everything listed there without referencing your notes or the text.
9.) Take naps when you need them without oversleeping.
10.)Don’t wear pajamas or bedtime clothes when studying or lay in bed unless you can do so without causing your psyche to think it is bedtime and therefore diminish your attentiveness.
There, well I hope these help.