Who am I to give advice on studying? Do I heed my own advice? Would I be here in front of my computer if I did?

Regardless, maybe these things will work for you…

Apparently we can only focus for 2 hours. I however, seem to be able to focus for about 15 minutes on a good day.

An expert says to study for 1 hour straight – set an alarm for 55 mins, take a 5 minute break for water and the bathroom and then go back and study for another hour. At the end of the 2 hours, take an hour break. He suggests that when you are studying you delete ALL distractions. This means put away the computer and turn off the phone. Do not check emails. Do not answer the phone.

Here is what I have found kind of works for me. Earplugs!!! I am noise sensitive so I have to wear them or I get distracted.

This expert says it takes 15 mins for our brains to get fully immersed in a subject. For me, this is not true. I can hyper-focus, but only for short spurts and then my mind wanders. If I don’t do something else I sit in front of my study stuff and space out, not studying.

I have to study multiple subject because weekly I am tested on multiple subjects. Therefore I spend 15 mins to ½ an hour studying 1 thing, take a 10 minute break and then move on to the next subject. I have also found that what works for me is to add a project. Either artwork or collage – and this will work for any subject. Getting creative not only helps ideas stick, it makes studying a tiny bit more fun.

I used to promise myself treats when I completed something but this no longer seems to work for me.

And in the end, whatever it takes. I always say if they graded on procrastination I would get an A+++++++. And that is also a motivator for me, when it gets down to the last minutes or hours before a test, I cram. This is, apparently, not good. We don’t retain as much. I am told it’s best to rest before tests – even for a day or two. Ahhh, what luxury.

Here are some other facts:
1. we retain 5% of what we read
2. we retain 10% of what we hear
3. we retain 50% of what we discuss in a group

I recommend studying with 1 or 2 other people whenever possible. This not only makes studying a lot more fun but it really does help with retention.

Good luck to everyone!!! Group hug.