This is my first post so I decided to give you some scientifically proven study tips.

1. Preparation

a. Create a study schedule or timetable so as to spread your study and allocate specific hours to study and revise every week. For example, if you plan on studying 14 hours that would be two hours of study every day which can add up quickly as time goes on.

b. Have a clutter-free and noise-free environment, this will help in concentration and also help in eliminating distractions.

c. Gather your materials for studying like pencils and ruler, always ensure they are within reach.

d. Have a good night sleep, exercise and eat healthy.

2. Studying.

a. SQ3R: this is an effective way of studying your textbook and other materials. This stands for

Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.

Survey: skim through your textbook to prepare yourself for what you are studying, you should not spend more that ten minutes on this step. This should just be more or less like a glance.

Question: the most effective way of studying is formulating questions or answering the end of chapter question. Rather than making notes, form question either written or typed. This could also be used as a review document few days to your exam.

Read: this is the most important, you actually go over the textbook again but with an attempt to memorize. Try to look for all the answers to the questions.

Recite: this is recalling from memory tht you just read. This is where your brains start making connections.

Review: this can be done in two ways.

i. Immediately after studying: this is to see what was missing in the course of studying.

ii. After a period of time to see how much you can still remember.

b. Similar to (a) is PQ4R and it stands for Preview, Question,Read, Recite,Review, Repeat.

c. THIEVES. This stands for Title, Heading, Introduction, Every paragraph, Vocabulary, End of chapter question and Summary.

d. Spaced repetition. This is spacing out your study across a period of time.To try this technique, review your material in spaced intervals similar to the schedule below:

Day 1: Learn the material in class.

Day 2: Revisit and review.

Day 3: Revisit and review.

After one week: Revisit and review.

After two weeks: Revisit and review

e. Interleaved practice.(This would be on my next post.)

f. Feynman Technique.

The Feynman Technique is an efficient method of learning a concept quickly by explaining it in plain and simple terms. It’s based on the idea, “If you want to understand something well, try to explain it simply.”

g. Mindmaping.

Mind you this is not mindmaping from your study guide but from your brain. Try writing every branch in different colours.

3. Memorization

a. Leitner system.

The Leitner System is a learning technique based on flashcards. This can be practiced using five boxes or less as the case may be.

Every day — Box 1

Every two days — Box 2

Every four days — Box 3

Every nine days — Box 4

Every 14 days — Box 5.

4. Review

a. Quiz

b. Practice test.

This post is just a guide feel free to add yours or leave out any of the tips that doesn't work for you. Everyone is different.