1. Organize a study space that is reserved solely for studying.
Make sure the space is in a bright area with a comfortable chair to support your back and remove anything that can cause a distraction.
2. Study while there is still time.
Do not plan to study with only a few days to spare; the pressure that last minute studying will put on you is going to cause stress that could have been avoided.You do not need added stress to affect you mind while you study; start early.
3. Use past papers as a reference when studying.
This does not mean that the exams will be exactly the same, but these past papers can help you understand the structure of the exam as well as help you practice exam set questions.
4. Use visual aids or flash cards to prepare.
Visual aids use images to help with remembering your work while flash cards use key words or phrases to trigger the surfacing of information in the brain.
5. Explain your answers to others.
This will not only help you retain the information you are taking in, but it will allow you to assess yourself on whether you understand the material that you have been studying or if you need to go back to it.
6. Create Study Groups.
There are many benefits to studying in a group. The main one is that you will get to understand the material you are studying from different perspectives which broadens your knowledge pool. In addition, someone in your group may know something that you didn’t. Everyone is an asset in a productive study group.
7. Look after yourself.
Make sure you are eating healthy, you are always hydrated and that you get enough sleep. Slacking on either of these will affect not only your studying but your performance in the exam.
8. Make sure you revise on the work that you have done.
This helps keep track of what you have covered and how much you actually know. Revision is as important as studying and it is the extra step to make sure you sure prepared to write the exam.
9. Do not spend long hours with your nose in your books.
It is important to take regular breaks so that the brain can breathe for a bit before immersing yourself in your studies again. Studying excessively is counterproductive.
10. You know yourself better than anyone else, find a way to prepare that works for you.
Do not do everything in an effort to be effective, you have your way that brings out the best in you.
