It’s been proven that exercise can boost your memory and brain power.
Research conducted by Dr. Chuck Hillman of the University of Illinois provides
evidence that about 20 minutes exercise before an exam can improve performance.
2. Speak Out Loud Instead
of Simply Reading
Although this may make you look a little crazy, give it a go! You will
be surprised how much more you can remember when you’ve said it out loud.
Warning: Don’t try this in a crowded library!
3. Reward Yourself With A
Treat
There are many ways to integrate a reward system into your study habits.
4. Teach What You Have
Learned
The best way to test if you really understand something is to try to
teach it to someone else. If you can’t get anyone to listen to you explain the
Pythagorean Theorem, why not teach a class of stuffed animals!
The ability to make connections is not only an easier way to remember
information, but it’s the fuel of creativity and intelligence. Steve Jobs
famously said “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative
people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t
really do it, they just saw something”.
Mind Maps are an easy way to connect ideas by creating a visual overview
of different connections.
6. Draw Diagrams
Drawing diagrams will help you to visualise information which would be
hard to describe. This creates a visual memory in your mind which can be
recalled in an exam. You may even be asked to draw or label diagrams such as
the human heart in your exam so get practicing!
7. Watch a Documentary on
the Topic
Documentaries are an entertaining way of compacting an entire story into
a short timeframe. This will help you remember key details from a story plus
you may even get extra credit for mentioning that you took the initiative and
watched a film about the topic!
8. Create Flashcards for
Quick Memory Buzz
Quickly test your knowledge of key concepts, definitions, quotes and
formulas with flashcards.
When your brain is working, you need to take regular study breaks to
help your brain absorb more information but also to keep you motivated and
focused when you are working. Take a short break after 45-50 minutes study as
your focus and concentration will become impaired after this period, anything
new after 1 hour 30 minutes does not get assimilated.
10. Listen to the Correct
Type of Music
The correct types of music can lead to more productive studying by
elevating your mood.
11. Practice, Practice,
Practice…
Practicing sample answers to past exam questions can help train your
brain to retrieve information. Create realistic, exam-like condition and test
your knowledge.
12. Don’t Stay Up All Night
Before an Exam
Make sure to get adequate rest the nights leading up to your exams. When
you sleep, your brain assimilates the information you have learned when
studying so getting a good night’s sleep will help you remember those pesky
maths formulas you need for your exam!
13. Discover News Ways to
Learn
Trying new methods of studying can help you find what really works for
you. Use technology to your advantage by watching educational TED Talks or
downloading useful dictionary apps for example.
This may seem a bit random but spraying an unfamiliar scent while you’re
studying can help jog your memory when you spray it again just before an exam.
Chewing a strange kind of gum will work the same way.
15. Study in a Group
15. Study in a Group
Studying in a group can help you collect new insights to enhance your
learning experience.
16. Meditate
Studies say that meditation can help students stay focused when
studying. Not only will meditation help you concentrate when studying but it
will help reduce pre-exam stress as it improves both mental and physical
health.
17. Stay positive
Our final piece of advice for those of you sitting exams is to stay
positive. It’s amazing how a positive attitude can impact on your exam results
or motivate you to complete that assignment when all you want to do is go to
bed!