1. Your mind-set must be focused
2. Your attention span must be maximized
3. Make Effective use of the library
4. Your study technique must be Definite
5. Work with a study group
1. Your Mind Set must be focused
This is a
critical determining factor in your struggle to successfully self-study,
understand and pass your tests and examinations. If you fail to make up your
mind to sit down and read, no one can help you do it. Your mind must be cleared
of every single issue that can bother you, by this I mean distracting personal
problems. Settle any matter that is capable of causing a breach of your
mind-set as you embark on your study. From financial matters to personal
relationships, health matters and so on. Get them resolved quickly and move on
with your studies.
2. Your Attention Span must be maximized
Not every
student can study for longer hours before getting tired. While some can, others
have short attention span. You must design your personal study program in
accordance with your attention span. If you are the type that lasts for a short
time before getting tired, arrange your study program to maximize your benefit
for the short period you will sit down to read. Divide your study time to enable you
cover different subjects or course topics adequately daily. If you can read for
long hours non-stop, arrange your study courses to take advantage of this study
method to cover most of your course topics daily while studying
.
3. Make Effective Use of the Library
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| Image Credit |
There is no
alternative to the use of the library when you need to study beyond your class
notes. Moreover, going to a well-stocked library to read provides opportunity
to use books written by diverse authors to your advantage.
Different authors
write books on the same subject and each author has topics that are thoroughly
explained very well for you than the other. Find such books and use them to get
clearer understanding of the topics. While using the library facility, build up
your notes so that during your cross-referencing and revision, the notes will
help you score high marks.
4. Your Study Technique must be Definite
When you sit
down to read, how do you go about it? Some students just begin to read without
a study plan. Your study plan should include number of subjects to cover in a
day. The subjects have to be broken down to topics and the topics must flow in
the direction of the complete syllabus or scheme of work for the term or
semester.
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| Study Topics Breakdown |
Write down the topics and subtopics you intend to cover while reading
and follow your list accordingly. There is something unique about this
technique if properly adhered to, it gradually builds your confidence as you go
on picking and covering topics. Just ensure that you tick every topic you cover
one by one. Don’t forget to read past questions on any of the topics covered,
to get an idea of what examiners may demand from you when the test is set.
5. Work with a study group
Working with
a study group helps students cover more work in their courses or subjects
within a short time. That’s because when the group members share their
knowledge, the individual differences and experiences in understanding the same
topics, it imparts positively on the other members of the group. It is good to
share the topics so that every group member can lead a discussion in a rotation
format. Sometimes students help each other to understand complex or difficult
topics in a simpler way. Just ensure that no member of the group is left behind.
Every member must be carried along so that all will be on the same page and
knowledge is imbibed equitably.