A student must set a solid foundation before engaging in productive studying from home. One needs to understand the importance of preparation, the right mindset, good organizational skills, and many more components that contribute to successful and efficient learning. These are the first steps to properly organize their learning processes.
Set realistic goals
Every student should start their study sessions by setting clear and realistic goals. Such a practice will reduce students’ pressure or stress when doing homework. Young people should know what they are trying to achieve at each homework session or exam revision. Such goals should include the amount of time they can spend on each subject, where their priorities lie, how many pages or class notes they should complete in one session, etc.
These goals will then determine the progress and success of each study session. Hence, a student will also have a sense of completion, which boosts their confidence.
Create a study schedule
Students benefit from studying on a schedule. It means that a student has to be busy with homework at the same hours every day. Such a routine helps students minimize procrastination and delays. In some time, such studying will also turn into a habit. Hence, students will find it easier to sit at their desks and get to their studies right away.
In addition, a schedule allows young people to track their progress, avoid falling behind, and prepare for big deadlines and exams without pushing it till the last minute. Of course, young people can always count on ScamFighter to help them choose writing help in case of an emergency. Yet, in other cases, they should be able to control study progress with a simple schedule and a well-established routine.
Minimize distractions
Students should study in a distraction-free zone. Of course, such a rule also includes their smartphones and other gadgets. So, one should create a productive, peaceful, and encouraging environment when studying. Otherwise, students are doing themselves a disservice. Any outside noises, phone notifications, searches for materials and necessary equipment, etc., will disrupt your workflow and disturb the pace and quality of studying.
Thus, one should take care of their environment before starting a session. Make sure you have everything you need in your workspace. Mute your phone notifications or use a blocking app to blacklist any unhelpful site. Get yourself water and some snacks, and be ready to start.
Have personal workspace
Students often study from various locations, from different places in their houses to cafes, campus halls, libraries, etc. Although there are certain benefits in diversifying a study routine (which helps our brain’s memory functions), having a single study place is crucial for a long-term study routine. So, create a personal workspace in your home. Make it a quiet place with lots of light. Keep everything you need there, and avoid using the space for reasons other than productive work.
Set a timer
Study in short sessions with frequent breaks. Such an approach helps students maintain concentration for longer periods. Overall, our brains can work without rest for long. Even before getting overwhelmed with new information, they will probably get bored first. Our brains love challenges, engagement, and diversity. Hence, they don’t do well without frequent changes in activity. That’s why classes also have long breaks between them.
So, set a timer whenever you study at home. Consider doing 25 minutes of learning with 5-minute breaks in between. It is called the Pomodoro Technique, and it exists for a reason.
A timer does several things for you. First, it keeps you motivated and aware of the time. You try to do more in the short study session than if you didn’t have a sense of time at all. Secondly, you let your brain and body relax during a break. However, spending these five minutes away from a screen or any other exhausting activity is important. It should be something different and fun, like listening to music, having a stretching session, petting a dog, etc.
Consider group studies
Often group studies are the best way to distribute workload and complete homework on time. You can create a working group with friends and peers to revise materials before exams, tackle complex tasks, and deal with time-consuming homework together.
Every person in the group will have their strengths and weaknesses. Such cooperation will serve as a perfect moment to be a teacher and a student at the same time. You can count on others to explain concepts you misunderstood. Yet, you also teach others things they struggle with on their own.
Group studies are also beneficial due to their social aspect. We often learn better when not alone. First, other people may help you relax and switch focus from school pressure and stress. Secondly, such sessions tend to be more interactive and engaging. Hence, you have increased attention and better concentration. Besides, even some laughter and a positive mood can benefit your memory.