Study Tips – MathTowne Tutoring https://mathtowne.com Tutoring Services in San Jose Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:44:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://mathtowne.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/identity-logo.svg Study Tips – MathTowne Tutoring https://mathtowne.com 32 32 7 Ways to Overcome Procrastination https://mathtowne.com/7-ways-to-overcome-procrastination/ Sat, 07 Oct 2023 06:34:53 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=13910 Many people, not just students, find themselves putting off tasks, especially those that seem unexciting or daunting. Often accompanied by light-hearted comments such as, “The quickest way to get something done is to start doing it tomorrow,” procrastination can seem like a harmless habit. Some people even say they work better under the stress of a deadline. However, procrastination can also lead to increased stress from lower academic performance and last-minute rushes, making its negative effects far from trivial. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 ways to overcome procrastination.

Perfectionism Procrastination

Procrastination is sometimes misunderstood and unfairly labeled as mere laziness, when avoidance signals a bigger issue. While certain factors can fuel procrastination, like the allure of instant gratification from more enjoyable yet unrelated activities, the act of avoiding tasks is frequently rooted in the fear of failure.

Perfectionism is a trait often described as a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative attributes. On the one hand, it manifests as a dedication to precision and detail. On the other hand, perfectionists can grapple with an intense dread of making mistakes. When students perceive a task as too difficult or intimidating, they may delay working on it, hoping for more clarity or confidence. The fear of failure can lead to avoidance of tasks, as procrastinating provides temporary relief from confronting the fear. A common example for many students is the process of writing essays – some may find themselves unable to start writing at all because they expect that even the initial rough draft they pour out should sound perfect.

Perfectionism procrastination

How to Stop Procrastinating Right Now

1. Set Clear Intentions and Create a Task List

Begin by defining your intentions to give a sense of purpose and direction:

  • What do you want to accomplish?
  • Why is it important?

Once you’ve clarified your intentions, it’s time to break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This process involves creating a task list or to-do list. Consider the main task you want to complete and identify all the subtasks or steps required to accomplish it. For instance, if your intention is to write a research paper, subtasks might include researching, outlining, writing the introduction, and so on.

7 ways to overcome procrastination

2. Practice the 2-minute Rule

If you find a subtask that can take less than 2 minutes to complete, do it immediately. This quick win can provide a sense of accomplishment and progress. These might be short tasks such as:

  • Creating a basic outline for your essay
  • Reading a short passage in the textbook for your class
  • Organizing your study area and notes (but make sure not to get carried away with cleaning in order to further procrastinate, as students sometimes end up doing)

When you finish a task, you can cross it out, place a checkmark next to it, or highlight it in green to mark as “done” to reinforce the idea that progress is attainable.

time management clock

3. Reward Yourself: Combine Enjoyable Activities with Unpleasant Tasks

When you reward yourself with an enjoyable activity after completing a task, you can train your brain to create a positive association between productivity and pleasure, which can motivate you to engage with the less enjoyable task to reach the rewarding experience.

To start, clearly specify the reward for achieving each milestone set, whether it’s a larger task or smaller subtask. It could be as simple as watching a short episode of your favorite TV series or spending 15 minutes on a hobby you love. As you work on the task you don’t enjoy, keep the reward in mind. It serves as an incentive to stay focused and motivated to complete the task efficiently.

Set a timer for a specific amount of time to work on the task before you can enjoy the reward. A practical approach is to adopt the Pomodoro Technique, a time management strategy that involves concentrating on work for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, with extended breaks of 15-30 minutes following four work intervals.

pomodoro technique and rewards

Adjusting Rewards

Be mindful of the rewards you choose. If you find that a particular reward is too enticing and leads to procrastination, consider selecting a less distracting reward that still brings you joy.

To take the strategy a step further, consider limiting your engagement in the enjoyable activity to the time when you’re actively working on the task, such as listening to your favorite music only while you’re working. This establishes a clear rule: you may enjoy the rewarding activity as long as you are actively engaged in the task you might otherwise avoid.

4. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking, or the attempt to tackle multiple tasks simultaneously, may seem like an efficient way to get more done. However, when you switch between tasks, you need time to readjust and refocus on each one, and it can be more time-consuming to switch tasks frequently. Additionally, the difficulty in focusing on multiple tasks can also hinder your ability to complete tasks accurately, leading to demotivation. Increased feelings of overwhelm from having to concentrate on multiple tasks at once can even make procrastination seem like a more appealing option, especially if you feel like you’re not making much headway on any task.

To avoid multitasking and boost your productivity:

  • Prioritize tasks and focus on one at a time.
  • Allocate dedicated time blocks for each task.
  • Minimize distractions by silencing notifications and creating a distraction-free environment.
  • Practice mindfulness to enhance concentration.
how to stop procrastinating right now

5. Find an Accountability Partner

An accountability partner is someone who holds you responsible for achieving your goals and completing tasks. The external source of motivation can be highly effective against procrastination. Here’s how having an accountability partner works:

  • Motivation and Commitment: Knowing that someone else is aware of your goals and progress can motivate you to stay committed. You’re less likely to procrastinate when you have to report your progress to someone.
  • Shared Goals: Your accountability partner may have similar goals or tasks. Sharing your goals and progress can create a sense of mutual support. The social aspect of working toward goals together can be particularly motivating.
  • Feedback and Encouragement: Regular check-ins with your partner provide opportunities for feedback and encouragement, and their input can help you overcome obstacles and stay on track.

To make the most of an accountability partnership:

  • Choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
  • Set clear goals and expectations for the partnership.
  • Schedule regular check-ins or updates.
  • Be honest and transparent about your progress and challenges.
accountability for procrastination

6. Have Immediate Consequences for Procrastination

Those who procrastinate frequently postpone the burden of consequences to their future selves, leaving themselves to deal with the fallout later. To address, bring the consequences closer to the present and make the negative impact immediate as the fear of an even worse outcome can motivate you to confront procrastination directly. Here are a few approaches:

  1. Financial Consequences: Create a financial penalty for yourself if you fail to meet a deadline. For instance, you could set up a contract that involves donating a sum of money to a cause you dislike if you don’t finish a task on time.
  2. Loss of Convenience: Implement a rule where you lose the opportunity to engage in an enjoyable activity or indulge in a treat if you procrastinate on a task. For example, you can’t watch your favorite TV show until the task is completed.
  3. Sprint Challenges: Create short, focused work sprints with friends or colleagues. Challenge each other to complete specific tasks within a short period. The fear of not meeting the challenge can add an immediate consequence to procrastination.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Procrastination is a shared experience. Everyone, at some point, struggles with putting off tasks they find difficult or unappealing. Recognize that you’re not alone in your procrastination and try to avoid criticizing yourself when you feel like you aren’t meeting your standards. Treat yourself with the same understanding and empathy as you would toward a friend who might face the same challenge.

Ironically, self-compassion can be a powerful motivator. When you’re kinder to yourself, you’re more likely to take action because you’re not weighed down by paralyzing negative emotions like guilt or shame. Instead, you’re motivated by a desire to make things easier for yourself and achieve your goals.

When you’re compassionate toward yourself, you’re better equipped to bounce back from setbacks and failures. This resilience can help you confront procrastination without it feeling like an impossible obstacle.

See Also: Time Management Tips for Students

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For Students: How to Find the Best Study Habits For You https://mathtowne.com/best-study-habits/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 21:25:19 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=12897 Have you ever heard the phrase “study smarter, not harder”, but had no clue what it meant or how to adapt it to your own life?

There are hundreds of study skills out there, but it can be difficult to find the best study habits for you. Studying smarter means taking the time to study effectively so that you will remember and retain the material, rather than repeatedly cramming for tests and forgetting everything the moment you sit down at your desk. The right study habits will help you succeed not only in school now, but also further down the road in your career and in life.

So, how do you find the right study habits and skills that work best for you?

Study habits that work well for other students may not work the same for you. That’s okay! People have different ways of learning and studying, so it’s all about finding the right style. Here are some things to consider when finding the right study habits and skills for you.

Best study habits for individual students

A. Learning Style

By no means do study habits need to be influenced by learning styles, but it can be interesting to know which styles work for you to see how you usually learn and retain information. This can be a good place to start if you want to find out more about the specific way you learn.

There are 7 types of learning styles:

1) Visual learners

Visual learners prefer to process information through visual aids such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and videos. They learn best when they can see and observe information.

2) Auditory learners

Auditory learners learn best through listening and verbal communication. They benefit from lectures, discussions, and audio recordings.

3) Kinesthetic learners

Kinesthetic learners, also known as tactile learners, learn through physical activity and hands-on experiences. They prefer to learn by doing and engaging in practical tasks.

4) Reading/Writing learners

Reading/writing learners have a preference for written materials. They excel in traditional learning environments that involve reading textbooks, taking notes, and writing essays.

5) Logical/Mathematical learners

Logical learners have a natural inclination towards reasoning, logic, and critical thinking. They excel in subjects such as mathematics, science, and problem-solving.

6) Social learners

Social learners thrive in group settings and learn best through interactions with others. They enjoy collaborative activities, discussions, and group projects.

7) Solitary learners

Solitary learners, also known as intrapersonal learners, prefer to study and work alone. They excel in independent learning environments and benefit from self-reflection and self-paced learning.

You can find out more about these learning styles here.

Many people have multiple learning styles that work for them, or they may have certain styles that work for certain subjects. Some study techniques can be better suited for certain learning styles. For example, social learners may work better in study groups, while solitary learners may study better by themselves. However, study techniques are not exclusive to specific learning styles. It’s good to try out a wide variety of different learning/study techniques to see what works for you, rather than sticking yourself in a box.

Finding learning style(s) to improve study habits

B. Location

Location is incredibly important for studying. You want to set up a space where you know you can focus and get your work done. Do you study better at home or at the library? At the dining room table or in the living room?

If possible, make sure you are working at a desk or table. This way you can have all your materials in front of you and can be focused on your work. Studying in bed or slouched on the couch takes away from your ability to focus and can get you into a lazy mindset. Try to study in the same location as much as you can- this will help your brain get into a good study routine.

Make sure you’re organized before you start! Get all the necessary notes, readings, etc. ready for the assignment. Clear the area of clutter. Turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode. Make sure you only have what you need in front of you and nothing else. This will help your brain focus on the task without getting distracted.

C. Atmosphere

Along with location, consider the atmosphere you prefer when studying. Do you study better listening to music or is that distracting? If so, what type of music? Do you prefer complete silence or do you like hearing the hustle-and-bustle of a coffee shop or library? If you like studying with others, do you prefer studying just with a friend or in a big group? Or is it easier to study just by yourself? None of these are wrong answers!

Similar to the learning styles, you may have different answers to these questions depending on the assignment or class you’re studying for. Maybe in a math class you need to be able to talk through the questions with a classmate, but for English, you write essays better on your own. If you do prefer studying and working alone, it’s still helpful to have someone else either quiz you for a test or proofread your essay. Similarly, if you prefer only working in groups, it’s also good to regularly set aside time to go over your notes by yourself.

Students studying together - consider location and atmosphere

D. Techniques

There are lists and lists of different study tips and techniques out there. Try out as many as you can! This is the best way you can find the ones that help you learn and retain information.

Here are some of my favorites that helped me in school.

1) Rewriting notes

This one is very easy and very effective! Rewriting notes has been proven to help your brain better understand and retain information. Also, it makes the notes more legible and easier to read for you when you are studying. Rewriting your notes right after class is best because the information is still fresh in your brain, and you will be able to expand on parts that you might’ve had to skip over in class.

2) Color-coding

Color-coding your notes helps organize the information better for your brain and helps with memory recall. This is especially helpful for test study guides! When you are struggling to remember the answer to a question on the test, your brain will remember the color you used to write the answer on the study guide and be able to recall the information more quickly. Be sure to use the same colors on the study guide and remember what each of the colors mean. For example, you might use red for boxed final answers and green for the section titles of main concepts.

3) Flashcards

A tried and true method, flashcards have been proven to help with memory recall. Quizzing yourself throughout studying helps you keep track of your own progress, so you know which topics you need to work on more. I also recommend color-coding flashcards or buying a multi-color pack to further help with memory recall.

You can find more study tips and techniques here.

Starting out these study habits at the beginning of the school year or start of the semester is the best way to make sure you stick to them. However, you can start to develop better habits at any time! Work on developing a consistent routine with better study habits and you will be on your way to studying smarter in no time.

Use study habit techniques

E. Adapting

As you progress in your academic journey, it’s crucial to regularly evaluate and adjust your study habits to ensure that they remain effective and aligned with your evolving needs.

Take the time to assess your current study habits and their effectiveness. Ask yourself questions such as: Am I able to concentrate and retain information well? Are there any specific study techniques that work better for me? Do I feel overwhelmed or stressed during my study sessions? By gaining a clear understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement, you can make informed decisions about how to adapt your study habits.

Regularly assess your academic performance, evaluate your study habits, and reflect on the outcomes. Are you achieving the desired results? Are there any areas where you can make further improvements?

Sometimes, small tweaks and adjustments can make a significant difference. For example, if you find that you tend to lose focus after a certain period of time, you can experiment with incorporating short breaks into your study sessions. If you’re struggling to grasp complex concepts, you can explore alternative resources, such as online tutorials or study groups, to supplement your learning.

Adapting to different study habits using schedules, timelines, and to-do lists

Finding the Best Study Habits For You

Discovering the best study habits for yourself can greatly enhance your academic journey. By assessing your learning style, creating a productive study environment, and experimenting with different techniques, you can make the most of your study sessions.

Remember that finding the ideal study habits is a continuous process of adaptation and refinement. Be open to change, stay motivated, and remain committed to continuous improvement. The right study habits will help you maximize your understanding and succeed in school.

SEE ALSO: Memory Recall & Retention: Practical Strategies for Students

Sources:

Study Habits of Highly Effective Students (educationcorner.com)

Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder – Learning Center (unc.edu)

22 Study Habits That Guarantee Good Grades (daniel-wong.com)

25 Scientifically Proven Tips for Effective Studying [2023 Edition] (mydegreeguide.com)

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

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Strategic Reading: Techniques for Test Success https://mathtowne.com/strategic-reading-techniques/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 02:51:27 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=12854 Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill tested on many standardized exams. However, the unique structure and challenging nature of reading sections can overwhelm many test-takers. The good news is that with the right strategies and approach, you can improve your reading comprehension skills and boost your performance on tests.

Here, we’ll explore a variety of strategic reading techniques to help you excel in reading sections on tests. Whether you’re preparing for college entrance exams, professional certifications, or any other standardized tests that include reading comprehension sections, these strategies will equip you with the tools you need to navigate passages, answer questions accurately, and manage your time effectively.

Strategic reading - studying techniques for test success

Types of Questions on Standardized Tests

Reading sections on standardized tests can be tricky due to question wording. Understanding question types beforehand so that you know what to expect helps avoid confusion. Here are 8 common question types:

1) Big Picture/Main Point

These questions require you to grasp the central idea or main purpose of the passage. Focus on identifying the main argument, theme, or message conveyed by the author.

2) Little Picture/Detail

Asks about specific details or information in the passage (e.g. “What does this sentence mean?”). Pay attention to specific sentences, phrases, or words that provide relevant information or support the author’s claims.

3) Inference

Inference questions assess your ability to draw logical conclusions based on the information presented in the passage. Analyze the given facts, consider implicit meanings, and make logical deductions to determine the right answer.

4) Vocabulary in Context

Tests your understanding of vocabulary words within the context of the passage. Look for clues in the surrounding sentences to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.

5) Function

Function questions examine how specific sentences, phrases, or paragraphs relate to the passage’s overall structure or purpose. Consider the role played by each element in conveying the author’s message or supporting the main argument.

6) Author Technique

These questions explore the author’s writing style, tone, or literary devices used in the passage. They may also ask you to compare the passage to a different one. Look for clues in the author’s choice of words, sentence structure, and overall tone to answer these questions accurately.

7) Evidence Support

Asks you to locate and provide evidence from the passage to support or justify a previous answer. These often review back to other types of questions already asked on the test (e.g. “Which choice provides the best evidence to the previous question?”). Carefully review the question and refer back to the relevant portion of the passage to find supporting information.

8) Data Analysis

These often accompany passages that include charts, graphs, or other visual representations. They assess your ability to interpret and analyze the data presented in conjunction with the passage.

By understanding these question types, you can approach reading comprehension tests with a clear strategy. Practice with sample questions of each type to hone your skills and develop a familiarity with the range of questions you may encounter.

Various types of questions on reading sections

Steps for Reading Passages on Standardized Tests

1) Preview the Questions

Before diving into the passage, take a moment to read through the questions. This provides a roadmap of what to look for, allowing you to read more purposefully and efficiently locate the answers or any relevant information during your focused reading.

2) Pay Attention to the Introduction

Read the informational blurb that introduces the passage. This provides valuable context about the passage’s tone, style, and purpose and sets the stage for better comprehension.

3) Strategize Your Answering Approach

Remember, you can answer the questions in any order. Prioritize your answers by thinking through them before considering the options. This approach helps you avoid falling for multiple-choice traps. Consider leaving “main purpose” questions for last, as a deeper understanding of the passage will aid in answering them accurately.

Strategic steps for reading passages

Strategies for Extracting Key Information from Passages

Extracting key information from passages is essential for answering reading comprehension questions accurately. Some strategies to help you identify and retain important details include:

1) Skim for Structure

Begin by skimming the passage to get a sense of its structure, including headings, subheadings, and topic sentences. This provides an overview of the passage’s organization and helps you locate any necessary information.

2) Focus on Topic Sentences

Pay close attention to the first sentence of each paragraph, as it often states the main idea or topic. Understanding the main points of each paragraph helps you grasp the passage’s overall message.

3) Take Note of Transition Words

Transition words like “however,” “in contrast,” or “moreover” signal shifts in ideas or the relationships between different parts of the passage. Pay attention to these words as they guide your understanding of the author’s argument or progression of ideas.

4) Mark Unknown Terms or Phrases

Circle unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts encountered in the passage. Later, you can refer back to these circled terms to ensure you understand their meaning within the context of the passage.

Studying reading passages to extract important info

The Power of Elimination: Using Smart Guessing Techniques

When faced with challenging questions or unfamiliar content, smart guessing techniques can help you make educated guesses and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

1) Identify Extreme or Absolute Options

Pay attention to answer choices that include extreme language such as “always,” “never,” or “completely.” These options are often less likely to be correct, as they rarely reflect the nuanced nature of the passage or the question being asked.

2) Cross Out Incorrect Choices

Read each answer choice carefully and eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect. Narrow down your options and increase the probability of choosing the right answer by eliminating choices.

3) Use Contextual Clues

Even if you’re unsure about the correct answer, examine the context of the question and the surrounding information in the passage. Look for clues that may help you eliminate improbable choices or identify options that align more closely with the given context.

4) Prioritize Evidence-Based Guesses

If you can find supporting evidence in the passage for a particular answer choice, it is more likely to be correct. Base your guess on the information provided in the text rather than relying solely on your intuition.

Testing tips

Time Management Tips for Reading Comprehension on Tests

Time management plays a crucial role in successfully completing the reading comprehension section within the allotted time. To manage your time effectively:

1) Set a Time Limit for Each Passage

Allocate a general amount of time for each passage, considering the number of questions and the passage’s length. This helps you stay on track and ensures that you have sufficient time for all the passages. However, don’t spend too much time watching the clock! It’s okay if some passages take a little more time than others.

2) Focus on Key Information

While reading the passage, pay attention to key information, main ideas, and supporting details. Avoid getting caught up in unnecessary details that are not directly related to the questions. Stay focused on what’s essential to save time.

3) Highlight, Underline, or Circle Key Information

Underline or highlight crucial information in the passage that is relevant to the questions, such as significant details, supporting evidence, or crucial facts. This visual aid helps you quickly locate and reference important details when answering the questions.

By optimizing your understanding, time allocation, and accuracy and implementing effective time management strategies, you can improve reading comprehension skills and approach the test with confidence and efficiency.

Time management for reading sections

Practicing with Sample Tests: Sharpening Your Strategic Reading Skills

Regular practice with sample tests is a valuable strategy for sharpening your reading comprehension skills and familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions typically found on tests. Here is why practicing with sample tests is beneficial specifically for reading sections:

1) Analyzing Answer Explanations

Sample tests often provide answer explanations or key insights into why certain answer choices are correct or incorrect. By reviewing these explanations, you gain valuable insights into the reasoning and thought processes required to answer questions accurately.

2) Understanding Test Format

Sample tests help you become familiar with the structure and format of reading comprehension sections. This includes the number of passages, types of questions, and time constraints. By practicing with sample tests, you can anticipate the test’s layout and better allocate your time.

3) Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Sample tests allow you to assess your strengths and weaknesses in reading comprehension. By reviewing your performance, you can identify areas that require improvement and focus your efforts on enhancing those specific skills.

4) Acclimating to Test Conditions

Taking sample tests under timed conditions replicates the test environment and helps you develop a sense of pacing. This practice improves your ability to manage time effectively and complete the reading comprehension section within the allocated time frame.

Sample tests to improve strategic reading skills

Basic Reading Comprehension Tips

Here are some basic tips to increase reading comprehension at home. Reading comprehension is an incredibly important skill to have in life, outside of tests and school. If you are struggling with reading comprehension or simply feel like you could use some improvement, try out some of these tips!

  • Choose something you’re interested in and find books or articles on that topic
  • Read for pleasure!
  • Understand and re-evaluate your current reading weaknesses (When does your attention lag? Why? Is it the subject matter, do you get tired quickly, etc. What can you do to change that?)
  • Read texts below your reading level to help create a foundation
  • Break up reading into smaller sections
  • Read out of order (if you’d like)
  • Pace yourself
  • Eliminate distractions when reading
  • Look up words you don’t understand to improve vocabulary
  • Use context clues
  • Look for the main idea
  • Come up with questions while you’re reading
  • Write a summary of what you read after you’re finished
  • If you get confused, stop and try to summarize what you just read
  • Re-read text to ensure understanding
  • Discuss the text with someone
  • Read aloud (to yourself, a friend, a pet, anyone!)

SEE ALSO: 20 Test-Taking Strategies to Boost Your Confidence

Sources:

No Pain, High Gain: Test Prep Tips for Reading Comprehension and Math | Scholastic

7 Simple Strategies To Improve Your Reading Comprehension | Indeed.com

How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips | PrepScholar

The Best Way to Read the Passage in SAT Reading | PrepScholar

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

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20 Test Taking Strategies to Boost Your Confidence https://mathtowne.com/20-test-taking-strategies-to-boost-your-confidence/ Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:42:07 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=12001 Feeling nervous about an upcoming test? Taking tests can be intimidating and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right techniques and study habits, you can improve your confidence and score. These 20 test taking strategies help make the whole test-taking process easier, from preparation before to turning in your completed test.

BEFORE THE TEST

Being prepared before you take a test will help you cut down on a lot of extra worries. Follow these 8 tips to lessen those test-day jitters.

1) Start studying early

It’s best to begin your preparation for the exam well in advance of the test date so that you have ample time to cover the material and revise it multiple times, which is crucial for retaining information in your long-term memory.

Starting early can also help you avoid cramming, which can lead to stress and exhaustion from the overwhelming amount of material you need to cover. When you cram, you might be able to memorize the material temporarily, but you will forget it soon after the exam, making it difficult to apply the knowledge in future classes or in your career.

2) Know what materials the test will be covering.

Making sure that you know what will be on the test allows you to focus your study efforts on the most relevant topics and allocate your time and resources effectively. To gain insight into what the test will cover, it’s essential to review the syllabus, class notes, textbooks, and any study materials provided by the instructor, or ask the teacher for more clarification. This approach helps you identify the key concepts, themes, and topics you need to understand and reinforces your knowledge of the subject matter. By having a clear understanding of what the test will cover, you can tailor your study plan accordingly to improve your chances of a better score.

Test taking strategies include knowing what material will be on the test and any formulas

3) Organize your notes and make sure there aren’t any gaps.

When you have good notes, you can review the material quickly and easily, allowing you to focus on understanding the concepts rather than trying to decipher what you wrote.

To organize your notes, start by separating them by topic or subject area. Use headings and subheadings to create a clear structure and make it easier to locate information quickly. If you have notes from multiple sources, such as lectures, textbooks, or online resources, try to integrate them into a single document to avoid duplication and confusion.

After organizing your notes, check them for gaps. Make sure that you have covered all the necessary topics and concepts and identify any areas where you need more information. This is also an opportunity to review your understanding of the material and ask questions if there are any areas that are unclear. If you were absent from class at all, ask someone if you can borrow their notes to fill in any gaps. Check to see that you haven’t missed any handouts or other important papers from class either.

4) Make a study plan.

By creating a schedule of what you will study and when, you can prioritize your time and resources, focus on your weak areas, and avoid cramming at the last minute.

To create a study plan, start by identifying the key topics and concepts you need to understand for the test. Next, estimate the time required to review each topic and allocate sufficient time to cover all the material adequately. Be realistic in your planning and avoid overloading yourself with too much work at once.

We suggest making test study guides and flashcards or getting a study group together. We also recommend that you quiz yourself on potential test questions. (Quick tip: color-coding your notes can help your brain recall important information more quickly and effectively during a test!)

Once you have created a study plan, make sure to stick to it as much as possible. However, be flexible and adjust your plan as needed to accommodate unexpected events or changes in your schedule. Remember to include regular breaks and rewards for yourself to maintain motivation and reduce stress.

5) Review the material the night before the test, then go to bed early.

To review the material, start by reviewing your notes and summaries of the main topics and concepts covered in the test. Focus on understanding the key ideas rather than memorizing details. Use active recall techniques like quizzing yourself or explaining concepts to someone else to reinforce your knowledge and identify any gaps.

Don’t try to stay up late and cram the night before the test even if you feel like you have more to study – getting enough sleep before a test helps your brain’s ability to focus during the day. Avoid consuming caffeine or other stimulants that may interfere with your sleep quality. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep due to nerves, try to wind down with a calming activity like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing or meditation.

6) Eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test.

Along with getting enough sleep, eating breakfast provides your brain and body with the energy and nutrients needed to stay alert, focused, and productive during the exam.

Choose a breakfast that is high in protein and complex carbohydrates and low in sugar and unhealthy fats. Good options include whole-grain toast, eggs, yogurt, fruit, and nuts. Avoid sugary cereals, pastries, and fried foods, which can cause a sugar crash and make you feel sluggish and distracted.

If you don’t have time for a full breakfast, consider bringing a healthy snack to eat during the break. Good options include fruit, nuts, granola bars, or a small sandwich.

If caffeine makes you jittery, maybe lay off the coffee. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too!

7) Make sure you have everything you need for the test.

Before heading out to take your test, make sure that you have everything you need for the exam. This includes gathering all your supplies, such as notes, textbooks, pencils or pens, erasers, calculators (if allowed), water bottle, and any other necessary items.

It’s also a good idea to double-check the test instructions for everything that is required. Arriving early to the testing location can provide extra time to get settled and mentally prepared. By taking a few minutes to gather your supplies and arrive early, you can reduce stress and feel confident and ready to tackle the exam.

8) Breathe.

If you feel anxious or overwhelmed as you arrive to class, take a few moments to close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process a few times until you feel more relaxed and centered.

Deep breathing can help increase oxygen flow to your brain, which can improve your cognitive function and mental clarity. It can also help slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure, which can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, shaking, and nausea.

Incorporating deep breathing exercises into your routine can help you feel more calm, focused, and in control during the exam.

Test taking strategies before the test

DURING THE TEST

Here are 12 tips to follow during your test to help you focus and make the best use of the time given.

1) Pay attention to all of the instructions given by the teacher.

Teachers often provide important information about how the test will be structured, what types of questions will be included, and how to approach each section before they hand out the test. They may also provide guidance on how to format your answers, how much time you have to complete the test, and any other important details.

By actively listening to and following the instructions provided by the teacher or the ones provided on the test, you can avoid making mistakes, reduce the likelihood of confusion, and maximize your chances of success. If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the instructions, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for clarification before beginning the exam. Other students may have questions about the same thing!

2) Go over the whole test before you start.

Before diving into the exam, take a few moments to review the entire test from beginning to end. This test-taking strategy can help you familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, identify any potential challenges or difficulties, and develop a plan for how to tackle each section.

As you review the test, pay attention to the types of questions being asked, the point values assigned to each question, and the time allotted for each section. This way, you can prioritize your efforts and allocate your time wisely. Check for any extra credit questions or additional questions on the backs of pages as well.

By going over the whole test before you start, you can also identify any mistakes or errors you may have made, such as misreading instructions or misunderstanding a question, to avoid making the same mistakes later on in the exam.

3) Do an “info dump” on scratch paper.

If you’re worried about blanking out on important information and if you’re given scratch paper for the test, use the paper to do an “info dump” of any formulas, dates, etc. that you may be worried about forgetting. Take a few minutes at the beginning of the exam, before you answer any questions, to jot down everything you can remember about the subject matter. This may include formulas, key terms, definitions, or other information you studied leading up to the exam.

By getting all this information out of your head and onto the scratch paper, you can free up mental space and focus more effectively on the questions in front of you. Having all the important information in one place can also help you quickly refer back to it throughout the exam, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or oversights. While this isn’t required, it’s often a helpful tool, especially for math or science tests.

Common test taking strategies such as writing all formulas before starting

4) Answer the questions you know first.

Remember that you do not need to take the test in order! By starting with questions you feel confident about, you can build momentum and gain a sense of progress, which can help you feel more confident and reduce anxiety.

When you first receive the test, quickly scan through the questions to identify any that you feel comfortable answering right away. Then, begin by answering those questions before moving on to the more challenging ones.

Focusing on the questions you know first ensures that you don’t waste time on questions you’re unsure of or spend too much time stuck on one question. This approach can also help you manage your time more effectively, as you can devote more time to the more challenging questions later on.

5) If you are struggling with a question, circle it and revisit it later.

Don’t waste too much time on any question. If you are struggling with a question, it is a good idea to circle it and revisit it later, which allows you to move forward with the rest of the exam without getting stuck on one question or becoming overly anxious.

When you encounter a difficult question, circle it or mark it in some way so that you can easily identify it later. Then, move on to the next question and continue answering as many questions as you can. If you have extra time at the end of the exam, you can go back to the circled questions and spend more time on them.

By circling difficult questions and revisiting them later, you can maintain your momentum and confidence while taking the exam. You also give yourself more time to think about the challenging question, which can help you come up with a more accurate answer.

6) Don’t second-guess yourself.

While it’s important to double-check your work and make sure you haven’t made any careless mistakes, constantly second-guessing your answers can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact your performance on the exam.

If you are confident in your answer, trust your instincts and move on to the next question. Second-guessing can lead to overthinking and you may end up changing a correct answer to an incorrect one. Instead, focus on answering each question to the best of your ability and moving forward without dwelling on previous answers.

If you do find that you need to change an answer, make sure you have a valid reason for doing so. Don’t change an answer just because you are second-guessing yourself or are feeling unsure.

7) Give it your best educated guess.

For most tests, an incorrect answer is better than a blank answer. If this is not the case, teachers will usually specify that incorrect answers take off more points (ask them before the test starts, if they haven’t made this clear).

When you are unsure about a question, take the time to read it carefully and eliminate any answers that are clearly incorrect. Then, use your knowledge of the subject and any information provided in the test to make an educated guess.

Sometimes, you may be able to use the process of elimination to narrow down multiple-choice options and make a more informed guess. Other times, you may need to rely on your intuition and make an educated guess based on your overall understanding of the subject matter.

Remember, the goal is not to get every question right, but to maximize your overall score. Most of the time, it’s better to guess based on the facts that you do know. Who knows, you may get it right! If you have absolutely no idea, some questions are better left blank. Use your best judgement.

Test taking strategies include guessing by process of elimination

8) Carefully read through each question.

Sometimes tests will be worded in ways intended to slip you up. This can happen with multiple choice questions (especially on standardized tests). Take your time to read through each question fully and make sure you understand what it is asking before answering it. Quick tip: Underline key words in a question that focus on the important parts to aid in understanding.

9) Try not to get distracted.

This is easier said than done. If you catch yourself losing concentration or getting caught up in what other classmates are doing, bring your focus back to the question in front of you. Do not feel rushed if other students are turning in their tests early and you’re not finished yet. Everyone works at their own pace.

10) Pace yourself.

Keep an eye on the clock. If you feel that you’re rushing, slow down. If you’re lagging behind, circle difficult questions and move on. Make sure you’re using the allotted time to the fullest.

11) Relax.

Remember to breathe. If you find yourself getting stressed or blanking out a lot, pause for a moment. Breathe, collect your thoughts, and then try again.

12) Review your test before turning it in.

Once you’ve answered all the questions you can, read over your whole test. Make sure you’ve completed as much as possible. Reviewing all of your answers and making sure they are neat and readable will help you avoid losing valuable points because of messiness! If you have time, go over any marked questions and give them another shot.

You’re finished! Once that you’re done with your test, try not to worry about your score or how you did. If you’re not confident that you did well, remember there may be opportunities for extra credit or retaking the test later. For right now, go treat yourself to something fun and relaxing! You deserve a break.

Isometric illustration of students learning and studying

Severe Test Anxiety & Learning Disabilities

If you have severe test anxiety or a learning disability, such as ADHD or dyslexia, speak with your teacher beforehand to see if there’s anything they can do to help make your test-taking easier. It is required for schools to make accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Sometimes teachers will allow these students to take the test separately in another room or give them more time to complete the test. For severe test anxiety, see about speaking with a counselor or therapist to help.

SEE ALSO: ACT vs. SAT: Which Test is Right For You?

Sources:

Top 10 Test-Taking Tips for Students | TeacherVision 

Use Test-Taking Strategies on Exam Day | Intelligent.com 

Test-Taking Tips (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth 

Test anxiety: Can it be treated? | MayoClinic.org 

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

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Memory Recall & Retention: Practical Strategies for Students https://mathtowne.com/memory-recall-and-retention/ Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:34:34 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=10523 Memory Retention vs. Memory Recall

Memory retention is the process of your brain holding onto information while memory recall is the process of retrieving that information from your memory. Improving retention will help you remember things for a longer period of time while improving recall will help you remember things more quickly and easily. This is helpful not only for studying because you won’t immediately forget information after learning it, but also in all other parts of your life.

Natural Memory vs. Trained Memory

There is natural memory, which is largely influenced by genetics, and trained memory, which can be improved through the process of memorization. If you naturally have trouble remembering things, don’t worry! Through improving your trained memory, you can improve both your memory retention and recall.

To better understand the tips and techniques that are useful for improving memory, let’s start with learning more about how your memory works, including the stages of how memories are formed, as well as the 3 main categories of memories.

Stages of Memory

There are 3 stages of memory:

  1. Encoding
  2. Storage
  3. Retrieval/Recall

The process of encoding converts information into your brain. This information is stored in either short-term or long-term memory and can later be retrieved through memory recall.

Types of Memory

Next, let’s break down the different types of memory.

The 3 main categories of memory are:

  1. Sensory Memory
  2. Short-Term Memory
  3. Long-Term Memory

I. Sensory Memory

Sensory memory has to do with the information we perceive through our senses. Sensory memories are typically only held onto for a brief amount of time (a couple seconds) and then forgotten. However, if these memories keep recurring, your brain may transfer them to short-term or long-term memory. (Note: Some researchers refer to sensory memory as more of a stage of memory than a category because it can be argued that all memories start as sensory memories.)

II. Short-Term Memory

Short-term memory can also be referred to as active memory or working memory. This is information that is kept in your brain for a short period of time (typically shorter than 30 seconds) in order to perform an action, actively learn something, or analyze something. After the action is completed, this information will either then be forgotten or transferred to your long-term memory.

III. Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory is the largest category when it comes to memory types. It is divided into 2 further categories: explicit memories and implicit memories.

  • Explicit long-term memories are consciously formed and remembered. This includes episodic memory which has to do with events in your life and semantic memory which has to do with facts and information you’ve held onto over time.
  • Implicit long-term memories, on other hand, are formed unconsciously. These often have to do with learning motor skills, such as how to ride a bike.

So, to summarize:

Sensory Memory

  • Takes in information through your senses

Short-Term Memory

  • Works through the information to perform an action or learn something

Long-Term Memory

1. Explicit long-term memories: consciously formed

  • Episodic memory: life events
  • Semantic memory: facts

2. Implicit long-term memories: unconsciously formed (ex: motor skills)

Tips & Techniques for Improving Memory

Now that we’ve gone over how memories are formed and stored, let’s get into some methods that can help improve memory retention and recall.

Memory retention techniques:

1. Organize information

  • Create a detailed outline.
  • Group related concepts and terms together (chunking)

2. Make associations

  • Creating schemas is an effective technique for students to recall and retain information. A schema is basically a mental framework that links new knowledge to previously existing information, helping students to better understand and remember what they have learned.
  • Associate new information with mental images, sounds, smells, etc.

3. Use visual cues

  • Ex: concept maps, graphs, illustrations, photos, etc.
  • This is especially helpful for visual learners or for presentations.

4. Create mnemonic devices

  • Ex: acronyms, acrostics, rhymes, phrases
  • Mnemonics help with memorizing information long-term!

5. Write it down by hand

  • This is more effective than typing because it takes longer to write by hand, so your brain is more actively engaged with the information you are writing down.
  • This also encourages you to only focus on the key information, which will be easier to remember.

6. Say it out loud

  • The dual action of speaking plus hearing ourselves talk helps to get the information from our short-term memory to our long-term memory.

7. Engage in active recall

  • Retrieval practice: regularly testing your knowledge to access the information stored in your memory. This can be done by using practice quizzes, flashcards, and quizzing yourself to recall specific facts or information.
  • By regularly testing yourself, you can help to strengthen the connections between memories and increase your recall and retention of the material you are studying. Retrieval practice is one of the best ways to ensure that the information you are studying is stored in your long-term memory.
  • This greatly helps improve memory recall!
  • Memory recall is all about retrieving information from your memory, so the more you test yourself and practice that skill, the easier it will be for you to remember things quickly and efficiently.

8. Spaced repetition

  • Space out learning the information over a period of time versus all at once.
  • Rehearse by writing down the information or saying it aloud.
  • Repetition will help you remember the information longer! Repetition helps you to commit information to your long-term memory.

Lifestyle tips for improving memory:

1. Sleep!

Sleep is essential for forming and retaining memories. Without adequate sleep, our minds do not have enough energy to properly commit new information to our long-term memory. Therefore, getting enough sleep is key to improving memory recall and retention. Additionally, sleeping helps to consolidate information and create more vivid memories. To ensure that you are getting enough rest, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

2. Meditation

Meditation can help to increase concentration and focus and reduce stress levels which can impact our ability to remember. Additionally, meditation can help to create new neural pathways in the brain, making it easier to recall memories. Regular meditation can also help to increase the brain’s ability to store information in long-term memory and improve the quality of memories.

3. Physical exercise

Physical exercise is a great way to improve memory recall and retention. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help to boost cognitive function and increase the capacity to remember information. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can impact our ability to remember. Regular exercise is also known to help build new neural pathways, making it easier to recall memories, and can help to increase the brain’s ability to store information in long-term memory.

4. Healthy diet

A healthy diet is essential for improving memory recall and retention. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help to boost cognitive function and improve focus and concentration. Eating a healthy diet can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on memory. Additionally, a healthy diet helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help to increase the capacity to remember information. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of improving memory recall and retention.

5. Limit stress

Limiting stress is a key factor in improving memory recall and retention. Stress can impair memory and cause difficulty in remembering and storing information. By reducing stress, we can improve our ability to concentrate, focus, and remember, as well as reduce the impact of stress on our memories. Limiting stress can help to create new neural pathways in the brain, making it easier to recall memories, and can help to increase the brain’s ability to store information in long-term memory. Limiting stress is an important part of improving memory recall and retention.

6. Play brain training games

Brain training games are a great way to improve memory recall and retention. These games are specifically designed to challenge the brain and help to create new neural pathways, making it easier to recall memories. Playing these brain training games can help to increase the brain’s capacity to remember information and can help to improve focus and concentration. Additionally, these games can be a fun and engaging way to learn, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. Brain training games are an effective way to improve memory recall and retention.

Below are a few brain training games that we recommend:

1. Lumosity – a comprehensive suite of over 40 brain games designed to improve memory, attention, flexibility, problem solving, and other thinking skills.

2. Brain Age – a collection of brain training exercises designed to improve memory, concentration, and computation skills.

3. Elevate – a suite of brain games designed to improve memory, attention, focus, and problem solving skills.

4. Fit Brains Trainer – a series of fun and challenging brain games designed to improve memory, problem solving, language, attention, and more.

5. Memorado – an online brain training game designed to improve memory and cognitive skills

6. Brain & Puzzle – an online brain training game designed to improve focus, concentration, and memory.

7. Word Bubbles – a word game designed to improve memory, spelling, and vocabulary.

8. Crosswords – a classic puzzle game designed to improve memory, logic, and problem solving skills.

Study tips to help with memory recall & retention

1. Focus on one thing at a time

When you focus on one concept or task, your brain can quickly and efficiently encode the information, making it easier for you to store and recall the information later. By focusing on individual problems, you will be able to interact more with the material and remember it for longer without interference.

2. Study before going to bed

Studying before going to bed is an effective way to improve memory recall and retention. A good night’s sleep helps your brain process and retain the information you studied, instead of immediately forgetting it. This can help to encode the information and create new neural pathways in the brain, allowing for easier memory recall and better retention of the information. Additionally, getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on memory.

3. Avoid cramming

The Forgetting Curve shows that we tend to forget things quickly unless effort is made to retain it. Cramming for exams may seem helpful in the short-term, but it does not provide enough time for your brain to properly process and store the information. Spaced repetition and regular revision are more effective in retaining information.

The Forgetting Curve is a theory which states that we tend to forget information soon after learning it unless effort is made to retain it. This means that if we want to retain new information, we have to actively engage with it and work on it over time. To maximize memory recall and retention, it is important to practice spaced repetition and regular revision over time to ensure that the information is properly encoded and stored in long-term memory.

4. Take breaks where you can allow your brain to rest

DO: get up and stretch, eat something, go for a short walk

  • One benefit to letting your brain rest is increased focus – coming back to your studies feeling more alert and focused can help you to better retain information. Even simply laying down and letting your mind wander uninterrupted for a couple minutes will help.

DON’T: go on your phone or computer

  • You want to avoid anything that will further distract and/or overstimulate your brain during your breaks (i.e. social media). Studies have shown that spending time on social media and looking at your phone can actually reduce your concentration and lead to distractions that can keep you from focusing and remembering the material you are studying. It is essential to avoid using your phone or computer during your breaks for the best results.

Conclusion: Use strategies to help remember and retain information.

Simply taking the time to rest is very beneficial for your brain. Active learning is far more effective than passively taking in information, so by trying out even a few of these tips and techniques you’re already on your way to seeing improvements in memory retention and recall. Remember to allow yourself time to rest and process information. Thank your brain for everything it does for you.

SEE ALSO: 20 Test-Taking Strategies to Boost Your Confidence

Sources:

Science-Backed Memory Tips and Recall Techniques | USAHS

11 Methods for Improving Your Memory | VeryWellMind

Different Types of Memory and their Functions | VeryWellMind

Memory, Encoding Storage and Retrieval | Simply Psychology 

A memory expert shares tips for improving your recall abilities | CBC Life

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

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Time Management Tips for Students: Prioritize Your Tasks Wisely https://mathtowne.com/time-management-tips/ Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:34:36 +0000 https://mathtowne.com/?p=9739 Time management can be a tricky thing to learn. It is something that both high school and college students often struggle with, along with adults. Here are some of the best time management tips that can help you learn how to better manage your time and stay on top of your commitments and obligations as a high school student. These tips are school-focused but can also be applied to other parts of your life!

#1: Schedule Everything

Use a planner.

Seriously, it works. There are many different styles and sizes of planners out there, so if your school-issued planner isn’t cutting it, go out and find a template that works for you! Make sure that you have enough space to write everything clearly and neatly.

Though scheduling apps can also work, writing your commitments down in a physical planner will help you remember and keep track of them better.

Keep track of all your time commitments.

Write down your daily and weekly schedule in your planner, then write down any other time commitments. This includes school-related commitments, such as sports practice, club meetings, school events, study time, etc., along with personal time commitments, such as family obligations and plans with friends.

This will help you stay on top of everything, so you don’t over-schedule yourself. Try to keep this up and write down time commitments as they come up. If you go to write something down in your planner and find there is no space for it, you may need to reevaluate your plans.

Keep track of important school deadlines.

Keep track of important dates for school by writing them in your planner as soon as they are set. This includes tests, quizzes, class assignments, and project deadlines, along with any other important dates for school. Don’t let these due dates sneak up on you.

Note: If you’re a senior, don’t forget to include college application deadlines!

Color-code your schedule.

Color-coding your schedule will help make it more organized and easier to read. You can group commitments together by assigning specific colors to each type (ex: blue for homework assignments, green for extracurriculars, red for tests and due dates).

Note: Want to be more creative? Check out how to start a school bullet journal. Remember not to get too carried away with aesthetics though, as using your planner is more important than how it looks.

Graphic showing students scheduling and registering for classes, checking email, etc.

#2: Prioritize Tasks

Make a to-do list.

Write down everything that needs to be done for the day, including both big and small tasks. This is a good place to start if you’re feeling overwhelmed because it will help you visually map out what needs to be completed. Make this list at the start of the day or before you go to sleep at night. Don’t worry about the order of the list – that will come next. Remember, to-do lists can be as general or specific as you want them to be.

To be more organized, you can also make to-do lists that cover the whole week, month, or even school year. Keep these broader to-do lists in your planner to help you stay on track with your goals.

Use the “ABC Method”.

Alright, now that you’ve got everything you need to do written down, what next? Your list may look daunting, but don’t worry, it’s about to get easier.

To prioritize your tasks, you can use a method called the “ABC Method”. This organizes your list into 3 specific lists:

1. List A (highest-priority tasks)

– List A items have close deadlines and consequences if those deadlines are not met on time (i.e., writing a paper that’s due tomorrow).

2. List B (medium-priority tasks)

– List B items should be completed sooner rather than later.

3. List C (lowest-priority tasks)

– List C items can be completed at a later time with little to no consequences.

Go through and mark your List A items first, then create a new list for these highest-priority tasks. Do the same for List B and C.

Note: Remember to be flexible. A lower-priority task may suddenly become more important, in which case, you may need to reevaluate your lists.

Figure out the order of the tasks.

You can prioritize your lists further by breaking down each task. What needs to be completed first? Can any items be grouped together? This is especially helpful for big tasks that will take a lot of time.

Budget your time.

Take into account how much time each task on your list will take and budget your time accordingly. Give yourself enough room, so you won’t feel rushed.

Students allocate time wisely

#3: Self-Reflect

Make sure that you are not taking on too much.

If you are overwhelmed with too many commitments and obligations, it may be time to reevaluate your schedule. See if there is anything that can be dropped or modified. Remember, you don’t have to agree to everything.

If there’s a certain task you’ve been avoiding, look at why.

There is often a deeper reason behind procrastination than laziness. Whatever the task is, taking a good hard look at the reason why you keep putting it off will help you accomplish the task instead of wasting time procrastinating.

For example: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are there too many other things to work on? Do you not know where to start? Were the instructions unclear? Are you stuck and don’t know how to continue?

Clearing this up will help lessen some of the anxiety surrounding the task, which will make it easier to accomplish it. If you are still stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone for help!

Remember your goals.

Write down your goals somewhere you can easily see them to help keep you motivated.

#4: Focus

Focus on one thing at a time.

Multitasking can seem like a good way to take care of multiple things at the same time, but often times it takes away from your efforts and can make things more overwhelming. This can lead to having to re-do tasks because they weren’t done right the first time, which just adds more time.

Instead, focus on one task at a time. You will be able to work far more efficiently this way and you will be less stressed. Taking the time to focus your energy on a single task may take up more time in the moment, but it will ultimately save you time and energy in the future!

Break up tasks into smaller sections.

If you have a big project to complete, break up the project into smaller sections and work on each section at a time. This will make the task less overwhelming and easier to accomplish.

Limit distractions.

Procrastination thrives on time-wasters. Try to stay away from the things you know will distract you, such as social media, texting, watching tv, etc. so you will not waste time on them when you should be working. Save these for after you’re finished.

Students focus on individual tasks and avoid getting distracted

#5: Make Time to Relax

Take breaks.

Taking small, frequent breaks will help you be more focused and productive. During these breaks, try not to go on your phone or computer. Instead, get up and move around! Get a snack, do some stretching, or go outside and get some fresh air. This will help you come back to the task with a clear head.

Give yourself rewards.

Rewards can help increase motivation. Save something fun for after you are finished with your work for the day. This could be hanging out with friends, getting a treat, or watching your favorite tv show.

Make sure you have time for yourself.

Make sure there is time in your schedule when you have no obligations or commitments. Use this time to relax and unwind or go do something fun! Time management is also about making sure you have enough time for the things in your life unrelated to school. This will help prevent you from getting burned out or overworked.

Overall, time management skills are essential for success in school and other aspects of life. Having an effective time management routine and strategy that includes prioritizing, organization, and planning ahead can help you become more productive and efficient in your work. Strategies such as limiting distractions and focusing on one task at a time can help you improve your time management skills. Good time management skills are an essential tool that can help you maximize your time and reach your goals more effectively.

SEE ALSO: Weighted GPA vs. Unweighted GPA

Sources:

8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time | CollegeBoard

Students: Tips and Tools for Time Management | EnvisionExperience

10 Best Time Management Tips for Students | Uopeople

Using Effective Time Management To Improve Your Studying | EducationCorner

9 Quick Tips for Students Struggling with Time Management | Today’s LearnerBullet Journal For Students (19 Layouts To Make You More Productive)

Need more personalized recommendations?

The above tips and recommendations are broad strokes on study tips. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us for a personal consultation. We look forward to helping you.

About MathTowne

MathTowne is a locally-based tutoring resource. We are here to support students through the key phases of their academic journey: middle school, the transition to high school, all four years of high school, and college preparation. Our staff has years of experience in creating personalized lesson plans for all of our students.

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