No matter the grade level, studying can be a chore for many students. But by utilizing certain techniques students can obtain the maximum reward for their studying efforts.
“Some things I recommend is proper rest, staying away from caffeinated beverages and to make sure they have a comfortable space to study…” Kimra Torrence of the Torrence Family Schoolhouse in Poplarville said.
Each student is different, and finding their unique study spot, or spots, is important to maintaining their focus.
Having several different study spots—from the kitchen table, to outside, to a quiet nook—allows students to change their scenery and avoid becoming restless, Jasmine Thomas of Limitless Learning Tutoring in Picayune said.
It’s also important to eliminate as many distractions as possible by establishing a study spot away from the TV or cellphone, Thomas said.
One helpful reminder, Thomas said, is to schedule the cellphone to enter sleep mode at a certain time every day to maintain focus during regular study hours.
Torrence said being well rested and allowing students to take short 30-minute naps followed by a brisk walk helps to maintain energy levels.
High school and college students can also benefit from a short nap in the afternoon to get them back on track with their studies, she said.
While some students are more alert and focused in the morning, others do better in the afternoon. It’s all about finding what works for each student, Torrence said.
When it comes time to hit the books, breaking a chapter down into manageable pieces and summarizing or annotating them can help the subject seem less overwhelming, Thomas said.
Jotting down a sentence or two after reading a certain passage will help the student retain the information just read, rather than having to go back and reread it, she said.
This particular strategy is helpful for ACT preparation where students are asked to read long passages in a short time frame, Thomas said.
Another key study tip is repetition. Thomas said that repeating a certain lesson seven or more times has proven effective when it comes to comprehension. This can be utilized through flash cards, especially for vocabulary terms, she said.
But once a student finds their study spot and the right techniques, they should also remember to take short breaks to eat, stretch and stay hydrated.
Torrence said music catered to each student’s taste can be helpful.
Snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than greasy foods and caffeinated beverages can also avoid a sluggish feeling when studying, Torrence said.
Cramming the night before hardly ever produces the desired results, Thomas said. Instead, studying for an hour every night and taking a break every half hour will help maintain focus, she said.
Limitless Learning Tutoring is holding a community back to school bash on July 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that is open to the public.
The event will provide activities for the children and opportunities for parents to sign up for parent educator courses for every grade level, Thomas said.
For more information, visit Limitless Learning Tutoring, LLC on Facebook or for the Torrence Family Schoolhouse call 601-569-0991.