study perseverance

inspiration to keep studying and persevering I follow from @singtotthesky [this is a side blog] main blog

[mushstudies]

recall vs recogntion

so in this post a few days ago, one of the study tips I mentioned was ‘practise recall not recognition’, and I’ve since discovered that quite a few people don’t know what that means and why it helps, so I figured I’d explain!

WHAT IS RECOGNITION AND WHY ISN’T IT HELPFUL?

Recognition means teaching yourself to identify and acknowledge information that you’ve seen before. This means that, if you’re shown a piece of information in class, you’re able to recognise it and think, ‘hey - I know that!’.

The issue with this is that you don’t actually know and understand that piece of information; you simply know that you’ve seen or heard it before. In an exam context, unprompted, you won’t be able to rewrite that information - let alone expand on it - because it’s not in your head.

Examples of recognition-based study methods include:

Reading through notes

Highlighting or simply rewriting notes

Flashcards  which just show the information

Reading a textbook

All of these are passive studying techniques, meaning that they’re not difficult and, in turn, that they’re not engaging your brain with the information that you’re trying to learn.

WHAT IS RECALL AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Recall means training yourself to remember information unprompted; if somebody were to ask you (outside of your class) what x means, you should be able to tell them without checking your notes or textbook.

The importance of this is that it’s exactly how most exams work. Unless your education institute uses open-book format, you’re never going to have the information in front of you to ‘just check through’ when answering a question. In an exam situation, you have to be able to pull that information straight from your brain in order to write an answer and that is exactly why recall-based studying is so key to learning.

Examples of recall-based study methods include:

Practising past papers/exam questions

Question/answer style flashcards

Flashcard-based activities on sites such as Quizlet

Setting yourself mini-tests

Writing out everything you can remember, and then adding in the missing information using a different colour

Getting other people to test you

Some of these things do ultimately sound a little basic, but it’s something that I’ve been taught about a few times, and it’s honestly one of the biggest mistakes that students make when studying for exams! I really hope this post does a decent job at explaining the concept to anybody who hasn’t heard of it before, but if anybody has any questions or add-ons, feel free to message me or send an ask!

my blog

[odetostudying]

30.01.2018  not much in terms of actual journalling this week but i think that might change when tafe starts!

[alimastudies]

revision methods that actually work // studygram: alimastudies

1. Memory mind map 

Personally, this is the most effective one for me. All you need is a blank piece of paper. Pick a sub-topic that you are doing e.g in biology a topic could be immune system and the sub-topic could be antibodies and antigens. If you want you can create some questions for each sub-topic and on your blank piece of paper, using questions as a guide, write everything you know about that sub-topic without your notes. After get your notes out and check and correct with a different colour pen. Watch this video to get a better understanding

2. Flashcards

I recommend you use written flashcards, unless you have vocab or definitions in which case digital ones like quizlet is fine. You should have questions on one side and your answers on another - i’ve heard people say the answer shouldn’t be long but i find that the more detailed it is the higher marks you score in the exam - of course summarise don’t just copy from a textbook or there is no point in doing this. When you test yourself try to do something else other than reading, for example write the answer down and then check and correct.

3. Spaced intervals

No point cramming for an exam. Yes it might have got you an A* in GCSE or other lower level exams but it’s certainly not going to get you an A* for a-levels or other higher exams. Space your learning out and if you can try and revise everyday, even if somedays are just for half an hour, DO IT! It will help you in the long term. Don’t revise one subject/unit for a whole day, space it out. For example don’t revise like this: AABBCC, revise like this instead: ABCBCA or something along those lines.

4. Mind maps

My favourite revision source!!! For some reason in an exam ( i only use mind maps for essay based subjects) i can remember where i put each point on my mind map which helps me write my essays and retrieve my information more in the long term! Don’t make it boring by trying to be ‘minimal’ - ADD COLOUR !!! But to stay within limits, too many colours can make it look overwhelming and confusing !

5. Teaching someone else

Either teach your younger siblings or pretend you are teaching to an imaginary class - while it may seem crazy it works, trust me. Use a whiteboard to help you illustrate your ideas! This method will help you identify any gaps in your knowledge and you’ll truly see if you know something well enough to explain it. If you cannot explain it to a six year old then you truly have not got the grasp of it, as Albert Einstein says!

6. past papers

Honestly, this should be the last thing for your revision, unless you have not left enough time to revise all the content and you are running out of time then past papers should be the first thing you do. Do these properly, don’t do it just to see what gaps you have in your knowledge- genuinely do it as if it is a real exam. This will help you see how well you can apply the content you have memorised for an exam. It will also get you familiar with the mark scheme which will help you get as close as full marks !!!

[odetostudying]

18.01.2018 Happy New Year! Or it’s not so much new anymore but this is my first post in almost six months so I’m going to say it anyway, hah.

I know it’s halfway through the month already, but I decided to share my January spread. It’s different to what I usually do, but I actually really like it! I’ve decided to get back into my bullet journal because I’m actually starting TAFE next month, and it may help me keep on top of things. Plus I’ve been looking at so many beautiful journals on instagram that it gave me inspiration, haha. 

Anyway! It’s the middle of summer here, which is why I have the bright and colourful spread. I’ve been really slacking off on learning my German, reading and writing and I really want to get back into the swing of things this year!

Artwork used

‘Philodendron Monstera’ by Nayla Smith ‘Eucalyptus Leaves’ by Art by Asolo ‘King Ibis’ by Sophie Beer ‘Fruit Basket Gal’ by Isabelle Feliu ‘Jungle Panther’ by Ambers Textiles

[aetudiant]

Hello! I was recently told my by older sister about the 3-2-1 hour system, and I thought it was worth sharing. Btw sorry for the crappy image quality :( 

The system is split into 3 hour study or work sessions, one 3 hour session, one 2 hour session, and a 1 hour session. You start your day with the 3 hour session, and then later the  2 hour session, and near the end of the day, the 1 hour session. 

Seems kind of complicated, but it’s actually very simple! 

THREE HOURS: Lets say you wake up at 8 AM, you have breakfast and you work for 3 hours. 

It’s now 11 AM and you take a break for an hour (or two). 

TWO HOURS: You work for another 2 hours, it’s 1 PM. 

Another hour or two of breaking.

ONE HOUR: You work for 1 hour, it’s 3 PM. 

You can use this system however you want, it’s can be split into a more hourly system (like the one above) or for more general use of after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This system is suitable for people who prefers to work their way through for longer periods of time and take a longer break. It’s a very efficient way to ‘beast’ through your work load with time to spare later!

If you have any questions, ask (or message) me

[abigailsnotebook]

25.9.17 // exams are just a few days away ahhh tbh it’s been pretty stressful lately esp since it’s my final final exams but well just gonna press on !! all the best to all of you whether you’re studying for exams or tests or just studying in general and whatever you may be facing now in your life :-)

[chibird]

I’ll admit I have done all of these in desperate attempts to stay focused. >u<;; With varying degrees of success. 

In case you haven’t heard the news, I’ve opened a Patreon and I’m so happy about all the support I’ve received! ;u; If you’d like to give back and support my positive artwork, please consider pledging a small amount each month, from $1 to the cost of a coffee or a sandwich! Much love to you all! 💗

Patreon Link | Webtoon

[pensandrulers]

19.09.2017

drawing flowers is so therapeutic 🌷

ig: pensandrulers

[libraery]

Sometimes, when we are presenting, our bodies act completely irrationally. Sweating, stuttering, or just shutting down completely are all things I have encountered during public speaking; behaviour that is usually connected to extreme danger and fleeing behaviour. Completely unnecessary, as your teacher won’t kill you (hopefully), but trying to convince your body to be just as rational is a tough task. Turns out that this is exactly what we’re going to do. 

The basis for this (personal) advice all lies in my musical training, where posture is extremely important. Performance practice lessons have taught me one important thing: you can trick your body into thinking it’s okay, and with that, your audience. disclaimer: I have posted this information before in a slightly different way. Regard this as an updated version. Hopefully one with better spelling.

hoooooow???

Stand up and try to follow these instructions. I’m your only audience right now, so mistakes aren’t a problem. 

Start by relaxing your shoulders. Many people tense their shoulders when they’re anxious, which is a very natural reaction. However, tension in your shoulder automatically reaches through to your back and arms, and even your neck, tensing up your entire upper body. It’s confirming to your brain that yes! this is scary! Well, brain is wrong and we’re going to prove it wrong by relaxing our shoulders. Just let them hang down (make sure you don’t start leaning forward though, it should be just your shoulders). Doesn’t that immediately feel more relaxed?

Keep your feet a little bit apart, firm on the ground. This sends the message to your brain and audience that a single push will not have you fall over. Standing with your legs closely together simply isn’t as stable, and you want to radiate stability and confidence. Even if you’re feeling dizzy, this simple way of pretending will keep your feet on the ground. Literally. 

Chin up, back straight, eyes at the audience. I used to tend to look at the ground, or to lean forward. No, no no! You want to maintain an open posture, and to address the entire audience. When you do this, you’ll look more secure, and maybe you’ll even notice people will listen to you more closely. Make sure you address the entire room, and not just one spot. if you’re scared to look at faces, look at the back wall. But not just one spot, find some nice different wall spots to look at. 

What to do with your hands? I know I used to put my hands in my pocket, or fidget with something. Instead, try to talk with your hands more. When you’re using gestures, people will usually pay more attention to what you’re saying, and they’ll sometimes understand more easily (if you’re interested as to why, message me). 

Do not hide. This is special advice to musicians, too. I used to hide behind my music stand because it was nice and safe. During public speaking it’s easy to hide behind some notes or to stand behind other people of your group, maybe. Don’t. Remember, fake the confident posture till you make it. 

When you’re finished, don’t stop pretending just yet. When people ask how it went, always say it went okay. This is so so so important! Because if you’d say “ugh it was awful!! So many things went wrong, I suck at presenting!” they’ll start thinking hmm, yeah, there were indeed some mistakes… Could have been better. Whereas if you just say it was okay or good, or even decent, they’ll hardly even question it and will most likely remember the positive aspects, as humans tend to do. 

I promise this works, at least to some extent. It may not help you get rid of anxiety right away, especially in really severe cases, but it can help you feel more at ease in front of a group. After that, you can start working on other things, such as volume, intonation, powerpoint use etc. 

Just take a few seconds before you start talking to breathe, focus on those muscles, and to follow this with an amazing presentation (and a good grade). 

You can always send me an ask for advice on public speaking! Even though I’m not a professional coach or whatever, I have overcome my speaking anxiety and maybe I can be of any help at all <3

[eintsein]

HOW TO APPROACH CLASSES A guide to getting the most out of your classes and lectures

By Eintsein

Design inspired by this post by @journalsanctuary

[ceestudies]

pages from my journal for general paper!

studygram

[eintsein]

HOW TO APPROACH CLASSES A guide to getting the most out of your classes and lectures

By Eintsein

Design inspired by this post by @journalsanctuary

[eristudy-blog]

my bujo spread for the week! feat. some pics from london ヽ(´▽｀)/ sigh but no long ass caption this time but hope you’re having a gr8 day !! (=´∀｀)人(´∀｀=) ・ ps. masaki suda and komatsu nana are such beautiful people how do they do it :;(∩´﹏`∩);: go watch their movie if u haven’t it’s v good ・ 🎶 Sunday - GroovyRoom (feat. Heize, Jay Park) 🎶

[briellestudies]

college note taking 101: how i take notes and use them to study for exams

in lecture:

i like to take quick/shorthand notes because i think learning to discriminate between what is and isn’t important material is a good skill to have so i’m not drowning in useless information when it’s time to study for a midterm or final.

i like to bring my ipad and use the notability app. it’s easier for me to just carry an ipad mini and stylus than it is for me to lug around a heavy notebook/binder and several pens/pencils.

if the professor makes lecture slides available to students online (via a class website), i like to download them onto notability and annotate them as the professor goes along. that way, i can focus more on what the professor is saying and less on merely writing everything down.

if lecture slides aren’t available, i type out my notes as i find it faster than handwriting them.

at home:

once i’m home, i take out my ipad and copy down my lecture notes into a specified notebook for that class, explain everything more thoroughly, make them neater, and organize them in a way that makes more sense to me (as opposed to copying them down exactly as how they were presented in lecture).

i like to use lots of colors, highlighters, and etc. and make them as pretty as possible so i actually want to use them to study from in the future.

integrating reading notes:

normally, what professors will do is assign reading from a textbook and base their lectures around the reading (or have the reading be based on the lectures). usually exams/tests will rely mostly on what was said in lecture instead of in the reading and this is partly because they overlap so much. what the professor says in lecture, you should consider the “important points” in your reading. sometimes, though, there are things in the reading that seem important and weren’t mentioned in lecture.

what i’ll do if this is the case is take post-its, write the piece of information down, and stick the post-it in my notebook in the corresponding section (i.e. where it fits best with my notes)

i like this method as opposed to taking notes directly in my textbook or having a separate notebook for only reading notes because 1) i’ve consistently found that reading material is not as heavily focused on in tests as lecture material and 2) i like to have all of my information in one place

using my notes to study:

when an exam is coming up, what i like to do is take all of the information in my notebook and condense it into a study guide that i can use to study from.

the format of my study guide varies depending on the class and which type of study guide and method of studying i think will help me best. my study guides range from flash cards to mind maps to sheets of paper with a bunch of condensed information.

if i come across a concept on my study guide that i can’t completely explain to myself/don’t fully understand, that’s when i’ll look back in my notebook for a better and fuller explanation of it.

i also like to give myself some time before an exam to completely read through my notebook and look at all the notes i’ve taken (not just what i have on my study guide) because i think it’s a good refresher of all of the lecture and reading material and all of the information will be brought forward in my mind.

[* a few of you have asked me for a advice on note taking: how i take notes, methods i use, how i study from them, and etc. i hope this post was helpful to you! feel free to message me if you have any other questions. happy studying! ^_^]

[legallychic]

Since I consider myself a big sis to all of you, I have made a small list of academic and misc. tips to make college/university not suck as bad.

Academic

If you get distracted in large lecture halls, sit in the front row. I discovered in large classes that I was sometimes more focused on the girl in front of me being on facebook, than I was on the actual lecture. Sitting in the front is always a good idea. It is honestly the easiest tip I have for you.

RECORD YOUR LECTURES! How ever you decide to take notes, you can also record your lectures. I use notability to take notes and to record my lectures with. When reviewing before an exam, recordings are a lifesaver. Also just reviewing after class, it deff helps to clear up anything that was slightly unclear in your notes.

Dress comfy for class. Literally no one care what you wear to class. Don’t feel like you haaaave to look cute, I understand wanting to look good to feel good for yourself but sometimes nike shorts are gonna be your best option.

Book group study rooms in the library. If your libraries on campus are anything like mine, they’re always packed. BUUUUUT it is very likely that your library has a way to reserve library rooms, thus guaranteeing you a silent study place on campus. Book ahead for finals week!!

GOOGLE DOCS. Once you make a good study group, condense all of your notes together on a google doc shared between you all. Google docs and slides  are also amazing for group projects and presentations. Become familiar with both, they are your new best friends.

Misc.

Starbucks has a loyalty program, get on it. I worked as a barista and literally the gold card program starbucks has will safe you a ton. There are literally 10 Starbucks on my campus, you will become familiar with yours. Download the app and start collecting points now! Also a pro-tip, skip the lattes and frappuccinos. Drip coffee is the best option for you, it is cheaper, better for you, and has the most caffeine besides the iced coffee. Also, once you’re a loyalty member at starbucks, refills on all coffee and tea is FREE. 

Keep snacks in your bag, it’s not rocket science. You get hungry, eat. The more protein, the better. 

Easy way to talk to someone in class. Pull out a pack of gum. Has not changed from high school. Having “class friends” is needed. They’re great for getting notes from if you miss class and for getting together to study with!

[studyblr]

no idea what to do after school?

If you too are a stressed high school or college student with no idea what you want to do in the future, here is a fun way to maybe get an idea of what could be right for you!

A while ago I discovered this app that is basically multiple well-known personality tests combined with a new spin that help you discover more about yourself! It “classifies” you as three types of personas, and in my case, they match so well!! You can also compare yourself with friends and see how much more of an introvert you are (high-five to my fellow introverts) or see what traits you have in common! This also works with a whole company - so if you always wanted to know if Google would be the right place for you in terms of work-ethic and approach, here you go! They recently added a new feature allowing you to see how well you work together with a group of other people. So if you just got assigned a new group project (ugh) you could check and see with whom you have the most similar approach to stuff like that!

The app is completely free (thank god), so give it a try here and tell me if you like it! 

[like-fairy-tales]

By: Alison | crimeofrhyme