Students in high school should figure out the studying techniques and methods that work best for them to help themselves to perform well in school and on graded assignments.
All students require different techniques since each person learns differently. Every student has his or her own studying strategies and memorization techniques that improve a student’s performance in class and on graded assignments. Some enjoy listening to music while studying.
“When I study, I often listen to lofi on YouTube because it is relaxing and I don’t have to worry about changing the song,” sophomore Ammberlyn Williamson said.
Many students have found that music can enhance and encourage learning, but listening to music while studying isn’t for everyone.
“In terms of music, it gets pretty hard for me to listen to music when I study because I get too distracted to work,” freshman Sarah Otto said.
However, sometimes the answer is simply lowering the volume or finding non-lyrical music.
“Usually I have to play music at a lower volume to make it less of a listening session and more of white noise for reviewing,” senior Jacquenlyn Lewis said. “Oftentimes I’ll listen to piano or orchestral covers.”
Even with music, studying is hard work and afterwards a student should reward his or herself.
“After a successful study session, I usually take some time off working to relax for a few minutes and reward myself with something entertaining and enjoyable,” Otto said.
The point of students rewarding themselves after studying is to make studying more productive and help to motivate the student. Some students have found that it can be less stressful to study if you make a schedule.
“Before studying, sometimes I’ll make a schedule,” senior Vincentt Stevenson said.
The location of a study session is important too.
“I know that for other people, studying at the library would help but as long as I’m alone, I can study well in my house’s office space,” Lewis said. “Any space that can promote studying and minimize distractions to make sure someone can take in information as well as retain it, is key.”
Studying partners can play another important part of a successful study session. Some people work best while with others when studying, however, others may find it difficult to focus.
“I have a pillow and box on my lap for Dylan, one of my other cats, so whenever I need a break I look down at him… begging me with his eyes to pet him,” Williamson said.
Learning how to study and retain information is another essential part of productive studying. Different people need different methods.
According to a Robert Half article, there are three main types of learners. The first type are tactile or kinesthetic learners, who learn best by doing and practicing; for example, solving the math equations independently, rather than watching a teacher. Then there are visual learners who need to see the notes and work in order to remember. A visual learner might need to watch someone solve a few math equations to understand and retain the information. Finally, there are auditory learners who need to hear things to understand them. These learners might need a verbal explanation of a math equation to understand. Additionally, they may need to repeat the explanation of the problem back to fully comprehend.
Whatever a person’s learning type may be, once a student learns the method that works best for them, they are more likely to to perform well in classes and maybe even enjoy studying.