How can I turn studying into a daily habit to improve my test and quiz scores?
Hi everyone, I’m reaching out because I’m struggling in my courses and recently failed two quizzes in my accounting class at community college. I often find myself choosing sleep or scrolling through my phone instead of studying. Despite my efforts to prepare, I still end up with low grades. I sometimes feel overwhelmed and unable to recall information or grasp the questions. My dad tries to help, but ultimately, it’s up to me to remember the material. I want to establish a consistent study routine that makes it easier for me to prepare before my next quizzes. I really need to pass this course so I can move forward and retake some classes from last year that I didn’t do well in. Any tips on how to make studying a daily habit? Thank you!
It sounds like you’re feeling really frustrated right now, and that’s completely understandable. Building a study habit takes time and effort, especially when there are distractions like your phone or feeling tired. Here are some tips to help you create a more effective studying routine:
Set a Schedule: Dedicate specific time blocks each day for studying. Treat these sessions like important appointments. Consistency is key, so try to stick to your schedule as closely as possible.
Create a Study Space: Find a quiet and comfortable place to study, free from distractions. Make this your designated study area, and keep it organized and well-lit.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This can help maintain your focus and prevent burnout.
Break Down Material: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break your study material into smaller, manageable parts. Focus on one topic or concept at a time, and make sure you understand it before moving on.
Active Learning: Try different ways to engage with the material, such as summarizing what you’ve read, teaching the content to someone else, or using flashcards for key concepts. This can help reinforce your learning.
Limit Distractions: Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode or keep it in another room while you study. Consider using apps that block distracting websites during study time.
Stay Healthy: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. Taking care of your body can greatly influence your ability to focus and retain information.
Set Goals: Establish specific and achievable goals for each study session, like mastering a certain topic or completing a set number of practice problems.
Stay Positive: It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go well. Remember that it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Focus on your efforts and improvements, rather than just the grades.
Seek Help if Needed: If you’re having trouble understanding the material, don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for clarification or consider forming a study group with classmates. Sometimes, discussing concepts with others can make a big difference.
Building a habit takes patience, so be kind to yourself as you work through this. You’ve got this, and with some effort and determination, you’ll see improvement! Good luck!