Break the studying slump with these five unique tips.
Midterms can be a challenging time for teenage students, but with a little bit of creativity and outside-the-box thinking, you can make the process a lot easier. Here are some unique tips for acing your midterms:
Tip #1: Use mnemonic devices
Mnemonic devices are a great way to remember key facts and information. You can create your own mnemonic devices by using acronyms, acrostics, or rhymes. For example, if you're trying to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, you can use the acronym "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" to remember Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Tip #2: Make it visual
Many students find it easier to remember information when it's presented in a visual format. Especially for subjects such as Psychology or Biology that require vast amounts of logical connections, try creating mind maps, diagrams, or charts to help you understand and retain the material. Use the traditional pen-and-paper method, or for digital fans, try the platforms Coggle or Canva for the most elaborate mind maps.
Tip #3: Teach someone else
Who doesn’t like drawing on white boards? Teaching someone else the material you're studying can be an effective way to solidify your own understanding. Try lecturing a friend or family member what you've learned and see if they can explain it back to you. Bonus tip: go on a walk for some fresh air and repeat your own notes at the same time!
Tip #4: Pump up your heart rate
Exercise can help improve your memory and concentration, so try incorporating physical activity into your study schedule. If you struggle to find the time or motivation to get a full session in, don’t panic! Even just chunking up your movement into a few five-minute breaks throughout the day can be beneficial for your body. A few simple bodyweight exercises such as burpees, jumping jacks, or squats are enough to get your heart rate up.
Tip #5: Romanticize your review session
If all of the previous tips haven’t worked for you, this last one might seem more appealing. It’s also deceivingly simple: visit your local cafe or bookstore, sit down with some friends, and play your favorite music (not distractive!). In other words, optimize your environment so you can optimize your studying. If you prefer to study alone, why not take yourself on a solo date?
Conclusion
By implementing these unique tips, you can make studying for midterms so much more engaging and effective. Remember that everyone learns differently, so don't be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you.