How to Study and Developing Study Skills

Study skills refer to the ability to read, memorize and retain class portions, text book content and other study materials. Developing study skills depend on individual's capability, grasping power, interests, environment and self discipline. Here are some methods to develop study skills and hone them better with few useful techniques.

1. Visualization

This method refers to seeing imagery through the mind on what has been taught, including block diagrams, pictures, matching real world objects with the concepts read. It also develops your creativity, imagination and cognitive skills.

2. Group Study

Joining a study group on few topics lets members to share and collaborate among others. The study materials can be divided for individual preparations, which then can be delivered as a short session or flash cards to other members in the study group. This is one of the most common study methods.

3. Writing what you read

Writing whatever you have just read immediately helps to retain the fresh knowledge and also boost your confidence in the exam. Apart from that, you can train yourself to be patient to really absorb the knowledge through hard work and also improve written communication skills.

4. Learning by doing

This is one best form of developing a study skill - doing things practically based on what one read in the text book although it may not be possible to experiment or implement everything practically. One has to develop the habit of experiencing them practically if there any opportunity exists. For example, college lab exercises, applying them on real world situations.

5. Flash cards

This is the most common method of keeping tab of topics read. It is done through a small post card where key words are noted down for quick reference. Majority of the students keep them handy instead of keeping complete notes or text books. This helps in developing hints to the topics and improvising the whole content from the keywords.

6. Mind maps

It is the best technique to relate topics and associate links among them. Mind map is a powerful tool which follows a tree or hierarchical structure to a particular topic. It is also a great brainstorming method to generate more ideas for essay writing, comprehension, and critical thinking. It sharpens the thought process by looking at various perspectives to the subject.

7. Group discussion and quizzes

Revise the topics through a group discussion with friends to further improve your memory. It is better to allot 30 minutes of time for discussion and clarifications. To make it more interesting, conduct small quizzes through rapid fire rounds, puzzles and other form of investigative learning. This also builds communication and social skills.

8. Relaxation methods

It is vital to keep a healthy mind and body. Taking breaks and rests for 10-15 minutes between studies keeps the mind relaxed. It is recommended to have a minimum of seven hours sound sleep. It rejuvenates both body and mind. The mental pressure can be released by playing sports, doing work outs and spending quality time with family and friends. Practicing meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga are great methods to improving concentration and focus.

In summary, study skills are both innate and acquired by nature. They may vary across individuals but several common and working practices can be derived and applied by all students to hone and improvise their existing skills.

5 Household Student Skills

So you're living away from home for the first time, and you think you're ready for your first independent living experience, right? Well take it from us, there are bound to be situations ahead when you're at a complete loss as to what to do. We have put together a guide to those basic household student skills that you've never thought to learn.

1 - Doing Laundry

Firstly, separate your colours, whites, and delicates (such as silks) into individual loads. Items like towels that could leave fluff over your clothes should also be separated. Go through your pockets and remove anything if not you'll be picking out bits of tissue for the next few months. Turn jeans inside out to retain the colour and pay attention to care labels. Make sure you wash items at the right temperature - too hot and they might shrink, too cold and it won't get clean! Finally, always follow the directions on your washing powder/liquid and you should be fine!

2 - Boiling an Egg

Should be simple, but even the best chefs get it wrong! Firstly, never use a refrigerated egg; you'll get much better results from those at room temperature. Set a small pan to boil on the stove, with just enough water to cover the egg. Prick the fat end of the egg with a pin to stop it cracking, and drop it carefully into the boiling water. Now, for the important part! For a soft boiled egg with a runny yolk and lightly cooked white, boil for no longer than 3 minutes. For a hard boiled egg with solid white and yolk, boil for 8 minutes.

3 - Changing a Light bulb

Switch off the light that you'll be changing, and allow the existing bulb to cool before touching it. Twist the bulb anticlockwise until it is free - if it is a bayonet bulb it will only take one twist; a screw bulb will take slightly longer. Fetch your replacement bulb, making sure it's the same wattage as the original. Don't touch the new bulb with your bare hands, as you could damage the filament inside. Screw the bulb back in clockwise

4 - Defrosting your freezer

Your first task should be emptying the freezer. Once your freezer is empty (remove the drawers/ice tray also), unplug and leave the door open, putting some old towels around the bottom to soak up the inevitable deluge of water. Boil the kettle and fill a bowl with the water. Place the bowl in the centre of the freezer and use a cloth to spread the warmth around. Remove any large chunks of ice by hand, and then refill the bowl with boiling water and let the steam go to work. Repeat until all the ice is gone, dry off with a towel and you're good to go.

5 - Dusting

Empty the room entirely. This requires moving furniture as well as smaller items in the room, and you may need a helping hand. Put on some good music or a movie to entertain yourself while dusting. Get a*dust rag or a feather duster and begin dusting at the highest points of the room such as ceiling fans or the tops of window frames.Scrub and sanitize the woodwork and floors in the room thoroughly to remove all dust which may have accumulated. After dusting, many people forget that the dust eventually settles somewhere. If the room is carpeted, then vacuum the room.