How to Make Your Study Time Worthwhile

Of the numerous reasons why students do not excel in their academics, ineffective or poor study habit remains outstanding. This write-up seeks to itemize ways by which students can achieve a worthwhile and effective study time.

To the student:

1. Before you begin studying, it is proper that you prepare a timetable. Adhere strictly to your planned schedule. Note that if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.
2. Ensure that before you settle down to read, you are not exhausted. A few hours of rest before the time of studying will put you in a good state to read. Slumbering or absentmindedness while studying indicates a futile study.
3. The environment in which you study will determine how effective your period of studying will be. The room should
• be adequately illuminated;
• not be noisy;
• be adequately ventilated and;
• have in good condition, the materials used for studying e.g. table and chair.
4. Once you settle down to study, decide not to be distracted or even distract yourself.
• Never eat while studying.
• Concentrate fully on what you are reading.
• Movement in between study should be avoided. Ensure you have all your books and writing materials on your desk or table.
• Avoid chatting (except if it has to do with what you are studying) while studying.
• Switch off your mobile phone.
• No listening to music while studying.

The brain and eyes are the parts of the body involved in studying. The cells of these organs require the much energy the body can provide at this period i.e. when studying. Therefore, getting distracted while studying could dissipate much-needed energy.

APPROACHES FOR STUDYING LESSON NOTES/TEXT BOOKS

The approach to be adopted will depend on the subject being studied. For clarification, subjects could be grouped into

1. Non-numeric(without figures) Subjects: Government, Commerce, History, Agricultural Science, Biology, etc.
2. Numeric (with figures) Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Additional Mathematics, etc.

NON-NUMERIC SUBJECTS

As a result of their elaborate nature, it is essential that students know how to extract cogent points from their notes. Questions are not necessarily asked on every item in their notes. Items in them that stand to constitute questions asked by an examiner begin with pointers like

• meaning/definition of....
• advantages/merits or disadvantages/demerits of....
• functions/uses/usefulness of....
• differences between two items/distinguish....
• importance of....
• characteristics/qualities of....
• roles of....

After identifying these items, students should commit them to memory. This can be done by closing their books and uttering them verbally or scribbling them down on a rough note, several times. For students who may have difficulty doing the above, it is suggested that they read their books or notes frequently. By so doing, they become familiar with the required items.

Studying past questions asked on various topics under these subjects could also assist the students in extracting cogent details from their notes or books.

NUMERIC SUBJECTS

These have their notes comprised mainly of formulae, equations, or symbols. These could be committed to memory by studying how they are derived as well as applied in tackling questions.

Worked examples should be studied carefully. Thereafter, the students should tackle a few questions on their own.

Students should be aware of the relevance of showing step-by-step workings of all tackled questions.

Likewise, studying past questions on the various topics under these subjects can also be of help to the students.

If the students adhere to the steps so far discussed, they stand to experience an effective and worthwhile period of study. In addition to that, they would observe an abrupt improvement in their academic performance.