It might be challenging for students, especially for
freshmen, to study effectively and have time for fun. In this post, we will
propose some recommendations and will offer several useful free services.
How to Study
Effectively
* Make a time
schedule. A schedule lets you pick the best times to study, work, and play.
It puts you in charge of your time. Buy or make a weekly planning guide and use
it to schedule key events, assignments, and deadlines. Keep it with you and try
to stick to it. Soon planning your time will become automatic.
* Prioritize. It
can be difficult to remember everything you need to accomplish. Keep a list of
things to do and write down all of your tasks, including study and class
projects. Beside each task write a letter or number indicating its priority.
"A" priorities need immediate attention and are important,
"B" priorities are important but not urgent, and "C"
priorities are not important nor urgent and can wait. Work on "A"
priorities first, and then move to "B".
* Study each day at
the same time and place. Consistency forms a habit. In keeping the same
time and place for studying, you can eliminate many distractions and lost time.
Study in a place where you can stay focused.
* Plan to study
just prior to and immediately after class. The best time to retain
information is while the notes are fresh in your mind. Try to study prior to a
discussion period and right after a lecture. Doing so will help you remember
important concepts and organize what you have just learned.
* Plan study time
throughout the day according to your ability to concentrate. You have
points throughout the day when you are at your peak. Be aware of those times
and schedule "A" priorities and difficult tasks or studying during
your peak hours. Schedule less demanding tasks during your low energy periods.
* Set goals for
each study period. Sit down to study with an agenda of what you want to
accomplish. Completing a task will give you momentum to accomplish more.
* Take advantage of
"waiting time" to review. Ten-minute segments add up and can be
helpful. Carry review cards or a book with you to study between classes, while
waiting for an appointment or a friend, etc.
* Don't wait until
you are in the mood to study. You may never be in the mood and you will
lose precious time while waiting for the mood to strike. Discipline yourself to
stick to your study schedule; it will keep you from having to cram during exam
time.
* Plan time for
fun. Schedule time each day or week to do things that recharge your
creative batteries or help put your life in perspective. You can decrease
stress and achieve a nice balance between work and play, when you have planned
enough time for both.
Useful Free
Services
Helium
Helium allows you to ditch the physical planner and take
control of your schoolwork.
Main Features:
* Coordinated Calendars. Easily organize and color-coordinate
your schedule and schoolwork, capture details about every assignment, and plan
your study schedule.
* Schedule at a Glance. Categorize your assignments, set
up grading scales, and enter details about teachers, room location, schedules,
credits, and more!
* Grade Analysis. Constantly up-to-date details about
your grades in every class, a breakdown of your progress, and insight into
which classes you are acing and what could use improvement.
* Assignment Details. Enter due date and textbook
details, add notes to remember later, set a priority level, and record grades
when complete.
* Materials Organizer. Maintain a list and details of the
supplies, books, technology, and equipment you will need to pick up to be ready
for class each semester and each day.
* Filtered Lists. Sort assignments by class, priority
level, due date, materials needed, etc. for an easy way to structure your study
time and plan your approach to mastering your courses.
Assign It App
Assign It App is a web service that helps you keep track
of assignments and courses. It allows you to enter in assignments and keep
track of when they are do.
StudentBook
StudentBook is a web application designed for students of
any kind of school. It helps to manage easily homework, exams dates and grades
of individual subjects.
Main Features:
* Organize your tasks. It helps you to organize homework
and learning for exams. Now you will never forget anything. You can tick
selected tasks and old items will disappear automatically.
* Share with classmates. Once you have created timetable,
homework or exams, you can instantly share it with your classmates. Invite all
of your class to StudentBook and everyone will know, which homework are on
tomorrow.
* Get your average grades. Fill in your grades and get
weighted average. You will have an overview about the final grade you will get
at the end of year.
