5 Study Tips That Work

You’ve heard every excuse in the book as to why your student can’t study. You try to provide the tools to study, by offering a quiet space away to offering incentives, but nothing seems to work. It could be that your student has tried all of the common study techniques, and may need to try something new and different.

As unconventional as they may seem, take a look at five of the top study techniques proven to be effective

1.     Sad classical music can work wonders

http://www.thehealingatelier.com/images/music2.jpgStudents often think that fast, happy, upbeat music will get them in the right mood for studying. This type of music can make you active, but not in the right effect; it may make you want to dance or go out with friends, which will cause you to lose focus. Instead, put your trust in the musical masterminds of Chopin and Beethoven. Sad, classical music helps with concentration through its melody and rhythm. It raises the level of serotonin, which will in turn spark the creative process in your mind.

2.     Watch TV in another language

Learning another language can be tough, especially if your student is past their primary years. However, it can be made easier with the help of some common electronic devices. Many have found it useful to default their TV to a foreign language, where they can read the subtitles in order to decipher the translation. It may also be a good idea to set your phone in another language; it can be challenging at first, but it will allow you to learn new words as you navigate through the functions. Always keep a foreign language dictionary nearby for the words you do not know.

3.     Don’t be afraid to take breaks

There comes a point when your student will start to stare blankly at their notes after hours of studying. This is a sign that your student needs a break and requires time to let their brain rest and recuperate. However, the study breaks must stay short (no longer 15 minutes) and should stay conducive to learning. Try exercising or eating something healthy, or even completing a crossword puzzle. Feel free to take the breaks frequently, too. Studies have shown that by taking a 10-minute break after every 50 minutes of studying will help you feel more focused, refreshed, and relaxed upon returning to studying.

4.     Youtube videos are your friend

The next time you tell your student to turn off that Youtube video and hit the books, you may want to think again. Although many Youtube videos are created purely for humor and entertainment, there are other channels that cater to different educational subjects and topics. Veritasium, for example, is a science blog that shows students how to conduct their own experiments using household materials, while providing scientific explanations. Not only are these videos fun to watch, they can help make the learning process easier, especially if your student is struggling with concepts in school. Educational Youtube videos can provide a fresh perspective that neither you nor your student knew existed.

5.     The power of tea

http://kinkycurlycoilyme.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/black-tea-rinse-for-natural-hair.jpgIt may sound strange, but by drinking a cup of tea before a study session, you can see an increase in concentration and problem-solving skills. Black tea has been proven to help relieve stress by lowering levels of cortisol, the hormone that produces anxiety. Green tea does the same, and also improves alertness, attention span, and productivity according to a study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If your student constantly dreads studying or loses focus easily, try giving them a cup of tea and see how their study skills improve.