Establishing Good Study Habits

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 07:50 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Efficient Use of Time
"I'm here to tell you what I think is a key to academic survival and success. The first and most important thing I feel, at least to survival and success in the classroom, is efficient use of your time outside the classroom. Remember, there are 24 hours in a day. Set aside two to three hours each day for studying. This will leave you with five to six hours -- after we subtract time for our classes, meals, and a good night's sleep -- to do those things that we like to do much more than studying. The next thing that I feel contributes to survival and success in the classroom is periodic review of your lecture notes and the appropriate chapters in your textbooks. Periodic review and beginning to study for your exams early will save you time in the long run and it will prevent cramming. That way you can be well rested and more motivated and less anxious on test day. The last thing you can do to help get good grades is take advantage of all the academic resources at your university. It can only help you."

The Power of Cooperation
"Education often looks like competition. We compete for interest in school, for grades when we're in school, and for jobs when we leave school. In such a climate it is easy to overlook the power of cooperation that is developed through study support groups. Study support groups feed you energy. People are social animals and we draw strength from groups. Aside from the comradery, the fellowship and the fun, support groups can assist you by elevating your spirit. There will be days when you just don't want to work on your education. Other members of the study group, however, can support you and encourage you. In addition to drawing strength from the group when you're down, you can give support to others yourself as they need it. A study support group is also a good place to build rewarding relationships with people. So remember your friends and classmates when you study."

Mixing Studies with Social Activities
"The most successful students balance social activities with good study habits. A diversion from studies will alleviate stress and help prevent you from becoming fatigued. So make sure you take a break for an hour after studies to meet with friends, to play some cards, work out at the gym, or to gab with a new acquaintance. You'll find your concentration sharpen when you do study, if you plan a social activity afterwards. To develop a healthy social life, develop routine study habits. After supper, lug your books and homework to the library, find a comfortable and quiet niche, and study for two or three hours, taking intermittent 10 minute breaks every 45 minutes or so. Make a friend with whom you share similar study habits, and share a table or a study space with them. Remember, after you've completed your work for the evening, take time for a social activity before retiring for the evening. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and prepared for another day."

Setting a Comfortable Pace
"Are you frustrated at not performing at a level equal to your potential in your courses? This tip is to help maximize your academic efforts. A good grade in a course is almost never the result of luck. The key is to set yourself at a comfortable pace for studying. What is your comfortable pace? Once you determine this, consistency is the secret. Setting aside time for focused study every day will probably result in a higher grade point average. Make falling behind a thing of the past! Also, for each course you have, rate your interest level and the type of course, list the course requirements, set a goal for the grade you wish to earn, and establish a study schedule. A study schedule will guarantee better grades and may actually reduce the study time you spend now. Be sure to incorporate some review time each study period. Your study schedule must be convenient and you must adhere to it. Increased study time with consistency will spell success. I have seen it work for students."

Changing Your Habits
"How are you? I'm Dr. John Feldmeier with an Academic Survival Tip. But first, I want you to find a pencil or pen so you can write down what I'm about to say. Ready, please write this down. The past does not equal the future. Once again, the past does not equal the future. Next, I want you to take what you have written down and place it where you will see it each and every day. Okay, what does it mean? It means those poor study habits such as not completing assignments, missing classes, and staying up too late before your next class do not have to be repeated in the future. Who can make these changes? Yes, you're correct. You, and only you, can change the future to achieve more success and productivity. Remember, don't let the past be your future. Make these changes for a better life."

Personal Maintenance
"We all know the importance of maintaining a car. We can push it to the limit, but sooner or later it starts to run poorly. By setting aside some time for a little maintenance, we can keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Unfortunately, we tend to forget these simple truths when they're applied to college life. We push ourselves to keep up with demands and ignore warning signs such as decreased productivity and a negative attitude. We fail to recognize that some time spent on rest and relaxation may actually save time in the long run. People often notice that their mood improves and they work more effectively after taking a break. Personal maintenance may include very simple and inexpensive activities such as taking a walk in the snow, having dinner with a friend, or listening to some favorite music. So take a little time out today to do something fun and relaxing -- your system just might run a little smoother tomorrow."

Immediate Review of Class Notes
"The study suggestion that I recommend is the one that I am still working on applying in my last semester of graduate school -- that is, to go home and review as soon as possible what you have heard and learned in class. Otherwise, 80% of what was learned will be forgotten. So, as soon as you can after class, review the class notes or the related chapter text. When you do this type of review, you may have the satisfying experience of ideas relating, making sense, and fitting together for you. At times, you may also experience a very interesting phenomena. Sometimes it feels like light bulbs are going on in your brain when these connections are made. And that's the good side. The other side is that this requires self-discipline and requires planned effort. Yes, I mean a planned study schedule. But it is a rewarding learning experience and I recommend it to you. This may also be done in reverse and this may also be easier. Immediately prior to a class, read the chapter text material that will be covered in the lecture that day. You will be one of the few students who will understand the lecture, be able to answer questions, ask questions and thus participate. And you will feel "real" knowledgeable. This has an instant positive feedback effect and will also enable you to retain more information. So, schedule daily study time and schedule one or the other of these techniques into your planned study time."

Staying Awake
"There are times when, no matter how interesting a subject might be, it's still very difficult to stay awake when studying. Say you have several chapters to read for the next class. You have the time to do it, but you're having trouble keeping those "baby blues" open and focused. Try this. First, buy an egg timer, one of those little white ones that clicks off the seconds quietly. Set the timer for ten minute intervals. Read until the timer goes off. Then get up and move around for a couple minutes -- maybe sip some fruit juice. Then set the timer and repeat the process. If the moving around and sipping isn't enough, try some deep knee bends, sit ups, or muscle-stretching activities. The idea is to keep the blood moving through the brain. You'll be surprised at the amount of information you cover in a short period of time."

Put Academics First Life
"As a Department Chair, I have the opportunity to talk with many second semester freshmen in my area; unfortunately, some of them are on academic probation or have lower Q.P.A.'s than they want. And the reason I hear most often is, "Well, I goofed off the first semester and didn't really study that hard." That statement causes me to advise students to do two things: Put academics first and really mean it. This might include studying in a quiet place, reading assignments more than once, taking copious notes, and starting on your papers at least a week before they're due. Get enough sleep and eat well. Don't stay up late night after late night talking with your friends; try getting up for breakfast and studying before class. This means, my friends, that you can socialize only on weekends and still not much in the beginning until you see where you're going to stand grade-wise. Remember, you don't flunk out if you miss parties; you flunk out when you miss classes and don't commit to doing your best work."

More About Time Management
"Are you having trouble remembering information when you take a test? Do you feel overwhelmed with the amount of material you need to learn? Information stored in short-term memory can begin to decay within a short time unless effort is made to place the material in long term memory. Research indicates that unless you review within 24 hours, 80% of the material can be forgotten. By reviewing information as soon as possible you will not only increase the amount of material you will remember, but you will also decrease the hours of study needed before an exam. You can build review sessions into your daily schedule by following a few simple steps. First, avoid scheduling back to back classes. Use the time in between your classes to review your notes. Dot your "i's", cross your "t's" and write out abbreviations. This will only take you two or three minutes and will aid in retention of the material. Second, use small amounts of time to review. Try to avoid marathon study sessions, since they tend to be overwhelming and cause students to procrastinate even more. Third, time wasted in line at the bookstore or waiting at the laundromat can be used to review and organize notes. The key is time management. Learning to budget your time will give you more time for frequent reviewing so that less time is spent cramming."

Don't Panic
"You know, it's really easy, especially during this time of the semester, to look at all the things you have to do, and -- well -- panic. Some people even go into withdrawal because they don't know what to do -- they are overcome, and do nothing at all, and of course the worst happens. The solution to this problem sounds flip, but it really isn't. Don't look at the whole picture. Keep your attention focussed only on each individual step. Focus on your math assignment -- don't also worry about your English paper and communications project. Or, write that first draft now, and worry about the final format later. But, above all, do it now. If you keep up with each step, the whole will take care of itself automatically. You don't have to worry, and who knows, you might even get some sleep."

Studying Can Be Fun
"I run across countless students who view studying as arduous, if not painful. I would like to share a few tips that might help you approach studying in an agreeable and productive fashion. First, schedule a block of time each day that is created specifically for studying. Choosing the right time is crucial. Some of us study most effectively in the morning; some in the evening. The key is setting a study time that fits you personally, i.e. when you are at your sharpest. If your difficulty is finding time to study, chances are good that you're in the habit of doing something else that takes away from your studies. Second, choose your studying place and be faithful to it. This includes choosing a place that is nearby, quiet, and one lacking distractions. It is also important that you find a place that is only associated with studying. Many students often with good intentions make the mistake of choosing their bed as their special studying place. Unfortunately, these students find that what was going to be their study time turned into their nap time. Third, create a pleasing atmosphere in which to study. Put on your favorite slippers or make yourself a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate. Make your time special. The trick is to change your feelings about studying. If you can do this, your studying time can be more pleasurable and productive."

Why Fail When You Can Succeed?
"When I was the Dean of Students at Philander Smith College in 1965, I did a research project to determine why students fail. What I found to be true in that survey of study habits more than 30 years ago still rings true today--students fail because they don't know how to study or they don't know what it means to study. The best advice I can give you to enable the achievement of academic excellence is to develop sound study skills. First, make sure you have a good study environment, a good desk, a sturdy chair, good light, comfortable room temperature and a quiet atmosphere. That means you should eliminate all external and internal distractions. Second, get a good overview of your assignment before you start your work. Know what skills, facts and ideas you are expected to master and the ground you are expected to cover. Start with your most difficult subject first, while your mind is freshest and most receptive. Develop a study schedule and stick to it. Schedule your study time when you know you are at your best. Successful students agree that a weekly schedule works best and provides the flexibility necessary to make adjustments according to assignments. Finally, study your professors as well as the subject matter. Ask faculty for study tips specific to the subject at hand. The faculty in the Department of Academic Support Services can provide additional assistance to you in developing good study habits."

Preparing to Participate in Class
"I have a very active schedule and couldn't accomplish the goals I've set for myself if I didn't take time for preparation. Preparation can aid you as well. You'll find that going to class is much more enjoyable if you're prepared to participate. Not only will a professor take notice that you are ready for class, but you'll find that you are also able to assist your classmates by engaging them in discussions of that day's material. It's up to you to decide if you want just a college degree or if you truly want a college education. Prepare in advance so you don't find yourself behind the "eight ball" when it is time to study for that all-important class or test. As a recent non-traditional student at Edinboro University, I know what I'm talking about when I say preparation is the key."

College Motivation

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 07:48 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

College Success is More Than Academics
"I used to think that the best way to succeed in school was to study, study and even study some more. I realized the saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' really holds true at the college level. College success is more than just academics; it's learning how to be an adult for the first time in your life. It's about developing tremendous interpersonal relationships with professors, counselors, and most importantly your peers. It's the whole college experience that enables one to truly succeed. Meeting new people, opening your mind to different ideas and cultures, and most importantly, the enjoyment of the four plus years that you're in school. Years from now, you will look back and consider your time in school as one of if not the best time of your life. That being the case, I strongly recommend that yout take time and appreciate each goal that is achieved. If you don't take time to 'pat yourself on the back', more so than not, no one else will. Two things to keep in mind:

You are your biggest supporter and your harshest critic.
Remember to respect your goals that you are trying to attain and appreciate and reflect on the ones you have reached."

Ask Questions
"Being a freshman is always challenging, as you step into a new world of exciting adventures. Maybe you've heard a lot about Albert Einstein, William Shakespeare, or perhaps Abraham Lincoln, but you never had the chance to read or actually have someone tell you about their works and what they did for society and the entire human race. And so, as you step into college you should be ready to explore what was once a dormant seed in you and erase the fear of college and being a freshman. Life is full of new adventures and being a freshman is no different. Although it may seem a little difficult at first, the key to success is determination and motivation. Always think positive. Ask questions. Remember, no question is a dumb question. You go to school to learn, so take advantage of it and go for it."

Positive Thinking and Science
"Because of past negative experiences, many students are anxious about being in science classes. They're convinced that they can't do any science because they did poorly in these courses in junior high and high school. If you tell yourself that you're going to fail, you will. As difficult as it may seem, you have to adopt a positive attitude. Anything you believe you can do, you can do. I give this advice to all my students. Many come in convinced that they can't do biology and 15 weeks later they express amazement at how well they have done. Listen to me. Adopting a positive attitude has proven effective for many students. It will work for you."

Setting Goals
"Little is done by any of us without motivation and a goal in mind. Motivation is the internal fire which allows each of us to ascend to something we have yet to achieve. For university students, a goal to graduate provides one of the first destinations as we journey down the academic road toward fulfillment of our degree. Remain focused on your goal to graduate. The path leading to a degree will have many options along the way which can entice you to deviate from your goal. Each time you pass one of these deviations you will strengthen your motivation to remain on course. Although we can all be temporarily mislead in our journey, if your goal is sound and your motivation to achieve your goal is high, you will be successful. Keep in mind that the education you receive at your university will provide you with the knowledge necessary for the attainment of many future goals."

Setting Priorities
"Approach your college education as a game or competition. Set goals that are reasonable for each of your classes and then establish a game plan to be successful. Establish priorities in your study habits by managing your time correctly. Be prepared for each class every day with a positive attitude. You will only get out of each class what you put forth in effort. We tell our players to not waste time because it's so valuable. One method we teach them is to make flash cards or note cards that they can carry with them at all times, and then if they are waiting for someone or just have some time on their hands they can take their cards out and review them. With flash cards you can also make-up a game or competition of knowledge in each course so that the material becomes more interesting to learn. Finally, never get discouraged and always continue to be persistent toward your goals. If you know your goals, are persistent, and properly prepare for each class you should meet with great success."

Keeping Things in Perspective
"Do you sometimes find yourself confused about things and can't concentrate on your coursework? You do have many decisions to make in the next several years, and some of the answers might come easily to you, and others might not. You may be with other students who have known all their lives what they want to be, or where they want to live, or who they want to marry. You may find that some of your own plans are no longer right for you, or some of the values that you believed in are no longer valid, or that you are no longer certain who you are. These confusions are difficult for any of us to handle, and they can sometimes prevent us from spending enough time on our courses. My first tip is don't panic. You're not the only one with these kinds of questions. In fact, just about all students go through this during their college years. The right answers will come to you in time, and this process marks you as an adult. It's still a rough experience, but sometimes knowing that most college students go through this CAN help to ease the shock of it happening to you. My second tip is to remember that you're not alone. There are many offices, people and services at your university that are designed to help you through these times. Know who and where these are, and don't hesitate to use them. So good luck, and remember to keep things in perspective."

Passing Life's Test
"In life people want the best. You got to work harder and rougher than the rest. For if you really want to pass life's test do well in school and you'll get to the next. So while you're in school--you get all that you can. I'm talking school smarts--you get all that you can. Cause in the real world you want to be the man. So get all that you can. Get all that you can."

The 'Golden 20' for Academic Success!

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 06:13 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Go to class.

Be on time.

Sit to the front and center of the classroom.

Bring a pen, paper, notebook, and books.

Dress like a student (not like an athlete, rap star, rock musician, or surfer).

Show respect and enthusiasm to your instructors.

Listen, listen, listen--you can't learn while talking to your peers during class.

Pay attention--don't doodle, doze, or daydream.

Try to contribute once per class period, with a question or contribution to discussion. Participation counts--and helps.

Have clearly marked notebooks, with separate sections--or separate notebooks--for each class.

Take notes.

Use a dictionary. This will increase your vocabulary and teach you correct spelling.

Have a partner/"buddy" system for studying. Have parents, friends, dormmates, etc. quiz you. Form study groups.

Read, read, read. Read magazines, the newspaper, sports books, science fiction, anything you can get your hands on.

Set aside at least three hours a day, six days a week, to study.

Get some of your homework done during school. Use free periods, extra time between classes, and the time before sports.

Sacrifice and work during times when you know other people aren't working. Work on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. It will be worth it.

Volunteer for extra credit.

Get involved in extracurricular activities. Don't merely attend classes and go to practice. Join the Government Club or Cultural Awareness Organization, write for the student newspaper, give tours, etc. Get involved.

Work hard and be proud that you are working hard and learning. Realize that education is a key ingredient to many great things that you will accomplish in life.

Clubs and Organizations Involvement

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:37 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Opportunities to Meet People
"Your studies should be very important to you, but in order to be a successful student, you need to balance academics with a social outlet. A great way to meet both needs is through student clubs and organizations. Student clubs and organizations will provide you with a wide variety of opportunities to become involved on campus and throughout the community. Being a part of a club or organization will provide you with new life experiences, valuable leadership skills and abilities, and opportunities to express creativity and talent. It is important that you find an organization that best fits your needs. So, please remember to get involved."

Resume Benefits
"If you'd like to become involved in some extra-curricular activity while being a student, that is a good idea. Participation with your peers to accomplish goals, as well as for social interaction, is worthwhile now and prepares you for similar involvement with professional organizations once you graduate. Involvement also looks good on your resume. You must remember your priorities, however, and keep your studies first. Good time management and study habits are imperative. At least two hours of study out of class for every hour in class is a good guideline. Good lecture and textbook note-taking is essential. Ask questions in class, read as you go, and answer questions at the end of the chapters. A monthly calendar should include the highlighted dates of upcoming quizzes, tests, assignment deadlines, and the meetings of your organizations. Remember, most organizations require a certain QPA for active membership. You might consider a club that is related to your major as one of your selections."

Resources for Athletes
"Many athletes find that they have some trouble adjusting to the work load that they get from their classes. Along with all of the tough homework, the time commitment for a sport is sometimes 40 hours a week. There are some resources, though, that can help. First, talk to your coach if you are experiencing difficulties. They'll be happy to help you, because they want to see you do well in the classroom, as well as on the field. Second, some of your upperclass teammates may have had some of the same classes that you're taking now. Talk to them and see what help they can give you. Finally, don't forget about the free tutoring in the library and Lawrence Towers. The students who provide the tutoring are very capable, and can often provide you with the help you need. Remember, if you don't have the grades, you can't play. Playing a sport for the university is a privilege, just like driving. If you keep getting speeding tickets, you get your license taken away. In the same way, too many F's will keep you on the bench."

Balancing Studies and Extra-Curricular Activities
"Striking the balance between studies and extra-curricular activities is difficult and should be done on a person to person basis. However, in this tip, I would like to emphasize the importance of student clubs and organizations. Beyond the phrase 'looks good on your resume'--which is true indeed--active participation in a student organization or club has other benefits. Nearly all major areas of study have a club. By participting in these clubs you have the chance to meet others with common interests and faculty who teach some of the major courses. Other organizations deal with issues not directly related to your field of study. Examples include service organizations related to specific hobbies, such as the Ski Club or Planetarium Club. Contact your campus Student Activities Office for more information. Have fun and GET INVOLVED."

Tips for Effective Studying

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:28 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

In order to excel in college, you must first learn how to study properly. Contrary to historical opinion, there are many effective ways to learn information; it is a question of figuring out what works for you. What type of studying best suits you? What time of day are you most efficient? What is the proper environment for you to study in? Before you can answer these questions, you have to do a little research. It takes an effort but the rewards are more than worth it.

Memory

When we first learn something, information is processed into the brain to form a neural trace. This trace first enters your sensory memory, and then, if you're paying attention, to your Short Term Memory, or STM. If you keep working to process the information and adapt it correctly it then moves to your Long Term Memory, or LTM. The information processed into your LTM is more or less permanent; with occasional reviewing you will not forget it. The trick is to adapt the information you really need into your LTM as quickly as possible. Your STM has a small capacity and a short duration; you may learn something very quickly, but in 24 hours you will lose 80% of that information. The STM is fast and easily accessed, the LTM is slower but larger.

Repetition

The key to learning something well is repetition; the more times you go over the material the better chance you have of storing it permanently. Before you begin this process, however, it makes sense that you determine the type of learner you are. There are three basic types of learning: Visual, Auditory and Haptic. Most of us are, in fact, some combination of the three, but chances are one style will suit us more than the other two. Take some time to look over the types and figure out which category best describes your method of learning. Learning Types Visual Learners:

Visual learners study best when the material is graphic, ie. charts, tables, maps, etc. When in class, visual people should look at the professors when they are speaking, participate in class discussions and take detailed notes during lectures. When studying, study alone in a quiet place and try to transcribe your material on paper. When possible make drawings, graphs or tables of complex abstract ideas and work alone. Visual learners often have trouble working while having a dialogue, even if the dialogue directly pertains to the subject matter.

Auditory Learners:

Auditory people work best when they can hear the material. Read aloud, go over your notes and talk to yourself about the important points. Before reading, set a purpose and verbalize it, after you've finished be sure to summarize out loud what you just read. Speak your ideas into a tape machine as if you were having a conversation with someone, if you can, talk to your friends about the material. Because Auditory learners sometimes have trouble keeping columns aligned, try doing math computations by hand, on graph paper.

Haptic Learners:

Haptic learners are the most maligned division; they are the people that can't sit still. Haptics have to pace around the room, they must have music or a television playing in the background and are almost constantly finding themselves distracted. Despite what parents and teachers have been saying to the contrary, Haptic learning is just as effective as the other two, more traditional, types. Instead of fighting against your nature, adapt to it and find a method that really works. Make studying more physical; work at a standing desk, pace around the room, do reading while on an exercise bike, chew gum. Try to use color when you can; highlight your readings, read with a filtered light, put posters and bright colors around your desk. Haptic people should vary their activities, if you feel frustrated or 'clogged up' do something different for a few minutes. Try and keep a list of distractions as they come to you; once you write them down, they won't bother your concentration as much. If you want to, play music in the background at whatever volume you choose to. When reading, try skimming over the chapter to get a solid basic meaning before you really dig in. Try to visualize complex projects from start to finish before you begin them. Visualization is a useful tool for Haptic people, it helps you keep a positive, productive outlook on the task at hand.

SQ3R

The SQ3R method is the reading and studying system preferred by many educators. Reading research indicates that it is an extremely effective method for both comprehension and memory retention. It's effective because it is a system of active reader involvement.

Step 1. "S"= Survey Before you actually read a chapter, or go over a particular section of notes, take five minutes to survey the material. Briefly check headings and subheadings in order to understand the author's organizational pattern of ideas to be discussed. Scan all visual material. Read introductory and summary paragraphs. This preview will enable you to anticipate what the chapter is about.

Step 2. "Q"= Question Create interest in the material by asking: What are the main points of the chapter? As you read, keep the question in mind and figure out the most important points. It gives you a clearly defined purpose for reading, and helps you maintain interest in the material.

Step 3. "R"= Read Read the chapter actively for meaning. Go through the paragraph before underlining, then underline key words and phrases to help you recall the main points. Be selective, you don't want to highlight non-important points or miss anything that can help your comprehension. Summarize main concepts in your own words in the margins. The more active you are in the reading process, the more you will retain.

Step 4. "R"= Recite After every few pages, close your book and recite aloud the main points to the questions you posed in step 2. Try to recall basic details as to the author's intent by putting them in your own words. Verify your answer by checking the text. If you can't remember the text, read through it again. If you don't get it now, you won't remember it for a test. Take as much time as you need to answer your questions. Don't be frustrated, this takes more time but the information will be clearer in your mind.

Step 5. "R"= Review Finally, review the chapter every so often to fix the material in your mind. Keep rereading your margin notes and underlinings. Verbalize the sequence of main ideas and supporting facts to aid retention. Numerous reviews are a lot more effective than one cramming session the night before an exam. Review once right after you've finished reading and then every couple of days. The SQ3R is time consuming at first, expect it to take ten to fifteen percent longer to read a given chapter when you first begin. Research indicates a 70%% increase in retention after two months of using the system and, eventually, a reduction in time spent preparing for exams.

Note Taking Techniques

The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you. The 2-6 Method The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Finally If you have any questions or need more help, stop by and talk to one of our counselors. Studying is 99%% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.

Time management

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:25 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

1. A Personal Time Survey

To begin managing your time you first need a clearer idea of how you now use your time. The Personal Time Survey will help you to estimate how much time you currently spend in typical activities. To get a more accurate estimate, you might keep track of how you spend your time for a week. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you need to prepare for each subject. It will also help you identify your time wasters. But for now complete the Personal Time Survey to get an estimate. The following survey shows the amount of time you spend on various activities. When taking the survey, estimate the amount of time spent on each item. Once you have this amount, multiply it by seven. This will give you the total time spent on the activity in one week. After each item's weekly time has been calculated, add all these times for the grand total. Subtract this from 168, the total possible hours per week. Here We Go:

1. Number of hours of sleep each night	________ X 7 = _______
2. Number of grooming hours per day	________ X 7 = _______
3. Number of hours for meals/snacks per day - include preparation time	________ X 7 = _______
4a. Total travel time weekdays	________ X 5= _______
4b. Total travel time weekends	_______
5. Number of hours per week for regularly scheduled functions (clubs, church, get-togethers, etc.)	_______
6. Number of hours per day for chores, errands, extra grooming, etc.	_______ X 7 = _______
7. Number of hours of work per week	_______
8. Number of hours in class per week	_______
9. Number of average hours per week socializing, dates, etc. Be honest!	_______
Now add up the totals:	_______
Subtract the above number from 168	168 - _______ = _______
The remaining hours are the hours you have allowed yourself to study.

2. Study Hour Formula

To determine how many hours you need to study each week to get A's, use the following rule of thumb. Study two hours per hour in class for an easy class, three hours per hour in class for an average class, and four hours per hour in class for a difficult class. For example, basket weaving 101 is a relatively easy 3 hour course. Usually, a person would not do more than 6 hours of work outside of class per week. Advanced calculus is usually considered a difficult course, so it might be best to study the proposed 12 hours a week. If more hours are needed, take away some hours from easier courses, i.e., basket weaving. Figure out the time that you need to study by using the above formula for each of your classes.

Easy class credit hours	________ x 2 = _______
Average class credit hours	________ x 3 = _______
Difficult class credit hours	________ x 4 = _______
Total	_______

Compare this number to your time left from the survey. Now is the time when many students might find themselves a bit stressed. Just a note to ease your anxieties. It is not only the quantity of study time but also it's quality. This formula is a general guideline. Try it for a week, and make adjustments as needed.

3. Daily Schedules

There are a variety of time schedules that can fit your personality. These include engagement books, a piece of poster board tacked to a wall, or 3 x 5 cards. Once you decide upon the style, the next step is construction. It is best to allow spaces for each hour, half-hours for a busy schedule. First, put down all of the necessities; classes, work, meals, etc. Now block in your study time (remember the study time formula presented earlier). Schedule it for a time when you are energized. Also, it's best to review class notes soon after class. Make sure to schedule in study breaks, about 10 minutes each hour. Be realistic on how many courses to take. To succeed in your courses you need to have the time to study. If you find you don't have time to study and you're not socializing to an extreme, you might want to consider lightening your load. Tips for Saving Time Now that you know how you spend most of your time, take a look at it. Think about what your most important things are. Do you have enough time? Chances are that you do not. Below are some tips on how to schedule and budget your time when it seems you just don't have enough.

4. Don't be a perfectionist

Trying to be a perfect person sets you up for defeat. Nobody can be perfect. Difficult tasks usually result in avoidance and procrastination. You need to set achievable goals, but they should also be challenging. There will always be people both weaker and stronger than you.

5. Learn to say no

For example, an acquaintance of yours would like you to see a movie with him tonight. You made social plans for tomorrow with your friends and tonight you were going to study and do laundry. You really are not interested. You want to say no, but you hate turning people down. Politely saying no should become a habit. Saying no frees up time for the things that are most important.

6. Learn to Prioritize

Prioritizing your responsibilities and engagements is very important. Some people do not know how to prioritize and become procrastinators. A "to do list" places items in order of importance. One method is the ABC list. This list is divided into three sections; a, b, or c. The items placed in the A section are those needed to be done that day. The items placed in the B section need completion within the week. The C section items are those things that need to be done within the month. As the B, C items become more pertinent they are bumped up to the A or B list. Try it or come up with your own method, but do it.

7. Combine several activities

Another suggestion is to combine several activities into one time spot. While commuting to school, listen to taped notes. This allows up to an hour or two a day of good study review. While showering make a mental list of the things that need to be done. When you watch a sit-com, laugh as you pay your bills. These are just suggestions of what you can do to combine your time, but there are many others, above all be creative, and let it work for you.

8. Conclusion

After scheduling becomes a habit, then you can adjust it. It's better to be precise at first. It is easier to find something to do with extra time then to find extra time to do something. Most importantly, make it work for you. A time schedule that is not personalized and honest is not a time schedule at all.

Skimming Tips

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:23 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Recall how you find a name in a telephone book? You don't read any more than necessary to find the name you seek. Notice that you go directly down a column of news. Maybe you use your finger to guide your eyes. This type of reading is usually called scanning. Skimming uses the same type of skill mechanically but a different skill mentally. In scanning, you know what you are looking for. In skimming you don't.

Since you don't know exactly what you are looking for while skimming, prepare yourself by reading the title, source, author, and picture: then you question yourself, -- who, what, when, where is this likely to be mainly about? With a questioning mind you direct your eyes down the column of print, or in a zig-zag, if the lines are quite long. Look for exact names of people, places, things, ideas, numbers, and words like therefore, whenever, until, because, and instead, to clue you to how and why.

When you first start to learn to skim you may see only the words in bold type, italics, digits, or capitalized words. Soon you will note new or unusual vocabulary. As you become an efficient skimmer your span of perception will develop and your ability to make closure will increase.

Skimming is a step you should always take before you read any article of factual or practical narrative. You will soon be able to detect most important facts, strange vocabulary, and words that are clues to important relationships.

It's a good practice to skim everything in mass media after reading the title and first paragraph. You may get all the information you want. This keeps your skimming skills from deteriorating, or will give you the practice you need to develop necessary skills.

Skim everything you intend to read before you make a final decision to read, discard, or study the material.

Skim all highlighting and develop a read-skim pattern to use for rapid review. And don't overlook this! Reviewing frequently and rapidly is the best way to memorize (or simply remember information) from notes and long text assignments.

Note Taking Techniques

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:13 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Note Taking Techniques:
The most comprehensive note taking systems require attention on your part. You must be alert enough in class to take legible, meaningful notes. You can't rely on "writing everything down" because a lot of information in a given lecture won't help you actually learn the material. If you have problems determining the specific relevant points in a particular class, you can always ask the professor to clarify them for you. The 2-6 Method: The 2-6 refers to the way you divide the space on your notepaper. Make two columns, using the red line on the left of the page as your border. Then, when you take notes in class, use the 6 column for the notes and the smaller 2 column on the left as a highlighting system. Write main headings and important points on the left, including material you think you will be tested on. When you're finished, you should have a comprehensive page of information that you can quickly scan for important points. Studying is 99% perspiration; if you give it a real, concentrated effort over the course of a semester you will see an improvement. Your academic success is entirely up to you.

Split Page Method
Class lectures and your textbook--they're the primary sources of course content and you need to learn both. So combine them with the split page method of taking notes. Just divide your notebook page in half lengthwise. Draw a line down the middle of the page. Take class notes on one side of the page and outline the text on the other side. When you study you'll have both. Class notes and text together, integrated. Some students find it helpful to add a third column for questions they need to ask the professor.

Using Group Notes
Are you tired of struggling to keep up with a lecture while copying page after page of notes in class? My advice? Don't take the notes -- at least not every day. Instead, form a group with some of your classmates and take turns taking good class notes. When it's not your day to be the note-taker, really concentrate on what is being said in class. You might want to jot down a few particularly important points, but mostly try to participate in class. Ask questions when you can't understand the point your teacher is trying to get across, and score points by answering questions your teacher asks. After class you can either photocopy the notes from your classmate, or better yet, copy them over by hand while reviewing in your mind what happened in class.

Secrets to Taking Better Notes
As a writer for Edinboro University and its Alumni News magazine, I spend a lot of time interviewing people. A key interviewing skill is taking good notes--a skill that is just as valuable in the classroom. There is no magic to taking good notes, just common sense. It's simply a matter of being thorough and accurate. Now, not many people can write fast enough to capture everything their professor says in class, so it is a good idea to also use a tape recorder. That way you won't miss something while you write, and you can double-check the tape for accuracy. Whether you use a recorder or not, it's important to transcribe your notes as soon as possible while the subject is still fresh in your mind. By re-writing or re-typing your notes, you become more familiar with the material. You mentally reinforce what was said in class. And you get practice writing the information, making it easier to write the material a second time whether it be for a test or a term paper.

Noteworthy Notes
Are your grades as good as you want them to be? Are your notes worth reviewing? Notes are phrases and abbreviations that we hurriedly jot down while trying to follow a lecture. Later, when we go back to review our notes, there are times when we can't seem to understand or remember what those key words and phrases meant; sometimes we can't even read our own handwriting. Here is a note-taking study tip that has proven to be effective. After you have finished class, immediately rush to the nearest computer lab and retype your notes. You need to rewrite those phrases as complete thoughts and sentences; dot your I's, cross your T's and use "cut and paste" to put your notes into some type of a logical sequence. While retyping your notes you are using several modalities: you review as you read your notes aloud, you use your hand to type, and you reread again as you proof read what you have typed. Research indicates that 80% of new material can be recalled if you review notes within the first 24 hours of presentation. Also, clean typed notes are easier to read and highlight as you study. If you retype your notes daily, you will keep the task from becoming overwhelming, you will learn good study habits that aid in memory retention and, at the same time, improve your grades.

Attend Class
The most important advice I can give to you is to make sure you attend your classes. Attendance in class enhances the chance you'll get a passing grade in a course. In addition to attending class, it is important to brush up on your note-taking skills to really achieve optimum success. Some general recommendations for improving note-taking skills are to: Read all textbook material relevant to the topic being covered prior to attending class. Make sure you take notes in class. If you fail to take notes, much of what you learn from the lecture will be forgotten in a few days. If you have something written down on paper, you can always refer to the material later. Ask professors who lecture too fast if you can tape record their lecture. You'll generally find that many professors are willing to assist you in your efforts to gain as much from their lecture as possible. By attending class and utilizing the note-taking techniques just described, your chances for success in college will increase significantly.

Prepare for the lecture
The greatest advantage is that

you are familiar with the subject
you know what to ask
you are not going to waste time by writing down stuff that is already there in your study material. Rather, you know what to write, where to pick links and to clear your concepts.

By the time the lecture is over, you are in a much clearer state of mind. This way, taking down notes becomes more meaningful and worth the time you spent doing it.

Use Colors
This may take a little bit longer but it will work. Just give it a chance. When you are taking notes change the color of your pen! Don't write in blue or black ink. Writing in color will help you retain 50% - 80% more of the infomation without reading it a second time (also highlight in purple). I am a teacher of adult education and this is the rule for my class room.

How to prepare and face final exams

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:17 / comment : 0 EXAM TECHNIQUES, STUDY TECHNIQUES

How to prepare and face final exams ?
Parents a few tips for you too!

Exams look very horrifying and scary (both for the student and the student's parent), but they are actually preparing you and sharpening you for all the different types of exams you will be facing later in life. The more you learn to master tests and exams, the more you will enjoy the challenges of life.

Here are a few practical tips on how to prepare well for the exams, and not allow the tension to pull you down

Image Credit: laura00, sxc.hu

Keep track of the likely exam dates and mentally become comfortable with the idea of facing them, long before the dates finally arrive.
Keep giving yourself mock exams periodically so that it becomes a habit. When the school or college gives your Preparatory or Preliums, take them seriously, not only in terms of how many marks you can score in them, but also the time you take to complete the answers. Time management is a very integral and important part of preparing for exams.
Check out where you have lost marks in the preparatory exams, and why. See if your handwriting is legible and clear
Keep marking off the portions you have already studied and are ready to answer in the exam (like in the Mind Mapping explained earlier). This will give you the confidence that you are covering more and more ground.
A simple rule that you know very well, but often forget to practice, is to space out your studies through the year, instead of waiting to cram up on the last few days. This by itself is the greatest insulation against exam tension.
As the exam date approaches, do not give up your extra-curricular activities completely – just keep reducing them. Taking breaks from studies and doing activities that you enjoy, reinforces your will to get back to the challenge.

Image Credit: ccarlstead, cc-by-2.0, flickr.com

Make sure that your physical activity does not come to a stop. Brisk walk, jogging, quick exercises, yoga and pranayamas, choose whatever suits you most. Don’t think of this as time lost from studies, because they will improve your intake when you get back to study, and reduce your stress levels to help you face exams better.
Reduce your sleep hours slightly, but never drastically. Also, do not change your sleep timing significantly, because your body clock has got used to a particular time of sleep. Reducing sleep time in a 24 hour cycle by about 20-25% should be the maximum. If you reduce your sleep further, it will have an adverse effect.
Strictly maintain food habits. Never postpone breakfast, lunch or dinner just because you are deeply involved in studies. Take food breaks at the right time, have the right quantity of food, avoid snacking with junk food, and try to supplement with nutrients like milk, fruit juices etc.
As far as possible avoid tea and coffee. If you are already used to it, make sure your intake does not increase as the exams draw closer, and particularly avoid them near your sleep time.

Image Credit: Gnarlycraig, wikimedia

Don’t neglect your personal hygiene. Bath on time, fresh set of clothes, periodically washing your face, help not just your body but also your mind.
If you feel the tension of the exam creeping up on you as the dates approach, keep talking to one or two trusted persons (preferably elders) about how you feel, what your symptoms are, what you fear is the worst that can happen, and how you are coping with it. Writing a diary also helps some of us.
As the exam date approaches, go into the mode of survey and revision rather than reading a few chapters in detail. If you find particular chapters or topics have just not got into your head, trying to mug them up at the last moment never helps. See if you can strengthen the other chapters sufficiently to compensate for the marks you will lose.

What do you do on the day of your exam?

Tips for parents whose children are writing final exams

Image Credit: Konstantinos Mavroudis, cc-by-sa-2.0, flickr.com

Don’t stay awake the previous night. Give yourself sufficient sleep
Go through the morning routine of bath, dressing up well, and having a reasonably leisurely breakfast. Don’t skip any of your usual activities.
If prayer or meditation helps you, put aside some time and do so.
Check all your belongings, pens, ID card etc., and put them away in a firmly closed bag. See that you have the Hall Ticket, instrument box, spare pen, and whatever else is required for the exam.
Reach the venue of the exam well in advance. Don’t try to keep reading when you are traveling. Enjoy the fresh air or the passing view, and keep your mind away from the exam.

Image Credit: subin, sxc.hu

On reaching the exam site, run through a quick revision of the main topics or the Mind Map. Don’t try to do detailed reading.
Avoid speaking to friends about the exam. A chance remark from a classmate about some likely question or particular portion may send you into a panic.
Do some deep breathing, sip water.

Image Credit: stuartpilbrow, cc-by-sa-2.0, flickr.com

When you get the question paper, read it carefully and slowly (if necessary, more than once), and make out a time schedule. Attempt easy questions first, but see that you don’t get carried away writing too long.
Keep track of the time. Finish writing a few minutes before the final bell, and run through what you have written. You may find a crucial point missing here and there, and you can add it.
Come out of the examination hall, and do not discuss answers with your friends particularly if you have other exams to go in the remaining days. Take a short break, get some fresh air or entertainment, and then get down to studying for the next subject.

Parents: Examination fever hits parents as much as it hits students. Dear parents, here are some coolants:

YOUR OWN ANXIETY shows on your face, even if you do not express it, and the child gets more scared, disturbed and even guilty. Relax, show your confidence in him.
BALANCE EXPECTATIONS AND MOTIVATION : Sensitive children are almost always aware of their insecurities in facing board exams. Do not aggravate these feelings. Be specially careful with a high performing child, because he is made to feel very anxious whether he can live up to the expectations of his parents and teachers.

Image Credit: Jose Kevo, cc-by-sa-2, flickr.com

BREATHING SPACE : Encourage physical and recreational activity interspersed with studies. Help him develop study techniques, proper habits and a structured time schedule.
PROVIDE SILENT EMOTIONAL SUPPORT : Repetitive reading of "boring" topics does not help comprehension or recall. Repeated verbal reminders and questioning only lead to more anxieties or fear. Develop confidence level with the message "I know you can do it".
NEVER COMPARE with siblings or others (definitely not with "When I was your age"). Give the message "I understand what you are going through".
PROVIDE PROPER ENVIRONMENT : A quiet space, free from disturbances and environmental distractions, taking care of his basic needs, and removing any other anxieties which may be bothering him at that time. The parents' physical presence, a pat or hug, or a walk with him, is important.

FOR THE COOLANT TO BE REALLY EFFECTIVE, tell him that regardless of how he performs in the exams, he is still your child and your love for him is unconditional.

I am not good at Math – HELP!

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:13 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

Naveen was good in all subjects till he reached high school. Then he realized that he is struggling with his Maths. It was not as though he was not interested in Maths, he always was. In fact he thought languages and social studies were boring. But the irony was that he could still score well enough in those subjects, but his marks in Maths kept steadily going down. Sadder was the fact that every time he would give an exam, he would come back happily thinking that he was done well – until the results came. He would have made “silly mistakes” in his Maths paper, and the marks would be far below his expectations.

Where did I do wrong?

Credit: Danny | cc-by-2.0 | flickr.com

Worse still was the fact that Naveen’s current Maths teacher was not sympathetic to his plight. The teacher was convinced that Naveen was not putting in enough effort, and had become lazy. He would not just scold but ridicule the poor boy for making such silly mistakes. At times he would hold up Naveen’s paper for all to see, and the entire class would laugh at how he had made gross errors. This made Naveen even more nervous, and over a period of time he started hating Maths.
Naveen is now in his tenth, and is dreading only his Maths paper in the final exams. He is very confident of doing well in all other subjects, even though some of them are boring, and some have vast portions to cover. He is getting sleepless nights thinking of what would happen if he actually fails in Maths – for that would mean that he would fail in the entire Board exam! With all good intentions, his parents are goading and threatening him with dire consequences, making him feel even more humiliated and angry.

There are many students like Naveen, at various stages of fear of Maths, and they are doomed with the knowledge that there is no escape from it. But there are definitely ways and means of overcoming such a situation. One needs to start with analyzing the exact reason of the fear of Maths. Based on the cause, one can deal with the situation:

A student falls behind due to illness, absence, distraction, and finds that the class has moved ahead. Unlike theoretical subjects, if one loses continuity in Maths, one cannot follow subsequent classes. If this happens, the student should be given individual coaching (at his own pace) immediately, till he catches up with the class.
A child may have low IQ (intelligence quotient), which determines the ability of his mind to take in data, process and store it, and reproduce it on demand. Such children are “slow learners” and they should be put in a system where the standard is not very high, or where the teachers give personal attention and go at a slower pace.

I hate math!

Credit: Jimmie | cc-by-2.0 | flickr.com

Mathe-logical intelligence is only one among the eight human intelligences identified by the renowned Howard Gardner. Not all of us posses strong mathe-logical ability. Such students need to be coached very sensitively and slowly, with the assurance that after tenth standard, they can drop Maths and move on to other subjects they may be far better in.
A few students suffer from a learning disability called “dyscalculia.” They may have average or even above average intelligence, but this disability prevents them from doing calculations, while they do very well in theory subjects. It is a disorder which can be dealt with in the “resource room” of schools, or by external special educators, depending on the intensity of the disability.
Some students may actually be good in Maths, but they inevitably land up making those silly mistakes that bring down their marks. Such children need more inputs in terms of improved study techniques and concentration, and not just rigorous private tuition where they are made to solve problems again and again.
If a student is not performing because he is put off with the teacher, the problem needs to be dealt with at the psychological level. Make him talk out all his frustrations about the teacher and her behavior towards him, help him to resolve his feeling of hurt, humiliation or inadequacy that may have set in – and then motivate him to prove to himself and to the teacher that he is competent.
It is a fact that more girls seem to fear Maths than boys. This is due to the fact that girls are more often right-brained, i.e. they think more in emotional, creative and interpersonal ways than in mathematical, logical or sequential style. However, this need not prevent any girl from completing her basic education including Maths, and then opting for further studies and careers in fields that match her way of thinking.

Once we UNDERSTAND: Math is FUN like

Credit: Dylan Ng | cc-by-2.0 | flickr.com

Once we understand that the Maths phobia can be dealt with, it would be ideal for the parent and teacher to work as a team and focus on what type of help the child requires. In specific cases, the child can be referred to a special educator who implements study techniques and methodology suitable to the individual child.

I never did very well in math - I could never seem to persuade the teacher that I hadn't meant my answers literally. ~ Calvin Trillin (American journalist, humorist, food writer, poet, memoirist and novelist)

Credit: Mulan | cc-by-sa-2.0 | flickr.com

The parents need to keep on motivating the child to study Maths at least till the tenth standard, because then his basic foundation is strong, and he can face any situation in life. After tenth, he can choose various options that do not include Maths. In extreme cases, the child can even be switched over to appearing for the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) tenth standard exam, where there is a wide variety of alternate subjects that the student can choose and appear for.

The role of the teacher and parent is very important whenever a child shows Maths phobia. Many a time silent support, words of encouragement, acceptance and understanding, play an important role in helping the child not only overcome this obstacle, but also in developing the self-esteem to tackle his future with enthusiasm and confidence.

How You Can Improve Your Creative Thinking

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 10:11 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

By Dr. Ali Khwaja and Asha S.

Interested in a career in animation? Ensure that you have, or can build, creative thinking. In any design field, a person who can explore, look outside-the-box, and do lateral thinking, becomes most successful. Many people do not understand the concept, and only focus on their drawing skills. Drawing is only one part of being a good animator. Developing a mind that can generate new ideas and fascinating visuals, is more important.

What is creative thinking?

Creative thinking is an ability, attitude, and a process. Believe it or not, everyone has substantial creative ability. Just look at how creative children are. In adults, creativity has too often been suppressed through education, but it is still there and can be reawakened.

Thinking out of the box

Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas by combining, changing, or reapplying existing ideas. Some creative ideas are astonishing and brilliant, while others are just simple, good, practical ideas that no one seems to have thought of yet.
Often all that's needed to be creative is to make a commitment to creativity and to take the time for it.

Credit: Vancouver Film School, cc-by-2.0, flickr.com

As children we are all capable of thinking out of the box then why is it that as we grow we stop, the reasons could be any of these blocks that we put in our mind as we grow up - Oh no it is a problem, it can't be done, I can't do anything about, I am not creative, that is being childish, what will people think? I might fail.
Example: How to divide a piece of cake equally between your two kids so they won't complain that one kid is preferred over the other: "You gave him the bigger piece; you like him better! Waaaah!"
Solution: Put the kids in charge of dividing the cake. Our prejudice is that immature, selfish kids can't do the job. But the solution, one cuts the cake, the other has first choice of pieces, works very well.
Some more examples: You go to a party or a get-together and are given a glass of juice which is very sweet; what do you do?
You are cooking a tried and tested recipe and are bored; what would you do?
Have to reach a destination and there are four routes to choose from; What do you do?

Characteristics of a creative person

curious
seeks problems
enjoys challenge
optimistic
able to suspend judgment
comfortable with imagination
sees problems as opportunities
sees problems as interesting
problems are emotionally acceptable
challenges assumptions
doesn't give up easily: perseveres, works hard

Credit: Davide Restivo, cc-by-sa-2.0, flickr.com

Ways we can improve our creative thinking capacities

keep track of all new ideas that come to your mind, note them down
develop the attitude of having a curious mind and an inquiring mind
develop and cultivate hobbies
be self-aware
try to understand things that might not be important to you now, or not of much relevance
be flexible and open to new ideas
be alert to look for similarities, differences and the unique features
adopt a risk taking attitude
develop a Sense of Humour

Don’t just read these points and try to memorize them. Look at each of them critically, then be creative enough to make your own definitions and ideas. Then you know that you are truly a creative person, and will do well in animation or any other related field.

HOW TO IMPROVE MEMORY

Posted by: Mohammed Shamil Posted date: 02:34 / comment : 0 STUDY TECHNIQUES

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Whether you're a student studying for final exams, a working professional interested in doing all you can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your grey matter as you age, there are lots of things you can do to improve your memory and mental performance.

Harnessing the power of your brain

They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn’t true. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change—even into old age. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. With the right stimulation, your brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways.
The brain’s incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. You can harness the natural power of neuroplasticity to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information, and improve your memory.

Improving memory tip 1: Don't skimp on exercise or sleep

Just as an athlete relies on sleep and a nutrition-packed diet to perform his or her best, your ability to remember increases when you nurture your brain with a good diet and other healthy habits.

When you exercise the body, you exercise the brain

Treating your body well can enhance your ability to process and recall information. Physical exercise increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise may also enhance the effects of helpful brain chemicals and protect brain cells.

Improve your memory by sleeping on it

When you’re sleep deprived, your brain can’t operate at full capacity. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills are compromised. Whether you’re studying, working, or trying to juggle life’s many demands, sleep deprivation is a recipe for disaster.
But sleep is critical to learning and memory in an even more fundamental way. Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.

Improving memory tip 2: Make time for friends and fun

When you think of ways to improve memory, do you think of “serious” activities such as wrestling with the New York Times crossword puzzle or mastering chess strategy, or do more lighthearted pastimes—hanging out with friends or enjoying a funny movie—come to mind? If you’re like most of us, it’s probably the former. But countless studies show that a life that’s full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits.

Healthy relationships: the ultimate memory booster?

Humans are highly social animals. We’re not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains—in fact, interacting with others may be the best kind of brain exercise.
Research shows that having meaningful relationships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain health. In one recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.
There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteer, join a club, make it a point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isn’t handy, don’t overlook the value of a pet—especially the highly-social dog.

Laughter is good for your brain

You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine, and that holds true for the brain as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain.
Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. As psychologist Daniel Goleman notes in his book Emotional Intelligence, “laughter…seems to help people think more broadly and associate more freely.”
Looking for ways to bring more laughter in your life? Start with these basics:

Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously.
When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it. When you hear laughter, seek it out and ask, “What’s funny?”
Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily—both at themselves and at life’s absurdities—and who routinely find the humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious.
Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.
Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.

Improving memory tip 3: Keep stress in check

Stress is one of the brain’s worst enemies. Over time, if left unchecked, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones.

The stress-busting, brain-boosting benefits of meditation

The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up. Studies show that meditation helps improve many different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, and learning and reasoning skills.
Meditation works its “magic” by changing the actual brain. Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells—all of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability.

Depression and anxiety can also affect memory

In addition to stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic worrying can also take a heavy toll on the brain. In fact, some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety include difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things. If you are mentally sluggish because of depression or anxiety, dealing with the problem will make a big difference in your cognitive abilities, including memory.

Improving memory tip 4: Eat a brain-boosting diet

Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. You probably already know that a diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, “healthy” fats (such as olive oil, nuts, fish) and lean protein will provide lots of health benefits, but such a diet can also improve memory. But for brain health, it’s not just what you eat—it’s also what you don’t eat. The following nutritional tips will help boost your brainpower and reduce your risk of dementia:

Get your omega-3s. More and more evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Fish is a particularly rich source of omega-3, especially cold water “fatty fish” such as salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, sardines, and herring. In addition to boosting brainpower, eating fish may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.
Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat (from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, and ice cream) increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eating too many calories in later life can also increase your risk of cognitive impairment. Talk to your doctor or dietician about developing a healthy eating plan.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Colorful fruits and vegetables are particularly good antioxidant "superfood" sources. Try leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, and arugula, and fruit such as bananas, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.
Drink wine (or grape juice) in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation (around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for men), alcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts.

For mental energy, choose complex carbohydrates

Just as a racecar needs gas, your brain needs fuel to perform at its best. When you need to be at the top of your mental game, carbohydrates can keep you going. But the type of carbs you choose makes all the difference. Carbohydrates fuel your brain, but simple carbs (sugar, white bread, refined grains) give a quick boost followed by an equally rapid crash. There is also evidence to suggest that diets high in simple carbs can greatly increase the risk for cognitive impairment in older adults. For healthy energy that lasts, choose complex carbohydrates such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, high-fiber cereal, lentils, and whole beans. Avoid processed foods and limit starches (potato, pasta, rice) to no more than one quarter of your plate.

Improving memory tip 5: Give your brain a workout

By the time you’ve reached adulthood, your brain has developed millions of neural pathways that help you process information quickly, solve familiar problems, and execute familiar tasks with a minimum of mental effort. But if you always stick to these well-worn paths, you aren’t giving your brain the stimulation it needs to keep growing and developing. You have to shake things up from time to time! Try taking a new route home from work or the grocery store, visiting new places at the weekend, or reading different kinds of books
Memory, like muscular strength, requires you to “use it or lose it.” The more you work out your brain, the better you’ll be able to process and remember information. The best brain exercising activities break your routine and challenge you to use and develop new brain pathways. Activities that require using your hands are a great way to exercise your brain. Playing a musical instrument, juggling, enjoying a game of ping pong (table tennis), making pottery, knitting, or needlework are activities that exercise the brain by challenging hand-eye coordination, spatial-temporal reasoning, and creativity.
The brain exercising activity you choose can be virtually anything, so long as it meets the following three criteria:

It’s new. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if it’s something you’re already good at, it’s not a good brain exercise. The activity needs to be something that’s unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone.
It’s challenging. Anything that takes some mental effort and expands your knowledge will work. Examples include learning a new language, instrument, or sport, or tackling a challenging crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
It’s fun. Physical and emotional enjoyment is important in the brain’s learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in the activity, the more likely you’ll be to continue doing it and the greater the benefits you’ll experience. The activity should be challenging, yes, it should also be something that is fun and enjoyable to you. Make an activity more pleasurable by appealing to your senses—playing music while you do it, or rewarding yourself afterwards with a favorite treat, for example.

Use mnemonic devices to make memorization easier

Mnemonics (the initial “m” is silent) are clues of any kind that help us remember something, usually by helping us associate the information we want to remember with a visual image, a sentence, or a word.

Mnemonic device	Example
Visual image – Associate a visual image with a word or name to help you remember them better. Positive, pleasant images that are vivid, colorful, and three-dimensional will be easier to remember.	To remember the name Rosa Parks and what she’s known for, picture a woman sitting on a park bench surrounded by roses, waiting as her bus pulls up.
Acrostic (or sentence) - Make up a sentence in which the first letter of each word is part of or represents the initial of what you want to remember.	The sentence “Every good boy does fine” to memorize the lines of the treble clef, representing the notes E, G, B, D, and F.
Acronym – An acronym is a word that is made up by taking the first letters of all the key words or ideas you need to remember and creating a new word out of them.	The word “HOMES” to remember the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Rhymes and alliteration - Rhymes, alliteration (a repeating sound or syllable), and even jokes are a memorable way to remember more mundane facts and figures.	The rhyme “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November” to remember the months of the year with only 30 days in them.
Chunking – Chunking breaks a long list of numbers or other types of information into smaller, more manageable chunks.	Remembering a 10-digit phone number by breaking it down into three sets of numbers: 555-867-5309 (as opposed to5558675309).
Method of loci – Imagine placing the items you want to remember along a route you know well or in specific locations in a familiar room or building.	For a shopping list, imagine bananas in the entryway to your home, a puddle of milk in the middle of the sofa, eggs going up the stairs, and bread on your bed.

6 Mnemonic devices
Visual image - Associate a visual image with a word or name to help you remember them better. Positive, pleasant images that are vivid, colorful, and three-dimensional will be easier to remember. Example: To remember the name Rosa Parks and what she’s known for, picture a woman sitting on a park bench surrounded by roses, waiting as her bus pulls up.
Acrostic (or sentence) - Make up a sentencein which the first letter of each word is part of or represents the initial of what you want to remember. Example: The sentence “Every good boy does fine” to memorize the lines of the treble clef, representing the notes E, G, B, D, and F.
Acronym - An acronym is a word that is made up by taking the first letters of all the key words or ideas you need to remember and creating a new word out of them. Example: The word “HOMES” to remember the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Rhymes and alliteration - Rhymes, alliteration (a repeating sound or syllable), and even jokes are a memorable way to remember more mundane facts and figures. Example: The rhyme “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November” to remember the months of the year with only 30 days in them.
Chunking - Chunking breaks a long list of numbers or other types of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Example: Remembering a 10-digit phone number by breaking it down into three sets of numbers: 555-867-5309 (as opposed to5558675309).
Method of loci - Imagine placing the items you want to remember along a route you know well or in specific locations in a familiar room or building. Example: For a shopping list, imagine bananas in the entryway to your home, a puddle of milk in the middle of the sofa, eggs going up the stairs, and bread on your bed.

Tips for enhancing your ability to learn and remember

Pay attention. You can’t remember something if you never learned it, and you can’t learn something—that is, encode it into your brain—if you don’t pay enough attention to it. It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of information into your memory. If you’re easily distracted, pick a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
Involve as many senses as possible. Try to relate information to colors, textures, smells, and tastes. The physical act of rewriting information can help imprint it onto your brain. Even if you’re a visual learner, read out loud what you want to remember. If you can recite it rhythmically, even better.
Relate information to what you already know. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether it’s new material that builds on previous knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know someone.
For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas rather than memorizing isolated details. Practice explaining the ideas to someone else in your own words.
Rehearse information you’ve already learned. Review what you’ve learned the same day you learn it, and at intervals thereafter. This “spaced rehearsal” is more effective than cramming, especially for retaining what you’ve learned.

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How to prepare and face final exams ?Parents a few tips for you too!