Getting ready for exams – how to study like a genius.

We all get nervous and stressed when it’s that time of the year again. By that time of the year we mean exams or test weeks and if you’re lucky and still at school or varsity this happens more often than not.

The thing is, you really don’t need to be stressed or nervous, all you need is to be prepared and ready, this makes the world’s difference.  Give yourself the best chance with these 10 study tips to study like a genius!

1.      Begin preparing early

The best possible way for you to do good during exams or test weeks is to pay attention during class, every minute that you aren’t giving your full attention means many more minutes of studying and trying to understand later on.

2.      Know your teacher/professor and have a good relationship

This is fundamental in achieving good results, to have good relations with your study instructor means that you enjoy the course and if something is unclear to you, you will consult with him/her later or during class to see to it that you understand everything fully.

3.      Form a study group

Not only will other students be able to help you understand the material, but by helping others you are actually teaching yourself. Remember that this is a study group and not a socializing event and that you will need to stay focused on why everyone is there.

4.      Organize your study space

Make sure that you have enough space to spread all your material and notes out. Get yourself comfortable and keep all your distractions out of sight.

5.      Flow charts and diagrams work best!

Use flow charts and diagrams to review your work visually. People tend to remember visual information better. Condense your revision notes into one-page diagrams to reflect when nearing the examination date.

6.      Practice on old examination papers or tests

After you have studies the relevant material, practice on old papers to test your knowledge and do so under test conditions.  This will help comfort you to know that you will be able to complete the paper in the allocated time.

7.      Take regular breaks for 10 to 20 minutes

Studying for an entire day might make you feel good, but this could actually end up to be counterproductive. Studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, regular breaks are crucial.

8.      Eat well

Keep away from heavy saturated foods such as margarine and foods with high sugar levels. You will need to eat balances meals, containing foods such as eggs, fruit, cereal, lean meat and vegetables. Don’t overeat and rather eat dark chocolate as a treat as studies have shown that this helps to boost your brain.

9.      Get to bead early

Allow for your body to get the correct amount of rest that it need to perform the following day.  Thus plan your day so that you will get to bed early and allow for yourself to relax before falling asleep.

10.  Wake up nice and early on the day you are writing

Give yourself enough time to get up and get to the examination location on time. Getting up nice and early will help you to start the exam/test stress free and with a clear mind.

Social media: a voice for the youth.

Social media has grown to such extent that it is a profound and integral part of our daily lives, something that we cannot live without.

Ask yourself this question, what were you doing with your free time, 4 years ago ans what are you doing with your free time now?  This might be more relevant to you, if you are between the ages of 15 to 36.

The reason for this might be simpler than one might think, for one it is because social media is easily accessible.  If we take a look at the mobile usage amongst South African youth, 72% of those between the ages of 15 and 24 have cell phones, according to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.  

 

This technology enables them to go onto their social media platform easily and without hassle.  For example, according to Social Bakers, the largest age group using Facebook in South Africa is between 25-34, followed by users between the ages of 18-24 and 90% of them are accessing this platform from their mobile device.

The biggest reason for the success of social media is not just because it is easily accessible, but also because it gives the youth, and everyone else, a voice that is loud and clear, one that is heard.  It gives them a chance to express themselves in ways that so many disapprove of, especially in public places such as schools, where students get judged by other students or people who don’t let them express themselves. If someone were to judge you on Facebook, twitter, etc. you can easily delete them which many can’t do outside of social media without the risk of being bullied.

There is also a sense of power and expression that builds self-esteem; they can converge with whoever they want whenever they want to. It can also be a way out for so many people, not just for the youth, who struggle in life, those who have no friends or aren’t as social as those around them. It gives them a chance to meet new people and find friends online, which they couldn’t have done due to being shy or nervous.

Social media also helps strengthen relationships. Many people have friends whom they have not seen since school, or who have moved away and this platform gives them the possibility of staying connected with one another.

Even though social media is sometimes perceived as just being a cool tool for young people, providing them with swift and easy means of communication it is also a platform to build their self-esteem. People are still quick to judge the legitimate and informed uses of social media platforms. However, having quick worldwide lines of communication predominantly involving our youth, is exactly what is needed, to reach, activate and involve them in matters concerning our environment, education and social well being.

Remember the youth are our future and if we want them to be part of the conversation, then social media is where we need to start the conversation.