Studying Methods

[Aqualim]

Hey all,
This may sound stupid but I've been looking around the internet for a while and have been thinking, "What is the most beneficial study method?" is it;
- Reading over notes?
- Writing notes down?
- Doing numerous tests to understand the terminology?

I just haven't been able to find, 1 distinct study method.
So my question is; What do you think is the most beneficial study method to you? and why?

[Flaming_Arrow]

each person has a unique way, but for me i find doing questions is the most effective

[EvangelionZeta]

I actually employ all three.

I start off by doing questions, as they allow you to also understand where the gaps are in your knowledge.  Then I'll usually try and fix up those gaps by writing down whatever (in the case of maths, just doing lots of revision on that area, or in Japanese just writing the word out over and over again), before finally taking one long review over all my notes.

This is just for maths/language/rote learning-ish subjects though.  In any humanities subject, just write lots and lots of essays.  =p

[Aqualim]

each person has a unique way, but for me i find doing questions is the most effective

Sounds Fair enough, I normally make my own notes on the subject that i am studying for and then out of the notes i make 3-4 questions.. and by the end of the day try and answer the whole sheet off the top of my head.

Seems to be one of the only ways that works for me, because when writing notes on paper, after a while my mind drifts off and i don't take in what i am writing. Which isnt a good thing.

[wombifat]

Personally, I don't answer too many questions unless it's maths, but they are good for finding gaps in your knowledge. I usually do a lot of reading, and then make notes that I look over every so often when I get time so they stick in my head. So a bit of each I guess. Mind you, I don't do any subjects where you really need to memorise a lot of stuff.

[BlueYoHo]

I did Religion and Society 3/4 last year and I found the most effective way to study was to write crap loads of essays. Like all the time and getting teacher to go through them with me, picking out words she didn't think were necessary and/or one's I should add instead, etc.

For english I employ the "sourcing" strategy. Basically I'm not too good in english, however I get decent marks because I'm always reading other people's essays to gather ideas and most importantly new words, unique phrases, etc (through brainstorming, discussions, always writing down pretty much everything the teacher says). I guess I'm lucky like that because my english teacher, the way she answers people's questions is by dictating or making up an essay on the spot, lol.
So, like R.E, just practising writing essays to improve your writing skills, and your ability to "read between the lines".

For maths and physics (and probably the other sciences), the only way to study - I reckon - Is to (obviously after fully understanding the concept and why things work that way) do heeeeaps of questions. Usually teacher says like do Q 1, 3 LHS only, etc.... I just do them all. Even though it gets boring because your doing the same thing over and over, eventually it'll stick in your head, and you'll be able to do it without thinking too hard.

I personally don't like writing notes. That being said however, in my physics book, on the last pages I use the back pages sort of like a cheat sheet I guess... I write down formulas, questions to look out for, etc.


And the most important thing: Maintain a regular study routine. It's like such a cliche because EVERYONE says this, but seriously it probably is the best way to do good in year 12.

[nerd]

I actually don't think that it's necessary to do ALL the questions. Once you understand a topic (ie. you are getting every question correct) there is no point doing a hundred more questions. Thats how you burn out. Also, people have to remember that learning should be enjoyable (or at least not boring) -  if you are doing hundreds of questions, you will get bored of a subject very quickly. Doing a bit every day keeps you on your toes but at the same time makes sure you don't get too bored of repeating the same thing over and over again.

I think the key to studying well, for me at least, is revision. Throughout the semester I like going over stuff we did at the very beginning of the term, just to keep me on the ball. If you ever have a free evening, it's good to just pick random questions and do them or write an essay on the novel you studied last term. I think it works really well!

[nerd]

Oh, and for me doing questions is the way to go. For most people, you have to be an ACTIVE learner (doing something like writing or answering). Just reading through stuff isn't going to get it stuck in your head as well.

See page 2 of the attached document from TSFX - it explains it all!

[wombifat]

It all sounds like propaganda to make you go to TSFX to me. I have difficulty trusting it.

[Fyrefly]

I actually employ all three.

Me 2... I write notes, read my notes, then test and apply my knowledge by doing Qs.
Testing myself makes sure my knowledge is "active", working knowledge - that I can apply it and don't simply jst know a jumble of random facts/figures/equations.
The results from the Qs show me the parts where I need to go back, re-read over and focus on.

[TrueLight]

mainly reading over notes

[kurrymuncher]

English- as many essays I can write
maths/physics- read over notes and do as many questions as I can
chemistry- read over the notes
IT app- get homework of Methodsboy

For me, the best way to study is to revise everything I have learnt throughout the year, everyday ( as Nerd said).