Notes To Studying

1. Sit with feet under desk with book on desk, NOT at side with book on lap.
   
2. Read with a pencil in hand. Follow words with the pencil.
   
3. Read slowly and carefully, concentrating on what you are reading. If you do not grasp what is being read at first, persevere a little, but move on if you become frustrated.
   
4. Keep a clear desk, with only textbook / notes and syllabus.
   
5. Keep light ON!
   
6. Write to reinforce work learnt: list points, draw diagrams, paraphrase paragraphs so that you understand what was read.
   
7. Recite the work to yourself to reinforce memory.
   
8. Don't try to read an entire chapter in a subject. Fragment it into 2-3 chunks. Take a break when you finished and go onto another subject.
   
9. Walk around, exercise, DO SOMETHING ELSE between subjects other than sit and wait for the next time slot.
   
10. If you feel mentally exhausted, take a five minute walk, not a five minute rest.
    
11. When you feel sleepy, drink coffee or take a bath.
    

Extracts from the Leadership Seminar

1. The more you study, the easier it is to understand.
2. The brain does not tire.
3. Brain work requires less energy.
4. Study must be relaxing.

• Find more time, utilise it more effectively.
• You must be willing to do unpleasant things to enjoy pleasant things.
• Revise during breaks (15 minutes)
• While you are listening to a lecture, make notes.
• Study involves consistency and regularity. Study for 1.5 to 2 hrs daily.
• Homework - what you do every day.
• Wake up, leap out of bed, exercise for 15 minutes, bathe.
• Morning, brain most receptive; study most effective: concentration best, memory best.
• Time table - You are virtually instructed what to do.
• Utilize holidays productively, wisely.
• Space your time out.
• Motivation gained by:

1. Setting goals
2. Get role model.

• Must find steps to goal.
• Read biographies of successful people, particularly one in your own field.
  

Concentration

1. Makes notes wisely, listen then write. Pre-study your work for class.
   
2. The most brilliant students generally sit in the first two rows.
   
3. To maximize your use of time, choose your time carefully.
   
4. Study should not be undertaken when there are noises from radio, T.V., etc.
   
5. The ability to maintain focus despite sensory inputs is concentration.
   
6. Stick to your schedule. Be rigid of starting, flexible when stopping.
   
7. Work rapidly. Be specific with your task.
   
8. Use a yardstick to measure your performance. Grade your success according to your standards.
   
9. SQ3R or Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review:

   Your understanding the first time of something must be thorough for outline. When reading first time chapter, read with pen in hand; underline important points. Use SQ3R.

10. If you make outline notes immediately, you end up with longer notes than your outline notes should contain new data.
    
11. On Friday night, revise entire week's work.
    
12. On Sunday night, glance at your week to come.
    
13. Summaries are not to be exchanged or copied.
    
14. You should write when you work. Master your work thoroughly.
    
15. Act, but not for the rewards.

Exams

• Lay out your instruments the night before.
• Reach on time.
• Read through paper etc.
• Do not spend too much time on one question.
• Write legibly, headings.
• Help others. By teaching, you improve your knowledge.
• Improve your vocabulary. Use simple, direct language.

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001 by Vasudev N. Seeram. All rights reserved.