How To Study

How to study
Way way back then. 2nd semester engineering at UQ. Crashed and burned. I went to student services and got a few pointers on how to study. This is what worked for me.

A little caveat:  This is what worked for me.  You need to decide what if any of it is useful to you and work out what works for you.


MAKE A PLAN
For me it was 1.5hrs ON half hour OFF. Suggest for you guys a shorter time. Maybe 30-40 minutes on 15 off.
In the off do something different. Like if you've been doing lots of reading don't spend the off time reading a magazine. Suggest physical activity. Run, erg, ping pong.

During the day write the plan. I could imagine it looks like
4:00 arrive home. Snack.
4:15 maths - problems 4 & 7 and revise chapter 2
4:45 erg 5:00 history - write draft essay on bla
5:45 go help parents in kitchen. (This is called public relations) Eat dinner
7:00 science revise for test.
7:45 shower.
8:00 go to bed because rowing tomorrow.

Start on time Finish on time. Even if your half way through a problem just stop. You may find over time that knowing the stop time is coming that a quick panic and things get done in the available time. 

HOMEWORK
Start each question at school - Often it's hard to get started. Looks so easy in class but when you go to do it, you just can't start. So start at school where you can ask a quick question of someone else. Then finish at home.

ASSIGNMENTS
Write dot points as you think of them. Even during the day.

EXECUTION
Break the work down & allocate time. If it's maths you can say so many minutes per question. If history / English it can be minute per paragraph or section or topic. If you are stuck, write dot points about what you think should be done. If you are stuck, move on. Don't flog a dead horse.

SHARING IS CARING If a friend asks you how to do something. Show him what you've done. Don't stress if he gets a better mark for the assignment, you'll do better in the exam.

PHONE A FRIEND often it's hard to get started. If your stuck, write the dot points and then ask someone. Consider asking parents or older siblings. If nothing else consider that as PR. Smile and nod even if they have no idea. Thank them and follow it up with some one else.

ASK THE TEACHER unless you've breezed through the homework with no issues, there is likely to be something you got stuck on. Write a question. That will help clarify what your stuck on. Show your attempt even if what you show is a couple of other question/answers from the same set of homework. (Teachers tend to not help if they think your just lazy)