What are the best study tips you have, and is there any website for help?

Study tips can vary according to what grade you are and the subject you are studying, but the following tips should be a good place to start. Keep in mind that different people learn best in different ways so if a suggestion does not work for you keep trying different ones until you find one that does. You can also adjust these suggestions to better fit your needs.

Before class:

1. If you know what chapter you will be covering in class, read it. You don’t need to worry too much about detail and definitely do not stress over things you don't understand. The idea is to familiarize yourself with the material. Write down questions you have and parts that were unclear so that you can ask about it when your teacher/professor is going over the material in class. Going over the material before class (even if all you have time for is to skim it quickly) will help you feel more confident since it won’t all look so new.

During class:

1. Most students find it helpful to take notes during class, even if the material can be found in the book or if notes are already provided. Taking notes helps you focus on the class instead of daydreaming or focusing on other things going on around you.

2. One study tip many people do not use is to record the class so you can listen to later. A lot of educators are okay with students bringing a voice recorder to use during class. But please make sure to get permission first. Then you can play the recording at home while you go over your notes.

After class:

Here is where the sky is the limit and you will have to try different tactics to see what works for you.

1. You can highlight important parts of your book/notebook while you read.

2. Make notecards that you can carry with you anywhere and take advantage of little chunks of time you can throughout the day.

3. Read your notes our loud (auditory learners find this very helpful).

4. To make sure you actually understand the material (instead of just mindlessly reading it) pretend you need to explain it to someone and see if you can do it. Better yet, find someone (classmate, sibling, parent) and try to explain it to them).

5. Students don’t often realize how willing their teachers/professors are to help. Write down your questions and approach your teacher either early before class or right after class and see when they would be available to help. Many are willing to come early and/or stay late to accommodate students.

In general, one of the best “tips” anyone can give you is for you to work your hardest to keep up with the material. The best study tip in the world cannot give you extra time if you are trying to cram the night before a test. Going over the material every day after class and approaching your teacher/professor for help as soon as possible will make the night before a test more like a review than a torture session.

When you are at home and find yourself “stuck” you can always try to reach out to a classmate or come to to ask questions.