while studying for this history exam.. I really have no idea what i'm reading.. it's hard for me to comprehend the writings.. can you offer some advice on how to study?
Take notes on the important information in each paragraph. Writing facts helps many of us comprehend and remember them.
The first thing we did in each new class was to analyze what type of learner each student was. Basically the 3 types are: auditory (they learn by hearing), visual (they learn by seeing) and kinesthetic (they learn by physically doing). Of course, there are learners with a combination of 2 of 3 types. For the kinesthetic learners (because I am one), it takes us LONGER to learn but we remember far longer as well.
Some general ideas for memorizing:
Take a deep breath and scan over what you are to memorize.
Be sure to be in a quiet room with appropriate lighting.
Look for patterns and other ways to break the material into groups of 3 to 4 familiar elements if possible. (a “set”)
Try to find any elements from your own experience (memorizing by association) Create an acronym or a vivid “story” to help with tricky words.
For Auditory Learners:
Listening repetition will help remember the order of things. A hand-held recorder was great for this, but without one: read the first “grouping”, then repeat it without the paper. Then read the first and second “grouping” and then say it without the paper. Then read the first, second and third “grouping” and then repeat with out the paper. Go through the poem that way first. (It’s usually the ending that is the hardest to remember so it could take concentrating on the ending more.) Repeat that process until you can say all of it with out the paper. Repeat the poem aloud 3 times. If you can not, start all over!
It’s important to take a 20- to 30-minute break once it is rough ly memorized. Relax your brain by doing something you enjoy. After the break, see if you still have it. If not, work on the sections that cause trouble. Take another break before you try recording it. That way you can practice “osmosis” by listening to it even while you sleep!
Walk around the room while you are studying and repeating as that forces both the right and the left brain to work at memorizing!
For Visual Learners:
Begin in a peaceful environment with no distractions. Color code key words. (bilous green, yellow, etc. help “set” these words in y our mind. Put a “post0it” or small card in a location you frequent, such as the bedroom door. Read it every time y ou pass by. Frequently write and rewrite the poem. (in sections) Find someone to study with who has the same poem. Draw diagrams/graphs, write out explanations. Also walk around wh ile studying and repeating to use both halves of the brain. Focus on important key words.
For Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:
Try to be creative, pretending to be the main character in the poem, mimicing or picturing yourself as that character. (Stanislovsky) Take key words and put them on flash cards with stickers or drawings (anything visual to represent what’s on the flashcard), scramble them and try to put them in order. It’s a good idea to write the sequence down first so you’ll be able to check that you have the right order. Some of the tips for visual and auditory learniners should help, especially learning by association and repeating aloud as you walk around. A kinesthetic larner MUST be interactive with the material.
One of my students traced “footsteps” as flash cards which she laid out on the floor and walked around, seeing and saying outloud, as she stepped on each footstep!
TIPS:
Getting stressed just makes it harder so relax and try to make it fun. Working in sections just before sleeping keeps it fresher when you wake up. Often if you learn each section in a different room, it helps. Eating while you memorize stimulates the brain (not fatty foods like cookies, but perhaps raisins or a small biscuit to reward yourself after you learn each section.) Short, frequent breaks are important so you exercise which also stimulates the brain.
Things you’ll need (if possible):
A list of what you need to memorize.
A pen and a notebook.
A tape recorder.
The more you memorize, the easier it will be. The usual sequence: SEE it, SAY it, WRITE it, even ACT it out, SING it... Once you find what works for you, “go for it!”
Sra
Absolutely! Here are some tips to help you study history more effectively:
1. Read actively: Rather than simply skimming through the text, engage with it actively. Take notes, underline or highlight important points, and write down any questions or thoughts that arise. This will help you stay focused and retain information better.
2. Break it down: If you're struggling to comprehend lengthy readings, break them down into smaller sections or paragraphs. Read each one carefully, summarize it in your own words, and then move on to the next one. By tackling the material in smaller chunks, it becomes more manageable and easier to understand.
3. Seek different sources: If the textbook or assigned readings are not resonating with you, try exploring different sources such as academic articles, documentaries, or reliable websites. Sometimes a different perspective or approach can make the subject more engaging and comprehensible.
4. Make use of visual aids: History involves a lot of dates, events, and connections. Use visual aids like timelines, concept maps, or flowcharts to visually organize the information. This allows you to see the relationships between different events, making it easier to grasp the big picture.
5. Discuss with others: Engage in discussions with classmates, friends, or teachers about the topics you're studying. Explaining concepts to others or hearing different interpretations can deepen your understanding and provide new insights.
6. Practice active recall: Instead of simply re-reading notes or the textbook, actively test your knowledge by using flashcards or practicing with past exam questions. This technique helps reinforce what you've learned and improves your ability to recall the information during the exam.
7. Take breaks and review: Give yourself regular breaks while studying, as it helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. After completing a study session, take a few minutes to review what you've learned. This reinforcement can significantly enhance retention.
Remember, studying history can be challenging at times, but with the right approach and techniques, you can improve your comprehension and retain information more effectively. Good luck with your exam!