Are you one of those students who goes to class, pays attention, takes note but somehow still does bad on exams? You’re not alone. The problem could be your study methods. Sometimes taking notes in class and reading over them is not the most effective way to study.

Here are some tips on how to change up your routine and get better grades.

Set Goals

Before you start to study, plan out whatever it is you want to accomplish during that session. This will help you stay organized and get things done one step at a time.

Rewrite and Rework

After class is over and you are ready to study, rewrite your notes out. This will help you remember what you learned in class and give you a chance to add more information into the notes to help clarify anything  you were struggling with.

Read it Out Loud

Instead of just reading your notes over and over in your head, try reading them out loud. Hearing the information will be another way to remember it.

Make Flash Cards

You can put questions, definitions, or multiple choice onto your flash cards.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is always a good idea. It will keep you fresh and help you avoid getting burnt out. Keep the breaks short and sweet. Go for a walk, eat a snack, and then get back to it.

Create a Jingle

It’s easy to memorize a song you hear a lot on the radio. Make a song out of your subject and it will come in handy during a test.

Get a Study Buddy

Studying with a class mate is great. You can bounce ideas off each other and they can help you understand things you might be struggling with.

Play a Game

Trivia, jeopardy or any other game will make studying fun!

Ask for Help

If you come across something that you don’t understand you should always ask for help. Go to your professor or reach out to a classmate.

Test Yourself

Create a practice test and check out how much you really know. This will help you prepare for an exam and work on things that you don’t have down yet.

Stay Positive

Always keep a positive attitude while studying. Once you start down that negative path filled with complaining and misery, there is no turning back. Celebrate your small victories.

If you enjoyed this post, check out how to Create the Perfect Study Space