Study Methods/Techniques: What methods do you use ? I'll share a new one for me.

[fsmaine0020]

Everyone has a certain way they study. Flashcards. Quiet area. No distractions.

I'm interested in "Length of time for effectiveness". Everyone is different. Once I get focused/motivated I try and study as often as possible (maybe a little OCD/ADD). Wondering how you all study and what patterns you use. Many of us have a family, kids young and old, demanding jobs and plenty of distractions.

We are unique. This forum is unique. We are a niche of mostly adult learners, diverse and from all corners of the globe. I'd like to learn what you do to prepare a learning environment, place of "Higher Learning" at home or work.

I have one secret method that I've become found of. It involves music. May seem a little corny/cheesy if you listen to it at first but it works for me. Best of all with YouTube its free:
just plug in any of these keywords and you will find what I've been experimenting with. Helps me greatly and without words. I've actually seen improvements with test scores. Strange but it works.

YouTube: Keywords

-Study Music
-Alpha Waves
-Calming Music
-Concentration Music

Try it out. Happy St. Patrick's Day from Japan!


Jason

[SuzanneD]

I do best when I leave the house and go to the library. At the house I am pulled in to many different directions. :p There is always laundry or cooking or something else to do. Worst of all is the availability of a nap.

[Hunter91]

Naps are good for long-term memory consolidation (I think...lol!)

[AngelaP]

I usually go into what is supposed to be my craft room and study. It has become my office/school room and is where I take all my proctored exams. However, some days I sit at my kitchen table if I am home alone. No matter where I sit, I get distracted by this forum, facebook, google, you name it. I do have the study music you mentioned playing in my background now though. :p

[SweetSecret]

I rotate where I study because I deal with chronic pain, so I switch between the sofa & the bed a lot. I've actually been thinking about getting a yoga ball to study at the table; our wood chairs hurt too much for me to study there for very long now.

I watched a TedTalks video about learning, & the guy found it took on average 20hrs to learn the bulk of anything. When I took the Public Relations TECEP I kept this in mind, and studied a little less than 20hrs but still passed partly because I was more relaxed.

I think the big thing though is try not to study EVERYTHING. Stick to the test outline & study what the test will actually cover.