Studying Tips

Everyone is different when it comes to learning and studying and how best to approach it. Many certifications cover a wide range of subjects or topics and typically there will be some study areas that you may be strong in, or have an interest in, and there will be other areas that you just won’t want to go near. Some people like to begin studying by tackling the subject they least prefer (a bit like eating the vegetables first so you can enjoy the rest of the meal), while other people like to begin with the easier subjects, to get themselves into the ‘groove’, and move onto the harder material later. No matter how you go about studying for your exams, the main thing is you find an approach that works for you and then stick to it consistently.




A lot of research has been done into studying techniques, learning, and memory retention, and the general consensus is that studying in short sessions repeated often has much more benefit than trying to study in one long session. Trying to keep the concentration going for long periods of time is very difficult, and long sessions like that tend to cause fatigue, stress, and distractions. Here are some other study tips:

• Set an objective for each study session, but keep it attainable. It's far more rewarding to cross items off a list than to add them on. Setting your goals smaller means you have a higher chance of making them, and the sense of satisfaction and enthusiasm you’ll get from reaching each goal will drive you forward. Set the goal at the start of each study session and not some time in advance. By doing it this way you’ll have a better ‘feel’ for how you’re mentally prepared on the day to deal with whatever goal you set yourself.
  
  
• Take regular breaks, but maintain your focus during those breaks. You, above all people, will know what easily distracts you, so during your break avoid anything that is likely to get you sidetracked and make you lose focus.
  
  
• Don’t force the issue if you’re having difficulty concentrating. It’s quality study time that you need not quantity. When you find yourself in one of those ‘flat spots’ and you just can't quite get going, try studying for just 5 minutes and then taking a break for 5 minutes. Try to build up the study time gradually while keeping the breaks at 5 minutes until you're back in your regular routine. If you still can't keep your mind on the job then simply close the books and go and do something else. Forcing it won't help.
  
  
• Don't feel that you have to be studying all the time. You’ll study much more effectively if you have rest periods in between solid studying days, but only if you don’t get a ‘guilt-trip’ for not hitting the books. Try to unwind from studying as totally as you can, and you’ll come back feeling refreshed and rearing to go.
  
  
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  Studying Tips 2
  
  Studying Tips 3
  
  

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