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Super
Study Skills
The
Ultimate Guide to Tests and Studying.
You
can pick up a much cheaper 'used' copy of this book at Amazon
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Developing
your studying method
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Everyone
is different when it comes to studying and how to approach it.
Many computer certifications cover a wide range of subjects
or topics. Typically, there will be some 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 with 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
then move onto the harder material. Whatever way you approach
it, definitely avoid putting off the difficult material. You’ll
have to deal with it at some point, and the satisfaction you’ll
get by dealing with it sooner rather than later will ‘feed’
you with motivation for the other subjects later on. Where possible,
end with your favourite material – or at least allow yourself
to look at it from time to time throughout your study time as
a sort of reward for doing the harder material, and to keep
your interest up.
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A lot of research has been done into studying techniques 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. Not
good conditions for effective studying.
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Try to set goals for your studying time, but don’t make
them too large or too vague. For example, if you’re studying
a particular computer certification, perhaps break each studying
section into corresponding objectives in the exam outline. If
you set your studying goals too high, you may be setting yourself
up for failure and any further studying sessions might be affected
because of that failure. 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 is food
in itself for the next goal you go for. You can always do more
if you reach your goal for each study session, but it’s
harder to make up for previous sessions if you set your goals
to high. It also helps to set the goal at the start of each
study session, 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.
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Take regular breaks, but don't go far, don't go near other people
and don’t start any other projects. You above all people
will know what distracts you, so make sure you’re not
tempted by it during your breaks. Try to get yourself motivated
during your breaks for the next study period.
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Don’t force the issue if you’re having difficulty
concentrating. It’s quality study time that you need.
When you find yourself in one of those ‘flat spots’,
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. If you get distracted by other ideas,
or thoughts of other projects (as I do all the time while working
on this website), then write the ideas down and re-visit them
after your studying time is over.
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On a larger time-cycle, don’t let yourself get stressed
on days when you are not studying. 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. Equally, if you have a scheduled study day, but
don’t feel up to it, don’t force the issue. You
can’t force your brain to absorb information, and if your
mind is on other things it only makes matters worse. Study when
you’re in the frame of mind to do so.
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