General Study Tips:
- Find a study environment which isn’t too distracting. Some people like working with background noise and others don’t. If you like working with background noise then I suggest using something you don't know and that is calming, that way you don't sing along and can tune it out, much like in coffee shops. Use this space for studying only.
- I’ve read a few times that people with ADHD can find it easier to focus while moving. If this applies to you then move around while you study, even if it’s just pacing the room. I found in grade 11 that the one chemistry test I did well on was when I studied while exercising. If you need to move around try this.
- Take breaks while studying. No one can study for hours on end. It’s important that we take breaks. I usually have a 5 minute break for every 25 minutes of work.
- Be realistic. Don’t set yourself unrealistic goals because it will make you upset if you don’t achieve it. Being realistic means that you are more likely to achieve your goal and will feel a sense of accomplishment when you do.
- Give yourself enough time to study. If you think that you’re going to get distracted then you’ll need to allocate yourself more time.
- Similarly, you might need to allocate extra time for essays and assignments so that you have enough time for editing.
- Test yourself while you study (e.g. making up practice essay questions). Use the practice questions from textbooks if you can.
- Use a laptop to take notes. I’ve had a lot of asks from people with ADHD who get distracted while taking notes by hand, or can’t read them when they return to them later that day. In grade 12 biology, I took all my notes with my laptop. I found this helped me pay attention more to what my teacher was saying and allowed me to have neat notes when it came time to study.
- Study during your prime time (the time of day when you’re most active). I've found that I study best at night or when its quiet in my house.
- Work out if you work better alone, or with other people. I've had friends who study together and do better on tests/assignments/quizzes/exams than if they studied alone.
- Review your notes as soon as you can after classes, and if it helps rewrite them. I usually put all the important stuff on one piece of paper per chapter when I'm studying. I do this with colourful pens also as it makes it more fun than just in black or blue.
- Know your learning style and use it to your advantage.
Organization:
- Keep your desk clear to avoid distractions.
- Use folders to organize your notes, or even clips.
- Leave space to add extra notes later; if you’re using a laptop to take your notes you don’t need to worry about this.
- Keep stationery and other items necessary for revision within the area of the desk.
- Use a small notebook to keep track of
deadlines, library due dates, etc.
- Use your planner the school gives you. Plan all of your time so that you know exactly where you need to be.
- Have a list everyday of what needs top be accomplished. Tick off items as you complete them. This will give you a feeling of satisfaction, especially at the end of the day when you most need it.
- But leave yourself a bit of wiggle room in case things take longer than expected.
- Carry your planner with you everyday, so that you can add events as you plan them so that you don't forget anything
- Learn what motivates you. For me it is spending time with my family, so I usually do 2-4 questions and when I'm done I'll go spend 5-10 minutes with them.
- Stick to your daily plan. If you didn't complete an item the day before, do it first thing the next day. Try not to do this every day as it will only keep on making each day longer and longer.
- Remember, work before play!
- Avoid the TV while studying.
- Use little rewards through the day to keep you going.
- Give yourself a bigger reward when you finish a piece of coursework or an exam.
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