Effective Study Techniques for Primary Students
7 EffectiveTechniques to Help Primary School Students Study Better
Is studying a chore for you? If so, you are not alone.
Transitioning from preschool to primary school can be a significant change, as you adapt to new subjects and routines. Primary school is the best time to start building the blocks of successful learning.
Sit down and start reading is the simplest way to study, but oftentimes studying is not as easy as that. Adopting good study habits and techniques early on can make learning easier in the long run. Studying little by little every day will make you feel less stressed and more prepared for the exam.
In this article, we will explore 7 simple but effective study techniques to kickstart your learning journey.
Before Studying
Pay attention in class to grasp a basic understanding of the concepts taught. Take notes during class and refine them later with your study techniques. After you get home, try these few things before studying:
When to study? Creating a study schedule
The hardest part of studying is simply deciding when to start. Think about the time when you are the most alert and focused. Consider eating or showering before your study session to help you feel energised while learning.
A helpful tip is to create a study schedule by breaking your syllabus into smaller sections and writing them on paper or using a calendar. For example, if you want to study for the Measurement and Geometry chapter, you can break it down into sub-chapters:
- Monday: Read and practice measuring length with km
- Tuesday: Read and practice measuring volume with ml.
Another tip is to mark down your calendar with important dates like quizzes, assignments, and exams. It helps you keep organised around hobbies and other commitments.
Where to study?
Ideally, it is to study in a quiet space. Keep your place free of TV noises, mobile phones, and other electronic distractions. Additionally, decorating your study spot can make studying more enjoyable. Placing a lamp with a yellow hue can help direct your attention to focus on what you are learning.
Before studying, have all your resources ready in one place (textbooks, workbooks, pens, pencils, papers, highlighter pens, a ruler). Put a water bottle beside you to stay hydrated!
7 Simple Study Techniques That Work
Ready to start studying? Here are 7 study techniques to level up your learning.
The 3 What’s
Start by thinking about what you already know. Then, identify what you want to know and plan your learning accordingly.
For example, in Measuring Length with Kilometre chapter:
- What do I know? I know km can used to measure length.
- What do I want to know? I want to know how to measure length using km.
- What do I need to do? I can read textbooks and do some practice questions.
If you don’t know what you need to do, ask for help from your teachers. They can give you a good suggestion of what you could do.
50-10 Studying
The idea behind this technique is to keep your brain active while giving you a brief reset to reduce fatigue and boredom.
Study for 40 or 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. During the study period, you focus intently on the task at hand. While during the break, you do something energising such as stretching or eating a snack.
Take turns with subjects.
You may begin by studying a subject you find interesting to stay motivated. It can be helpful to start with an easy topic first, and then move on to a harder one before returning to an easier topic. This pattern helps you build momentum and maintain a study flow.
Summarise your notes
Before summarising your notes, read through the material twice. The first time, read rapidly to get a general understanding of the material. The second time, read through it again slowly, and start highlighting definitions, key points, equations, or important information.
After that, try rewriting your class notes in your own words. Add newly acquired information and create a mind map or other visual aids to help you organise the notes.
Flashcards
Flashcards are effective for reviewing concepts and memorising. Flashcards can also be used for retrieval practice, which involves recalling information from memory rather than looking it up. Flashcards are particularly useful for subjects that require a lot of information such as language, science, or social studies.
To make flashcards:
- Prepare a stack of cards or paper.
- Write down the important information you have gathered when reading or a question on one side of the card.
- Write down the answer on the other side of the card.
- Make sure to keep the information concise.
- You can use colours and drawings but avoid excessive decorations.
After creating your flashcards, remember to revise them regularly!
Talk more
When you’re going over your notes, try reading them out loud. It’s a simple trick, but repeating the information this way helps you remember it better. Speaking the content makes it easier to understand and keeps it fresh in your mind. The more you repeat it, the more likely it is to stick, so you’ll be able to recall it more easily later on.
Test yourself!
If you’re unsure whether you’ve studied enough, testing yourself can be helpful. You might try answering practice questions, explaining the material to a friend, or having someone help you. Going through past exam papers can also give you a better idea of how well you understand the concepts. When you can recall answers easily, it’s a good sign you’ve got a hand on the material.
After Studying
When you finish studying, give yourself a pat on the back and do something that you enjoy. It is highly significant to mix some fun or relaxation with your study sessions. Unwinding can help you feel better and re-energise your body.
Make sure also to sleep adequately while hitting the books. Stay active, eat right, and drink enough water. Taking care of your physical well-being is just as necessary as studying hard.
Also, bear in mind that it is okay to take breaks and have fun too! You don’t need to study every day for high scores. Finding a good balance will make studying easy and fun again!