Jeremy Cox

Use a Dedicated Study Spot. Train your brain to associate one place with learning.

Use Background Instrumental Music. Lyrics distract; instrumentals can increase focus.

Study With a Purpose Statement. Example: “I’m studying biology because I want to understand life.”

Reward Completion, Not Time Example: “After I finish 10 problems, I take a break.”

Write Possible Test Questions. Teachers often use questions similar to what students ask.

Simulate the Test. Sit quietly and answer questions without notes.

Study in Reverse Order. Start with the newest material, then move backward.

Whisper-Read Difficult Material. Hearing it activates another learning pathway.

Chunk the Text. Read one paragraph, pause, then summarize.

Read the Questions First. If your book has review questions, read them before reading the chapter.

Use the “3 Sentence Summary” After each section, summarize it in only three sentences.

Draw Diagrams Instead of Sentences. Visual information is remembered much longer.

Use Colored Pens for Categories. Example: Blue = definitions Green = examples Red = important facts

Create a “Distraction Parking Lot” Write distracting thoughts on a piece of paper to deal with later.

Use a Countdown Timer. Instead of saying “study for a while,” set a 10-minute countdown.

Stand and Study. Standing occasionally increases alertness and blood flow.

Change Your Study Location. Rotating locations helps your brain store information in multiple contexts.

The 90-Second Reset When stuck, close your eyes and breathe slowly for 90 seconds. It resets mental fatigue.

Write One Question Per Page. Instead of highlighting, write one question about each page. Later review the questions.

The “Odd Connection” Trick Connect facts to something weird or funny. Strange associations stick in memory longer.