We all must have wanted to be perfect students and study hard for every quiz and exam, but everyone must have fallen during their education. Lazy people need not worry as some subjects can be passed with minimal effort. Even the lazy student can be successful using some clever techniques and strategies.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Take Quality Notes
Step 1. Take notes concisely
In order to be able to review with minimal effort, make sure your notes are concise and of maximum quality. Combine the most relevant information on the topic using as few words as possible. Notes should use short sentences/phrases and definitions/key terms to filter out unimportant information during the lecture and mark the “content” of the topic.
- For example, if you had to define a Marshal Plan, don't write it down: “The Marshall Plan (formally the European Recovery Program or ERP) is an effort by the United States to help Western Europe (it amounts to approximately $130 billion in Dollar exchange rates as of March 2016) to help the economy of western Europe after the end of World War 2. This plan was a 4-year operation that began in April 1946. The United States aimed to rebuild war-torn territories, lift trade barriers, and modernize industry, prosper Europe again, and prevent the spread of communism. The Marshall Plan calls for reducing interstate barriers, removing many regulations, and supporting increased productivity, union membership, and the adoption of modern business procedures."
- Summarize the above statements into a more concise form, for example: “The program by the United States of America by providing large amounts of financial assistance to European countries to rebuild their countries destroyed by World War 2. This draft was proposed by the United States Secretary of State, General George C. Marshall."
Step 2. Organize your notes
Make sure you use an easy-to-read schema or numbering system to keep your notes as clear as possible. Bookmark different sections to distinguish specific topics and try to sort the points by importance and relevance. Try organizing the information using headings and subheadings consisting of Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, and letters.
Step 3. Get it right the first time
Taking notes can waste your mental energy if not done in an effective way. Passing subjects with minimal effort means maximizing the effort you expend. There are several things to avoid in making quality notes.
- Avoid writing shorthand as this style of writing is often useful when taking notes and requires lengthy explanations later.
- Don't write down every word your teacher says. Find the main idea of the lecture and skip the information overload.
- Give the pages space instead of cramming everything into one page of notes. Insert a space between each topic so your notes are easy to read and you may need to write down additional details later.
Step 4. Review, review, and review
Take a few minutes before class begins to review notes from the previous meeting. Keeping notes fresh in your mind will prevent you from having to study hard before an exam.
Method 2 of 4: Outsmart Learning
Step 1. Learn how to read multiple choice questions
In multiple choice questions, you can often get rid of 2 or 3 answers by paying attention to the wording of the question and answer. You can find the right answer using logical differences even if you don't understand the topic.
- Ask things like, "Wouldn't the answer be a little weird?" and “Do the answers contradict each other?”
- The longest answer is often the correct answer because the examiner must use additional words to make the answer accurate.
- Don't be afraid to choose "nothing is right" or "everything is right" on the exam. The study found that both answers were 52% correct. This chance is better than random guessing.
Step 2. Eat a good meal before going to class and taking exams
Drink plenty of water and eat fruits like raspberries, apples, and blueberries to provide natural energy from sugar to keep your memory functioning properly.
Step 3. Use memorization as a last resort
While rote learning doesn't really teach anything, it does help to pass exams successfully with minimal effort. Use analogies, metaphors, mnemonics, and imagery to give sensory meaning to the test material so that it can be remembered during the exam without understanding too much of the substance of the information.
- Here is an example of a mnemonic: Charles's law: at constant volume, pressure is directly proportional to temperature. Easiest way to remember: Charles is if the tank gets too hot, explode into dregs.
- Here's an easy way to remember the eight tiny bones in the wrist for a Biology or Anatomy class. Navicular, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Multongular (Large), Multongular (Small), Capitate, Hamate. Nnauseated Lili Tno Punya Mantan Macho Cok Hgreat.
- If you tend to learn more visually, image-based mnemonics can come in handy. For example, if you need to remember depressants for health class, such as Barbiturates (Barbiturates), Alcohol (Alcohol), and Tranquilizers (Tranquilizers). Sketch or visualize a BAT image (Barbitrators, Aalcohol, Tranquilizer) to help you remember it.
Method 3 of 4: Paying Attention to the Most Meaningful Tasks
Step 1. Learn the division of grades for your subject
Know which tasks can be avoided or thwarted without drastically reducing grades. For example, many subjects only count homework or quizzes as much as 10% or less of the final score, while final exams or essays usually cover 65% of the mark. Focus your time and attention on the main task so that energy is not wasted on unimportant work.
Step 2. Know how to write a good essay
Essays are a golden opportunity to demonstrate your original intelligence, rich vocabulary and critical thinking skills without a detailed understanding of the topics covered. Essays usually also cover a large portion of the final grade making them a great opportunity for you to shine in class without studying, and there are some quick tips for remembering the construction of a quality essay.
- Use a new mindset especially on topics that have been discussed very often. When the teacher has to grade multiple essays, a unique argument or point of view can make your writing stand out in the teacher's eyes. Involve hypotheses that differ from those often discussed in class, include evidence that has not been mentioned in the reading material, and if possible incorporate personal experiences into the essay so that your writing is original rather than derivative from other writings.
- Learn how to develop a balanced and thorough argument that considers both sides of the topic, pointing out the facts you think critically about to make your writing look smart and professional.
- Try not to include useless information just to increase the word count of your writing. Try to balance the information you already know with the knowledge you want to learn by using straight-to-the-point sentences instead of pacing indefinitely.
Step 3. Monitor for additional value opportunities
Most teachers will provide additional assignments throughout the semester, such as additional research, or visiting a museum, or an essay assignment. If you're struggling with grades and need help, take advantage of this opportunity, especially if it's easy to complete, such as an assignment to visit a certain place.
Method 4 of 4: Participating in Class
Step 1. Ask good questions during class
Understanding the subject matter will inevitably raise questions that need additional explanation outside the classroom. If you have questions, ask them so the teacher can explain the depth of the subject being studied.
Step 2. Be an active student in class discussion
Speaking in debates and conversations in class will make you appear powerful and active, two qualities that excellent learners don't need to learn and need. There are several techniques you can use to make your point of view stand out in important discussions.
- Know when to comment in class, for example when the teacher asks something you can answer, when you can ask a provocative question, and when you have insights that can complement the discussion.
- Write down your thoughts when you don't have the opportunity to ask questions during class so you can remember them and bring them up in the next discussion.
- If you're nervous about speaking, try speaking early in the discussion so that your point of view is conveyed earlier instead of waiting until your opportunity to speak your mind is missed.
Step 3. Build a good relationship with your teacher
When your grades fall between a B or a C, or even a D and an F, a good relationship with the teacher can save you. Learn techniques to become your teacher's favorite student.
- Come to class on time. Set an alarm so you have enough time to get dressed, have breakfast, and go to class. Unexpected events such as traffic jams or bad weather can increase the time it takes to get to class. Therefore, give extra time to make sure you arrive on time.
- Be polite. Don't push yourself and be a curmudgeon, but niceties like compliments, not interrupting the discussion, thanking you for the lesson that day, or a little gift will keep your friendship going in the long run.
- Don't chat with friends about your teacher. If you spread personal insults to your teacher, it will usually reach their ears and you will never be liked by the teacher.
Step 4. Learn how to speed read for a few minutes before class starts
For effective speed reading, pay attention to the context clues where the author begins a sentence with “I am debating” when providing a definition, and try to read the first and last sentences of the paragraph. Also, pay more attention when the reading relates directly to the topic in class (for example, when you read The Scarlet Letter in a Women's Study class, pay close attention to the sexism Hester Prynne faces, instead of focusing on the colonization of America in the 17th century)..
Tips
- Check summaries in textbooks while working on an essay to get information quickly and easily. Look for bold, highlighted boxes, etc., in the chapter you are reading.
- Borrow a friend's note. Compare your notes with classmates to gain a broader understanding of the subject matter.
- Try to include the information in a hobby or leisure activity. That way, you can learn in a fun and carefree way. For example, if you like movies and have to read Shakespeare that you don't understand in class, try watching a version of the movie that is easier for you to understand.
