Education Blog

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You’re probably looking at the title of this article and thinking that there’s no way it’s possible to improve your grades by studying less. After all, you’ve always had to put in so much work just to make barely acceptable grades, haven’t you?

However just me pointing out to you that it is possible has piked your interest yes?

You’ll want to stick around, because I’m about to share some excellent techniques and approaches for radically improving your study skills. You’ll study with a lot less effort, and a great deal more effectively. Believe me, you’re not the first person to take on the challenge of streamlining your study efforts - many people have before you, and it’s from their experiences through trial and error that I’ve put together these time-saving resources. These techniques are both effortless and painless.

Even at this very moment, other students are using study strategies far more successful than yours; the crucial thing is for you to find out what they’re doing right. After all, the best way to learn about anything is to ask the experts.

So half the secret is in getting inside the head of those who are studying like this right now.

“How do I do that?” you ask

Blue printing others actions for success.

A good starting point is to find out how your classmates work. Talk to the best among your classmates; find out just what they’re doing to get the grades they do. Most will only give you vague answers about “working hard,” but don’t be deterred. Get the details of what they mean by that.

You: George, how do you make such high grades even in your most difficult classes?

George: I don’t know. I just study hard and apply myself I guess.

You: You question what he had meant when he said that he had studied hard and applied himself.

George: Well ya know I spend a lot of time studying. Don’t you?

You: Yeah I do, but I’m not getting the results that I desire. How come you can spend seemingly less hours than I do in a week?… How many hours do you spend studying exactly?

George: I guess I spend one hour per day three days a week Monday to Friday and maybe another hour on Saturday or Sunday.

You: When do you study?

George: I study as soon as I get home. I can’t concentrate after dinner because I get too sleepy. If I have an after-school activity, then I study about an hour after dinner. I go and do a social activity with mates for an hour or so, this relaxes me and helps me to focus more.

You: Where do you study? At home, the library, outside in a park?

George: Your question is rather coincidental. In the past, I studied in my room because my parents were watching TV and I found it too difficult to concentrate. Now, I just go downstairs to the nice, quiet basement instead.

At this point, you must make sure you’re not “drilling” George. Ask if he minds answering these questions. You should tell him how much you appreciate this information, so he can value his contribution to you. Don’t assume he knows this.

You: Once you’re sitting at the desk, then what do you do?

George: Before actually doing any work, I decide just what I want to get done. Then I work through all the problems. If the assignment was only even-numbered exercises, I’ll try the odd-numbered ones if I have extra time, and stop once I’m absolutely confident with that form of problem. On average I can get that confident after solving three problems or so. All the work I do that isn’t assigned, I write in ink, so when I’m studying later on I can see my mistakes.

You: I really appreciate it, George. I think I’ll try some of that stuff tonight. I also wanted to let you know that using pens of different colors seems to help me visualize and recall the notes. You should consider trying that. I’ll be in touch with any other suggestions.

You need to show others that you really appreciate their time invested in you also. The best way to do this will be different for each person who helps you. The main thing to remember is to show your gratefulness afterwards otherwise they may feel rather used, so please be sure to thank them from your heart afterwards.

Your professors and teachers, parents, older siblings, or even your local librarians could serve as excellent resources as well. To find the best match, try to find a mentor that has already accomplished the same goals you’ve set for yourself.