Explore Common Study Methods
Explore common study methods
Image-word association – This study method associates words with images. Some people memorize best when they can visualize a word or concept in their head. Students who use this method associate an unknown term or concept with something they already know. For example, if a term in your textbook sounds like an object you already know, picture that object in your head every time you say or read that word. Relating an unfamiliar term to a familiar image can help you to remember it more easily.
Acronyms and mnemonic devices – An acronym is a combination of letters that can be used to help you memorize a term or concept. You can combine the first letter of each word of a compound term or idea to spell a word that …show more content…
You probably looked at a word, covered it, tried to write it correctly yourself, and then compared it with the correctly written word. While this seems like a simple method often used at the elementary level, it is a useful studying tool at the college level. For example, after you have read a chapter in your textbook and written down all the important terms, you can test your knowledge to see if you remember them. Cover up the definition of each term and try writing it again from memory. When finished, compare with the correct definition. Writing something down repeatedly helps it stick in your mind …show more content…
You can use analogies to compare and contrast specific terms or ideas. There are several kinds of analogies, including parts to whole, such as a battery is to a flashlight as a keyboard is to a computer. Cause and effect analogies are also common, such as smoking is to cancer as itching is to scratching. While you can create your own analogies, one of the keys to smarter studying is recognizing analogies that are already in the content you are studying. With practice, you’ll become more skilled at recognizing patterns and analogies that help you digest course
Image-word association – This study method associates words with images. Some people memorize best when they can visualize a word or concept in their head. Students who use this method associate an unknown term or concept with something they already know. For example, if a term in your textbook sounds like an object you already know, picture that object in your head every time you say or read that word. Relating an unfamiliar term to a familiar image can help you to remember it more easily.
Acronyms and mnemonic devices – An acronym is a combination of letters that can be used to help you memorize a term or concept. You can combine the first letter of each word of a compound term or idea to spell a word that …show more content…
You probably looked at a word, covered it, tried to write it correctly yourself, and then compared it with the correctly written word. While this seems like a simple method often used at the elementary level, it is a useful studying tool at the college level. For example, after you have read a chapter in your textbook and written down all the important terms, you can test your knowledge to see if you remember them. Cover up the definition of each term and try writing it again from memory. When finished, compare with the correct definition. Writing something down repeatedly helps it stick in your mind …show more content…
You can use analogies to compare and contrast specific terms or ideas. There are several kinds of analogies, including parts to whole, such as a battery is to a flashlight as a keyboard is to a computer. Cause and effect analogies are also common, such as smoking is to cancer as itching is to scratching. While you can create your own analogies, one of the keys to smarter studying is recognizing analogies that are already in the content you are studying. With practice, you’ll become more skilled at recognizing patterns and analogies that help you digest course