Study Smart
Develop study habits that suit your personality type
By Aurora Chiu
U
niversity, like high school, comes with
an abundance of tests and quizzes,
which everybody dreads. But instead
of focusing on the negatives, try seeing them in a positive light. Think of how
they prepare you for the future, making
you a more knowledgeable person who can
thrive in your profession of choice. Nonetheless, there are always going to be challenges. Preparing for tests is a breeze for
some, while others find it to be a monumental chore. That's because the best approach
to cramming varies from person to person. Here
are some tips on how to study, depending on your
personality:
Introvert
If you're a shy person who prefers snuggling up
in bed watching movies on a Saturday evening
rather than having a wild night out, you're most
likely an introvert. But just because you don't go
out, doesn't mean holing up in your room all
space clean and your notes organized. Cluttered desks lead to cluttered minds!
night studying is a sure-fire recipe for acing all
your tests. Most introverts prefer to study by
themselves as it helps them focus. So find yourself
a room where there will be no interruptions —
that includes music, which can be a major distraction (especially if you're prone to singing along).
If reading textbooks is equivalent to words flying over your head, then perhaps listening to or
watching instructional videos is a better option.
Regardless, remember to always keep your work-
Extrovert
Being outgoing and expressive is a good
thing, so learn how to channel your social
skills into effective studying habits. Reviewing coursework alone may not be the right
thing for you, so try studying with a group
of friends (but be sure to pick people who
won't coax you away from your books!) If
you prefer to work alone, have your phone
and laptop away from you. While that may seem
like an impossible task, you can ease into it by
allowing yourself to check your phone every
twenty minutes or so. Make yourself focus for a
set period of time before permitting yourself to
take a five-minute break as a reward. Be sure to
read over your notes carefully; don't skim, as you
may miss the most important points. And as with
introverts, music is off limits. Eliminating distractions is a crucial part of successful studying.
Bo
A
co
Co
tim
pr
ne
se
w
gi
an
an
an
pr
pl
yo
AutoApprentice_Fall13.indd
is
m
yo
Co
ea
is
Va
10
> Youthink PS > Spring 2014
p10-11_YPS_Spring14 copy.indd 10
youthink.ca
14-01-03 2:05 PM
you
