Achieve GCSE Success With These Helpful Study Tools
When it’s time to study for final exams, you’ll have plenty of resources to draw on. Finding a great learning method is an important part of the equation, but you may also need some great tools. Of course, these tools are useful throughout the semester, but it’s never too late to invest in quality materials and improve your learning. Whether you’re preparing for a week of brutal tests before the holiday season or preparing for next semester, study them to improve your studying.
The Best Study Tools for Note-Taking
Note-taking is serious business, and it requires more strategy than you think. There are several different ways to take notes, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for you , especially during end-of-semester classes when professors are discussing what will be on the final. These tools will help.
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A smart notepad like the Rocketbook Core ($27.73) can help you quickly digitize your notes while keeping them organized and accessible by transferring them from handwritten format to your devices. Handwritten notes help you retain information better , but notebooks full of information are useless when you’re trying to find something specific while studying. Bonus: you can also use them for blurring. As you study, test yourself by hiding materials and writing down everything you can remember on a blank page, then checking it against the text and your notes. By recording in a smart notebook, you can easily keep track of all your writing sessions and better keep track of how much more you save each time you do it.
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Grab some tab stickers (two packs for $7.95) if you want to use an actual notebook but still stay organized. This can help you while revising a very important note , giving you the ability to sort content by topic, importance, or whether it will be tested.
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Another reliable option for those who prefer to take handwritten notes is the BookFactory Notepad ($14.99), which is set up for Cornell-style note-taking, with a column for main ideas built into the left side of each page. This (with the help of sticky notes) will help you stay organized .
The Best Tools for Teaching Reading
Reading and repetition is the most basic part of learning, but it is difficult to stay focused all the time. There are several gadgets that can help you get the job done.
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First of all, get a portable book light. There are all kinds of files available online that attach directly to your texts and notepads, but it’s a pain to detach and cut them off when you want to turn the page. Instead, try one that you wear around your neck, like this one from Glocusent ($21.99). It’s important to be comfortable while studying, especially on long trips, so this allows you to read in bed, in your chair, or while commuting – the options are pretty endless.
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Whether the library closes early or you simply want to study from the comfort of your own home, you can find a portable desk that meets your specific needs. I like this one from Slendor ($29.99) because it’s foldable and portable, and also has a USB charging connection, a cup holder, an iPad or laptop stand, and a small drawer for all your markers and trinkets. Having specific study materials that you pull out at a critical moment helps you get separated and in the zone, so getting a mini desk that evokes that “it’s time to learn” feeling is really helpful.
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I’ve already recommended white noise machines for studying , but this is just a reminder that you should get one that will help you focus and, especially if it’s for studying, it should have a lamp on it. The Reacher Sound Machine ($34.19) has a built-in light and 26 sounds, so you can find exactly the one you need.
Best Study Guides for Memory Practice
There are many methods to improve your memory, but they are not very useful if you don’t have the right tools. In addition to purchasing a smart notepad for marking up and editing as mentioned above, consider this.
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If you use the Leitner system (and you should!) to practice retrieval and memorization, a box with sections for your flashcards will make a huge difference. With Leitner’s system, you sort your cards into different categories based on whether you get them right at different intervals, studying the ones you consistently get right less and less often. Students typically use envelopes or paperclips to divide notecards, but this box from Neando ($36.98) does all the work for you by including dividers inside.
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This may seem simple, but please use different colored pens. You can purchase 12 different colored markers for $5.98, and they are useful for color-coding notes and cards , which has been proven to be helpful when it comes to improving memory.
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Finally, get a special timer so you can use the Pomodoro focusing technique —without having to constantly look at your phone to check the time. I can’t convince you to completely give up your phone during a study session, but I can try. A Pomodoro timer like this one from Meloho ($26.39) can help you structure your study sessions and focus on deep work for specific periods of time.