A high school diploma may lead to greater earning potential and more job opportunities. It equips you for further study at higher education institutions or vocational courses. Coursework can also hone critical thinking skills that aid in personal development. Here are five effective study habits to follow while earning a free high school diploma:
1. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro technique is a time management technique that encourages focused work sessions divided by time intervals. Choose a task, such as reading a chapter or writing an essay, and set a timer for 25 minutes (one ‘pomodoro’). When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute brain rest. After completing 4 “pomodoros,’ take a 30-minute break. Setting aside focused, uninterrupted study time can help students complete tasks more efficiently.
Breaks, like stretching, walking, or meditating, help your brain rewire and remember things. Active breaks may also improve your mood and release stress, improving your attitude toward studying. If your focus is decreasing or the task is difficult, adjust the length of study sessions. This method can help students avoid procrastination, improve time management, and reduce study burnout.
2. Visualize Information
Visualization techniques usually make abstract or complex information more understandable, improving retention. One method is to organize information with a mind map, which visually displays relationships. Draw lines, arrows, or text boxes to connect subtopics to a central theme. Flowcharts also help with understanding processes or sequences, such as a story’s events or scientific systems. Diagrams are powerful tools in anatomy, physics, or engineering courses, where a visual representation of the structure and functions can help improve understanding.
For history or literature, timelines are useful visual tools that clearly show the chronology of events. Many students organize coursework by color-coding notes with pens or highlighters. Assign specific colors to each topic to make them visually distinct so it is easier to find information later. Flashcards with pictures, sketches, or videos may make learning more interactive and engaging, facilitating better retention of information.
3. Use Active Recall
Active recall is a strategy that involves trying to recall information from memory instead of passively reviewing notes. Periodically, test yourself on what you have learned. During your free high school diploma sessions, write down some questions you can answer without your notes. Flashcards are often helpful in self-testing key terms, definitions, or concepts. Reciting answers from memory or writing them down helps you exercise other cognitive processes, enhancing material retention levels.
Summarizing what you have learned in a few sentences or explaining the material to someone else is also an effective way to practice active recall. Pulling information from your brain proactively reinforces neural connections to the topic. This strategy is often helpful during breaks, helping you remember what you have just learned. It may also make recall easier during exams or tests.
4. Try the Feynman Technique
The Feynman technique is a way to learn complex things by simplifying them so anyone can understand them. Write down the concept you want to learn on a blank sheet. Try to explain it to a child who knows nothing about it by dividing the topic into understandable language without technical terms. You will find areas where your explanation begins to feel incomplete, and these require more study for better understanding.
Return to your study materials and fill in the gaps in your knowledge. Repeat the process until you can explain the concept in your own words as simply as possible. This technique assists with comprehension and reveals information gaps, making it a valuable tool for long-term retention.
5. Practice Reading Comprehension
Large reading assignments are often complex, and it may be difficult to identify relevant information. Using pre-reading and note-taking strategies may help improve comprehension of new material. Here are some strategies to try:
- Survey: Begin by skimming the assigned material and take notes on headings, subheadings, images, or other text features that stand out.
- Question: Develop questions focusing on the chapter’s content, such as ‘What is this chapter about?’ or ‘What do I already know?’
- Read: As you read, look for the answers to your questions.
- Recite: Summarize each section in your own words, and identify any key points or vocabulary terms.
- Review: After completing the reading assignment, review your notes and re-read any sections that require more clarification.
Get a Free High School Diploma
Completing a high school diploma is often a first step toward pay raises, career advancement, or career changes. Mastering study techniques during GED courses can also help students excel in high-demand job environments, universities, or technical schools. Contact an Excel Center today to begin a free high school diploma program.
