5 Tools to Help You Study Better

5 Tools to Help You Study Better

Time allocated to studying is often limited and there is almost always a lot of ground to cover. Therefore, tools that can help make you more efficient and productive come in handy. Some study techniques go hand in hand with technological advancements, while others rely on more traditional and well-seasoned methods that might appear low-key, but can be just as effective.

1. Brain.fm is an audio brainwave training program, designed to help you improve your focus, reach a deeper state of relaxation and sleep better. Building on the science behind music and the brain, this online app is supposed to enhance your mental functioning by listening to a musical that targets different areas of your brain (depending on your needs). Seven free sessions are offered, after which there is a subscription fee. The application can be conveniently installed on your mobile phone and also allows you to track your progress.
2. Lumosity also purported uses the principles of neuroscience to help you reach better study results. Their online games and tools have been developed by scientists and is accessible to everyone. The program lets you choose which areas of cognition you want to work on (e.g. memory, attention, mental processing) and comes with training alerts to help you stay active with your training. Lumosity might not have immediate benefit; it is more of a long-term bet that might help you better utilize your brain potential as you continue.
3. Although mind mapping was popularized by Tony Buzan in the 1980s, it is an old study method and dates back to Leonardo da Vinci. Considered a powerful graphic technique, it helps you activate both sides of your brain and increases your creativity and cognitive power. Mind maps, also known as spider diagrams, can be used when studying, summarizing information, brainstorming ideas, going through a more complex subject or preparing for a presentation. Mind maps are a great tool that can be used in different areas of your life. Some might prefer to draw their mind maps by hand, but if you find it more convenient to use a computer – so you can easily update and store your maps – Xmind is an excellent mind-mapping tool.
4. RefME is a free referencing tool that can save you a lot of time and hassle. It supports all major referencing styles such as APA, Harvard and MLA. It allows you to quote from books and journals; you can even scan the barcodes of journals or books with your phone’s camera and create references instantly.
5. Flash cards help you retain your study material better and are founded on the principles of rote memorization. Cram is an online educational platform that allows you to create your own set of web-based flash cards. The app is free and can be downloaded on your phone, so you can take your studies with you wherever you go. Moreover, you can also use flashcards that have already been created by other people studying your subject, or share your materials with others.