effective studying

By: Hana Mariappa

I am probably not the only one who loses track of time or gets distracted during studying.
Especially during these times when many are still in a virtual learning setting, staying focused
and on task is very difficult. So, I have compiled a list of the top three tools that I have been using to effectively get my work done and study!

Forest
I have been using Forest for a little over 4 years now. This is an app for IOS and Android
which helps to keep you off of your phone. One of my primary distractions is my phone.
Constantly buzzing and flashing, when I am studying, I often find my eyes on my phone more
than my notebook. Forest makes you plant a tree for a given amount of time. If you stay off your phone for that time, then you will receive coins and your tree will grow. However, if you go on your phone, your tree will wilt and die. The more and more you grow trees, you can unlock new types of trees and plants. This seemingly silly little app encourages me to stay off my phone for long periods of time. I love watching my little seedling grow into a tree. Looking back on all of the trees that I have planted also gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Anki
Anki is a software for your computer or phone to study using a new approach to
flashcards. There are pre-made flashcards but you can also make your own. Unlike many other
flashcard programs, you can add your own images and cover the parts that you want to
Memorize. The most popular feature is its spaced repetition feature. You have the option to pick the difficulty of each flashcard. This will allow the program to give you the harder flashcards
repeatedly to help you memorize. The app will also space out the time between giving you new
flashcards to promote gradual learning of the difficult topics.

Pomodoro Timer
The Pomodoro method is a proven scientifically efficient way of working. You start with
25 minutes of undistracted work followed by a 5 min break. After 4 sessions, there is a 15 minute break. Many apps can track your time and productivity but you can also use a traditional
Pomodoro timer! This method really helps when you are trying to be productive on long tasks as
it helps you clear your mind every 25 minutes.