Humans no more give heed to the very necessities of life one of which is “the habit of studying.” Questions like where to read, what to real, why to read and how to read, do arise and most times, the answers are rare to find. How can we make reading our habit? People who do so are called “ perennial students” -they study throughout their lifetimes. The requirement for a hitch free study should include.
GOOD ENVIRONMENT
Environment is no doubt a very crucial point of consideration when reading. For effective reading, the environment must be well selected. When one is beginning to nurture the habit of reading, it is advisable that such a one should not study in a room where a comfortable bed might be a centre of attraction because with the sight of a comfortable bed brings sleep. The room should not be lousy, dirty or crowded. A library is always preferred because where you read should have enough materials on your subject matter. A good environment aids concentration which is a very vital part of studies.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time, as it is popularly said, waits for no man. A time table should be created and the table should be followed diligently except occasion demands a derailment. It often goes very bad with students who see studying as meant to be done at the last minute of examination so any timetable should be generous, that is, it should contain all subjects without biased and studying should begin a long time away from exams.
DIET AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
A good diet is indispensable when it comes to studying. Food eaten should be enough yet not too much or too small. Over eating aids fatigue as do starvation. Coffee is no substitute for sleep. A good sleep is always an important activity to be done before a very long study. The brain needs water for hydration as it functions more properly then so, water, say a bottle, should be at hand during reading. The water should not be cold so as not to increase fatigue. Energy drinks should not be greatly patronized but sugared water or chocolate can do since the brain needs sugar too. It is also advisable that one indulges in simple exercises for fitness in between a long study. A research showed that males do better in exams if they are slightly hungry, and females do better on exams if they are slightly full.
PARTNERSHIP
A good study partner will motivate you and help you achieve your goal faster. Two heads are most times better than one so a reading partner, if available, should be adopted. such a partner should be serious, active and regular in studies. Questions may be shared, explanations given and corrections undertaken.
EMOTIONAL STABILITY
Emotional stability is important during studying. It might be very difficult to read with understanding when one has just been bereaved, angry, sad, frustrated etc. Physical comfort and good health also comes in as a factor here. When one is in good health, studying and understanding is enhanced but when one is ill, there is no understanding, concentration or seriousness involved.
READING
A reading Mnemonic such as SQ3R meaning S - survey, Q - question, R- read, R - recite, R - revise might be adopted for reading. When studying, it is advisable that one begins with topics that seem difficult. Reading the difficult topics first, will enhance concentration and understanding. In a short time, such topics becomes so simple. Difficult topics can be studied with different text for a better understanding. Already read topics should be weekly revised upon.
AVOID
- Vocalization: Vocalization is the process of reading aloud rather than in silence. Vocalization disturbs the environment and others who are around. Vocalization should only be employed when, and is very useful when one intends to memorize a certain sentence, definition or phrase.
- Head Movement: The head should not be moved during studying, that is, the head should not be moved along lines; it is the duty of eyes and not the head.
- Poor Reading Postures: Poor reading postures like eye fixing should be avoided while good reading postures should be adopted for the breeding of a good reading habit and effective studying.
- Pointing at Words: Word pointing should be avoided, pointing at words encourage slow study rate as the movement of the hand disturbs and delays eye movement.
- Lack of Concentration: Concentration is a product of interest and interest is a product of purpose. Always have a purpose of reading which maybe for entertainment, examination, pleasure, information etc and it will create interest hence concentration.
- Unfamiliar Text: The text that is read should be a one we are familiar with. A familiar text always aids understanding which is one reason we read yet unfamiliar text, topics or subject matters always leads to lack of understanding.
- Poor Eye Movement: During reading, the eye should undergo a rhythmic movement. Eyes may move, say, three times per line in an equal length. The eyes should not move at every word.
