Professors and teachers alike tend to give their two cents when it comes to how they think you should study for a quiz or a test. While their opinion can be beneficial more often than not (because they're usually the ones making the tests anyway), they can be very very wrong about one thing.
I've heard this for years, even in high school. My teachers and professors have informed me time and time again that when I'm studying, I should do it in complete silence without any distraction. In a sense, this tends to work. But I'm here to tell you to forget what you've heard because the study tactic I use has yet to fail me!
Start listening to instrumental music while you study!
Hear me out first. I know it may sound counterproductive and it may go against everything you know, but this has worked for me for years. When it comes to studying, I personally rewrite my notes and make flash cards of the material for upcoming exams. While doing this, I listen to music. I'll typically search piano music or instrumental versions of some of my favorite songs.
There's a reason professors and teachers tell you to remove yourself from distractions while studying. The obvious is to ensure you retain and remember the information. Turning off your TV or Netflix and studying somewhere quiet is a good idea, and I sometimes find myself doing this too. But when your professors tell you not to listen to music, ignore it. Of course, the music they're usually talking about has lyrics and fast-paced beats. I can agree in that sense: I would not recommend listening to rap or punk rock songs when studying. However, I've even heard professors say classical music won't help. This is a lie, and I'll explain why.
Now, I'm not telling you to study the way I study. If you don't make flashcards, that's fine! But whatever you do, I encourage you to listen to instrumental music. You may wonder, well, where's the proof that it works? Here's an example: a couple semesters ago I was taking the Psychology of Perception (one of the hardest classes I've ever taken). I didn't do very well on the first exam and decided to try a different study method. I started listening to instrumental music every time I studied. Eventually, the exam rolled around and although I was nervous, I felt more prepared than I had for the first test. In the middle of the exam, something intriguing happened. When I read a question, the music that I was listening to when studying that material started playing in my head and I remembered the answers! It was like instantaneous recall! This is also similar to studying in the room you plan to take your exam in. If you study where you take your tests, you tend to do better (like deja vu, in a way). And in case you were wondering, I got a 95 on that exam and in the class overall.
If you've never tried this, my method may sound ridiculous. But I can assure you that it'll work. It's worked for me many times and I plan to use it this semester too! For your first instrumental music search, I recommend Lofi hip hop mix - Beats to Study/Relax to.
Lofi hip hop mix - Beats to Relax/Study to [2018] www.youtube.com
