If you apply yourself both in and out of the classroom, studying history can be enjoyable.Whether you have a big test coming up or you want to brush up on your studying skills for history courses, there are a few things you can do to prepare.Don't hesitate to ask your instructor, professor, or teacher if you have any questions, take notes during lectures and read the assigned texts.
Step 1: What type of information will be included on exams?
You can take good notes if you know what's important.Each instructor has their own way of designing their exams, so you may need to change up your note taking strategy to fit their assessments.The syllabus may include this information.
Step 2: Important information from your teacher and textbook should be written down.
Since the information is on the board in front of you, it may feel redundant to take notes in class.You will forget the facts and dates if you don't write them down immediately.The same thing happens when you read the assigned text for the class.Keep a notebook dedicated to history classes and aim to take at least 1 page of notes per chapter read or 30 minutes of lecture you've sat through.You don't need to write down Lincoln's height.You should remember the dates of the Civil War and the Gettysburg Address.
Step 3: Pick out your notes chronologically.
The field of history has many events that took place in chronological order.The notes you take in class and the ones you read will help you organize the information you receive.You should always keep the date of events in your notes.The Manhattan Project, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fall of the Berlin Wall should be arranged in chronological order.You can use several resources to make sure your research is accurate.
Step 4: You should write down the connections between the chronological notes.
It can feel like you memorize a bunch of disconnected dates while studying history.Make the connections explicit in the notes that you take.You will be able to draw on these connections when you prepare for a test or essay.Take a look at the links between the American Great Depression, World War II, and the rise of the Soviet Union.
Step 5: A visual map of historical events.
This could be a flip book or a timeline.If you are a visual learner, it can be difficult to retain written information, so try mapping out historical events on a few sheets of note paper.If you are studying the Cold War, you should write it in the center and draw lines around it that will draw in American presidents, Soviet leaders, and major events.You should add a date near the events and figures on the map.Don't include information you do not need in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Step 6: Ask your instructor if you have any questions.
There is no reason for students to feel embarrassed asking their teacher questions.Don't hesitate to ask your teacher after class if you're confused about a point in the lecture.Send your teacher an email.Try asking, "I'm having a hard time remembering the names of the Soviet leaders."Who came after Stalin?
Step 7: It's important to remember big-picture events.
It is easy to getbogged down on small details when studying history.It is nearly impossible to retain the information you need to pass a test or write an essay.Rather than thinking of smaller events as they relate to the major topic, focus on the big-picture topic.This will help you understand the material.If you are studying the American Civil War for 6 weeks, don't try to remember the names of every battle and military movement.Remember 4-5 major figures on both sides, 4-5 battles, and the war's political causes and ramifications.
Step 8: Take a look at the period that you are studying.
When it comes to understanding the sequence and chronology of historical events, a timeline is a great visual aid.The World Wars, Cold War, and Vietnam War are some of the major events that took place in the 20th century.The invention of the internet and the assassination of JFK are included.If the timeline is too long to fit on a sheet of notebook paper, try using a strip of butcher paper.You can make your timeline online using a fun template if you have access to a digital device.You can use an online search to find a template.
Step 9: Use flash cards to remember names and dates.
It's great to make connections between chronological events, but sometimes you need to memorize historical data.There is a small prompt on the front of the card.You can take a quiz during study time.In preparation for the test, get together with a couple of friends from your history class and quiz each other.On the front of the card, write "Where was JFK shot?" and on the back, "Dallas, Texas."
Step 10: Take the topics you're studying and apply them to your own life.
It is possible to understand historical events on a deeper level by connecting them to your everyday life.Look for incidences in your life that mirror historical events, and examine how history still affects society today.Let's say you're studying slavery in the United States.You can review current events to see how society has been impacted by slavery.
Step 11: Imagine what it would have been like to live during that time period.
Close your eyes and imagine you're there as you study.Try to make a picture out of what you've learned.Do you have any questions about your day?What do you expect to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste?What challenges might you face?Who would you like to meet?How would you feel?Are you Afraid?Excited?Interested?
Step 12: If you are studying last-minute, make sure you read the history textbook.
If your test is coming up soon, you may not have time to study with flash cards or get a group together.skim the texts to study quickly.If you focus on titles and headings, you will absorb the most information.Take major names, dates, and places in time for the test.You will be tested on the titles of the chapters.You should read the major sections and sub-headings of the chapters.The introductory and concluding paragraphs should be read.
Step 13: Rewriting notes relating to the test topic is recommended.
Unless you are studying for a final exam, quizzes and tests will only be on a portion of the course material.Pull out your notes from the test topic when you open your history notebook.Don't forget to read everything you wrote.Make a 1-2 page outline of all the major events, dates, and people that will likely be on the test.Re-read the section of your textbook that the information came from if anything in your notes isn't clear to you.If the information came from an in-class lecture, ask your teacher for clarification.
Step 14: A daily study schedule is necessary.
Studying for a history exam may not be the most exciting way to spend a couple of hours.You won't pass the test if you delay too many times.Set aside 1-2 hours each day to review your lecture notes, re-read relevant parts of the class texts, and use flash cards.You can study history from 8:00 to 9:30 every night.It will feel like any other part of your routine once it becomes a habit.
Step 15: You can invite other students to join you in studying.
If you want to study for a test, try getting a few other classmates to join you.You and the other group members can ask each other questions about the course content, as well as help one another remember names, dates, and facts.You can review your notecards with your classmates.Group-study sessions become less about studying and more about socializing.Keep the members of your group focused on history.