Question

Any study tips for History?​

Answer 1

Method (1)

1)Memorizing Information

Make flashcards of key terms, people, and dates. Studying history involves memorizing lots of dates, names, events, and other facts. Look through your notes and textbook and identify keywords. Make a list of them, then create flashcards with a word on one side and its definition or explanation on the other. You can even use an app like quizlet to create flashcards digitally.

If you have trouble coming up with a list, try asking your teacher what key dates, figures, and other information might show up on the test.

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2)Say information out loud as you read and write notes. Seeing, saying, hearing, and touching at the same time help your brain make stronger connections and memorize information more easily. Try reading your textbook out loud as you study, and say what you’re writing as you create your flashcards.

You could also try recording yourself reading your textbook or flashcards. As you listen to the recording, follow along in your notes or flashcards.

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3)Use mnemonic devices to memorize facts. Memorization can be boring, but using quick, silly ways to remember facts can add a little fun. Even better, they’re also an effective way to keep your facts straight.

For example, the mnemonic device Neighbors Actually Persuaded Lovely Yvonne To Shut Her Window will help you memorize the British royal families in chronological order: Norman, Angevin, Plantagenet, Lancaster, York, Tudor, Stuart, Hanover, and Windsor.

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Method (2)

1)Connecting the Dots

Read the course syllabus to identify overarching themes. Your course syllabus is the sheet of paper that lists each session’s topic and required reading. Look over the titles, units, and other information listed in the syllabus to find clues about how the course’s larger themes fit together.

Ask yourself, “How does the syllabus organize these facts and figures? Does it mention or hint at any key critical questions? What connections does it make between individual class sessions?”

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2)Synthesize information by making an outline or study guide. You can make a study guide or outline once you’ve looked over your syllabus and gotten a feel for how the class organizes information. Use the syllabus as a guide to structure and consolidate your study guide.

Your study guide won’t do you much good if it simply copies your class notes. Look for key themes in your class notes, pull out the essential information, and put it in your outline.

For example, if you’re outlining class sessions on the Wars of the Roses, you could list key members (along with their dates and titles) of the houses of Lancaster and York in one section of your study guide. Then, you could outline underlying causes of the rivalry between the houses. Finally, you could list key battles and their dates, temporary truces and how they broke down, and the conflict’s resolution.

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3)Create a chart or map to make connections between facts. When studying history, charts, drawings, and maps are sometimes the best way to visualize how the information fits together. In addition to being great study tools, making visual aids like timelines, family trees, and flow charts will help give you a bird’s eye view of the material.

For example, making family trees and a timeline would come in handy if you’re trying to prepare for an exam on the Wars of the Roses.

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4)Ask your teacher for help. Your teacher is there to help you! If you’re not sure what they are looking for, ask them.

For example, ask them what the exam's format will be, what the unit's main theses (or key ideas) are, and what information is most important.

Answer 2

1. Create color-coded flashcards.

Start off your studying by creating flashcards for your class. Get colored note cards so you can easily separate different periods and era by color (ex. WWI is blue, WWII is green). If you don’t have colored note cards, trace around the edges with a marker or sharpie. Keep each set of colored cards together by punching holes in the cards and using a binder ring, or with a rubber band.

2. Take notes in chronological order.

This is a fairly simple concept. The best way to remember the facts of an event is to remember them in order. You will confuse yourself if you take notes about the Revolutionary War and write them down backwards.

If you are using the note card system, number your cards in one corner and keep the cards in that order. That way you can review the events in the right order, which will make them easier to remember.

3. Just the facts.

When taking notes, only write down the most important information. Your notes shouldn’t be a rewrite of the entire chapter. You only want the highlights.

Make sure you write down the following:

— Name of the event

— Location

— Date(s)

— Important people

— Turning points

— Any significant details

4. Supplement with a historical TV program, but check your facts!

If you’re looking for a different type of resource, you could check for a TV program. But, check your facts first! Not every program is completely factual and you don’t want to confuse fact with fiction. (Abraham Lincoln didn’t really kill vampires.) If you’re going to watch a TV program (like the History Channel), ensure that it is a factual account. And don’t forget…TV is never a substitute for reading the facts.

5. Try an online multiple choice test.

Test your knowledge by taking an online multiple choice test. This is a great way to check your facts and ensure you remember the people, places, and dates. But again, just like TV programs, make sure it’s a legitimate quiz from a reputable source.