Study Like Hermione Granger
Want to get straight A's in every subject? Want to be top of the class? Well, read this article on how to study like Hermione Granger (from Harry Potter) and you'll be acing those tests in no time!
Contents
Steps
Setting up the study zone
- Set up a good studying area. A large desk and maybe a bookshelf is required. Have a decent quill and a lot of ink (for Muggles, don't let your pens run out––buy extra). Make sure you have all the materials (e.g. pens, pencils, paper, highlighters) that you may require to complete your study ready and near by so that you can avoid interruptions during your study time.
Staying organised
- Use different books for every subject so you do not get confused. If you want to get super organised, you can colour code your books. This can be done by having a certain colour for each of your classes/subjects, and purchasing a folder and book in that classes' specific colour. (e.g. Red for maths, yellow for English, blue for Science).
- Make planners. Hermione makes planners. Homework planners may seem nerdy, but you're trying to be Hermione Granger, the class Know-it-all. So if you don't want to do this step, it's completely your choice. But remember, the real Hermione wouldn't have taken offense to anything. (Apart from the first time she was called a Mud-Blood but we can live with that because not everyone is made of solid rock.)
- To make a homework planner, grab a suitable lined book. Use a non-removable stickiness charm, and decorate the inside. Also, put a spell on it so it shouts out quotes at you whenever you open it (that's what Hermione did for Ron and Harry.) But make sure you can use these spells properly before attempting; if you haven't a clue as a Muggle, you will have to use ink or coloured pen for the quotes and glue in some cool decorations that make it seem like a "charmed" book.
Having good study practices
- Take notes in everything. This means that when it does come time to study, you have all the information you need in front of you.
- Use notation forms that are useful for you; don't copy other forms unless you actually find them useful. It is often best to develop your own highlighting methods, your own shorthand, and your own summarizing techniques.
- Ask yourself questions on what you are reading. Doing this will indicate whether or not you understood what you have read.
- Read the passage or paragraphs.
- Brainstorm a few questions based on what you read.
- Read the passage or paragraph once more and answer the questions.
Making studying more enjoyable
- If you do not like studying, give yourself goals or rewards for doing study. For example: "After doing 30 minutes of maths study, I am allowed to have a small square of chocolate." It is also good to include physical movement breaks as a reward; for example, after 1-hour study, allow yourself a five-minute walk or stretch before coming back to the books.
- If you really don't like the subjects, turn Science to Potions or maybe Maths to Arithmancy.
- Have fun whilst studying. While this may be hard a lot of the time, try to inject enjoyment into some of the studying. If something really interests you, learn more about it in your own way and become more knowledgeable in it so that you can wow the teacher.
- Listen to some music. Hermione doesn't do this, but it can help you to study if you're so inclined. You could listen to all sorts of genres, like Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop Rock, etc... Whatever floats your boat. However usually music with no lyrics works the best so that you are not getting distracted by what is being sung in the song.
- Study with others. Hermione often studied in the Gryffindor common room with the other Gryffindors. The library is another place where you are communally linked in silence; it's quite a nice thing to not be alone when studying; you can share the agony around.
- To make studying more interesting, maybe try doing it with a friend but a friend with whom you won't get distracted.
- Study groups may help also.
Studying regularly
- Study a lot of the time but don't forget to sleep! Sleep will not only make you look good and feel refreshed but will also boost your concentration level.
- Study for weeks in advance. If you know you have a test at the end of the year, then ask the teacher what you need to do to get the highest grade (or level for you Muggles) and then study all of the time until you are certain this is correct. Do this for all of your lessons.
Tips
- If the internet is too addicting or you keep getting distracted at home, head to the library, not only will you get some quiet and be able to focus, if you cannot find certain information from your books, search in all the books around you.
- Take a small beaded bag. Add a few charms to make the bottom and put all your school stuff in it.
- Get different colored pens for each subject and when reading a passage for exams (muggle versions of OWLs and newts) and use different highlighters to mark different things--yellow for important people, pink for dates, etc.
- Don't get too comfy! Always have a drink to keep hydrated and a snack in case you get hungry. Make sure you're snacking on healthy things, such as fruit and yoghurt, not things like chips and lollies. Eating junk food whilst studying is a bad idea because it will make you feel tired and sluggish, however healthy snacks will boost your energy levels and allow you to concentrate better. Before you study take a nice warm shower or bath and get in some comfortable clothes. Remember don't study on your bed because you will train your brain to think that your bed is somewhere to work, which will make it harder for you to get to sleep when you want to. Instead of studying in your bed, opt for a desk (preferably with lots of room for all your books) and a nice chair.
- Your study space should be very neat and organized. Being neat will help you stay calmer while studying.
Warnings
- Don't spend too much time studying and end up putting off seeing your friends. Remember that Hermione highly values her friendship with Harry and Ron, so make sure you take a break from your studying to make time to spend with your friends and family.
- If you are putting in a larger desk or bookshelf, get someone to help you like a family member or friend or someone from the store you bought it from.
Things You'll Need
- Desk
- Books
- Pens
- Chocolate (optional)
- Internet (optional)
- Study group/partner (optional)
- Planners
