Create a study checklist. Make a column listing the reading, assignments, lecture notes and handouts that were covered in class. Next, highlight the areas where you are the weakest. In addition, highlight areas that received the most attention during instruction. Identify areas in your notes where you have vague or insufficient information. Review a classmate’s notes to help fill in these gaps. Setting priorities are important, but be sure to not over prepare. Avoid trying to study all of the material covered in class. Your instructor will most likely test you on the most important ideas and concepts, so focus your attention on this.
Choose a place to study that is free from TV or computer distractions. Also, don’t study around people who will distract you with off topic conversation. Consider studying at quiet places such as a library, coffee shop, or on campus study lounge. [3] X Research source Sit in a straight back chair where you can maintain good posture and that isn’t too relaxing to avoid possibly falling asleep. Lighting and temperature are important too, so choose a well-lit area with cooler temperatures. It is difficult to focus when studying in a place that’s too hot.
Bring all necessary textbooks, calculators, notes, and writing utensils such as highlighters, pens and pencils. Bring along some music if you find that helps you when studying. Consider using only paper-based resources and materials and leaving your laptop and other electronic devices behind. It is too tempting to become distracted with emails, social media, and online games.
For example, maybe you are devoting two hours to study for an English class. You might want to devote 30 minutes to studying grammar, 30 minutes to studying literature, and one hour to writing topics. Study the most difficult subjects and topics at the time you are most alert and attentive. The easier subjects won’t require as much energy.
Plan to take a break for a certain amount of time and stick to that schedule. If you don’t, you may lose focus. For example, if you plan on studying for 6 hours, take a 30 minute break at the halfway point. Reward yourself during breaks. Grab a quick snack during your short 5-minute breaks, and do something enjoyable during your longer break. You’ve earned it.
Set an alarm or alert to help you keep track of time. You can also simply write the times down and post a list where it is easily visible.
If you’re doing a literary or rhetorical analysis or revising your own work, create a reverse outline. Make 2 columns and put the topic of each paragraph on the left-hand side. Briefly explain how the paragraph pertains to the focus or argument of the text on the right-hand side. [6] X Research source When creating an outline, make sure to put the information in your own words. This will make the information more meaningful and easier to recall. If you are copying someone else’s outline, also use your own words. Otherwise, you are likely to forget the information. [7] X Research source
Like outlining, make sure you take notes using your own words as well. Also, try and make connections to the information in your notes. For example, connect what you’ve read to something in your own life or to something you’ve read before.
Create acronyms as a way of retaining information. For example, the acronym H. O. M. E. S is used to remember the 5 Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior). [9] X Research source Use word and picture associations to recall what you study to connect new words and definitions to words and images that you can easily recall. [10] X Research source For example, if you wanted to remember the definition of a waxing moon, you might picture yourself waxing your car, which increases the car’s shine. Therefore, a waxing moon is a moon whose illuminated surface increases. [11] X Research source
When reviewing a concept, try to incorporate reading, writing, listening, and speaking throughout your study time. For example, if you were reviewing the parts of the body, you would not only read the definition and function of each part, but also draw a diagram and discuss the importance of each part with a study partner. [13] X Research source
Create term flashcards by placing the term on one side and the definition on the other side. For math flashcards, write the math problem on one side with examples on the other. To study an illustration, on one side draw a picture with an arrow pointing to the area of focus, and the answer on the other side. [14] X Research source
Ideally, keep your study group to about 3 to 6 people. Choose academically conscientious group members who have a track of record of focusing in class, taking notes, and performing well on exams. Be sure to set some group ground rules and expectations that all group members agree on. Also, set clear goals and objectives to help your study group remain focused. As a group, determine the structure of your study session. Decide how much time you will study and how much time will be devoted to various tasks. Two to three hours should be sufficient. Spend the first half of your study session clearing up any confusion or misunderstandings that individual group members have about the material. This will allow for other group members to clarify any problems or misconceptions. To clarify misunderstandings of specific study questions, check to make sure group members understand what the question is asking, the concepts being addressed in the question, and the steps taken to solve the problem.
Use the Pomodoro technique to assist you in breaking down your work into manageable chunks so you stay motivated. Do this by setting a timer for 25 minutes to complete a chunk of work, and then taking a break right afterwards. This way, you have a chance to frequently celebrate these mini successes.
Schedule an hour in your study day to meet up with friends for some swimming, biking, or playing basketball. Not only will this get you up and moving, but it also gives you some much-needed time to socialize.
