Discover 5 proven techniques to study smarter, not harder, and boost your productivity and retention.
I. Introduction
I. Introduction
Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren’t cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? Many students realize that their high school study habits aren’t very effective in college. This is understandable, as college is quite different from high school. The professors are less personally involved, classes are bigger, exams are worth more, reading is more intense, and classes are much more rigorous. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you; it just means you need to learn some more effective study skills. Fortunately, there are many active, effective study strategies that are shown to be effective in college classes.
Implementing these tips into your regular study routine will help you to efficiently and effectively learn course material. Experiment with them and find some that work for you. Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. It is simply re-reading your notes. Only ‘doing’ the readings for class is not studying. It is simply doing the reading for class. Re-reading leads to quick forgetting. Think of reading as an important part of pre-studying, but learning information requires actively engaging in the material. Active engagement is the process of constructing meaning from text that involves making connections to lectures, forming examples, and regulating your own learning.
Active studying does not mean highlighting or underlining text, re-reading, or rote memorization. Though these activities may help to keep you engaged in the task, they are not considered active studying techniques and are weakly related to improved learning. Ideas for active studying include:
– Create a study guide by topic
– Formulate questions and problems and write complete answers
– Create your own quiz
– Become a teacher
– Say the information aloud in your own words as if you are the instructor and teaching the concepts to a class
– Derive examples that relate to your own experiences
– Develop symbols that represent concepts
– Study in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion
Organization and planning will help you to actively study for your courses. When studying for a test, organize your materials first and then begin your active reviewing by topic. Often professors provide subtopics on the syllabi. Use them as a guide to help organize your materials. For example, gather all of the materials for one topic (e.g., PowerPoint notes, text book notes, articles, homework, etc.) and put them together in a pile. Label each pile with the topic and study by topics. For more information on the principle behind active studying, check out our tipsheet on metacognition. The Study Cycle, developed by Frank Christ, breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and checking your understanding. Although each step may seem obvious at a glance, all too often students try to take shortcuts and miss opportunities for good learning.
One of the most impactful learning strategies is “distributed practice”—spacing out your studying over several short periods of time over several days and weeks. The most effective practice is to work a short time on each class every day. The total amount of time spent studying will be the same (or less) than one or two marathon library sessions, but you will learn the information more deeply and retain much more for the long term—which will help get you an A on the final. The important thing is how you use your study time, not how long you study. Long study sessions lead to a lack of concentration and thus a lack of learning and retention. In order to spread out studying over short periods of time across several days and weeks, you need control over your schedule. Keeping a list of tasks to complete on a daily basis will help you to include regular active studying sessions for each class. Try to do something for each class each day. Be specific and realistic regarding how long you plan to spend on each task—you should not have more tasks on your list than you can reasonably complete during the day. For example, you may do a few problems per day in math rather than all of them the hour before class. In history, you can spend 15-20 minutes each day actively studying your class notes. Thus, your studying time may still be the same length, but rather than only preparing for one class, you will be preparing for all of your classes in short stretches. This will help focus, stay on top of your work, and retain information.
In addition to learning the material more deeply, spacing out your work helps stave off procrastination. Rather than having to face the dreaded project for four hours on Monday, you can face the dreaded project for 30 minutes each day. The shorter, more consistent time to work on a dreaded project is likely to be more acceptable and less likely to be delayed to the last minute. Finally, if you have to memorize material for class (names, dates, formulas), it is best to make flash
II. Technique 1: Effective time management
Effective time management is crucial for successful studying. It involves setting aside dedicated time for studying and ensuring that you make the most of that time. Here are some tips for effective time management:
1. Create a study schedule
Outline a study schedule that includes dedicated time slots for each of your classes and assignments. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you allocate enough time to each subject.
2. Prioritize tasks
Identify the most important tasks and assignments and prioritize them based on deadlines and importance. This will help you focus on the most critical work first.
3. Break tasks into smaller steps
Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel less overwhelming and more achievable. This approach can help you stay on track and make steady progress.
4. Set specific goals
Set clear, specific goals for each study session. This could include completing a certain number of practice problems, reading a specific chapter, or reviewing class notes. Having clear goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
5. Minimize distractions
Identify and minimize potential distractions during your study sessions. This could involve finding a quiet study space, turning off your phone, or using website-blocking apps to limit distractions.
By implementing effective time management techniques, you can make the most of your study time and improve your overall academic performance.
III. Technique 2: Active learning strategies
Active learning strategies are essential for effective studying. They involve engaging with the material in a way that promotes deeper understanding and retention. Here are some active learning strategies to incorporate into your study routine:
1. Create a study guide by topic:
– Formulate questions and problems and write complete answers
– Create your own quiz
– Say the information aloud in your own words as if you are the instructor and teaching the concepts to a class
– Develop symbols that represent concepts
2. Study in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion:
– Identify the question posed by the instructor/author
– Analyze the evidence presented
– Draw conclusions based on the information
3. Work and re-work problems:
– For technical courses, such as math or economics, working through problems and explaining the steps and reasoning behind them is crucial for understanding the material
Active learning strategies not only help in understanding the material but also aid in long-term retention and application of knowledge. By actively engaging with the content, students can improve their learning outcomes and academic performance.
IV. Technique 3: Optimal study environment
Creating an optimal study environment is crucial for effective studying. It’s important to consider factors such as noise levels, comfort, and the ability to focus. Here are some tips for creating the best study environment for yourself:
1. Find the right noise level
Some people work best in complete silence, while others prefer background noise. Experiment with different environments to find out what works best for you. If you need silence, try studying in a quiet library or a private study room. If you prefer some background noise, consider a coffee shop or a study lounge with a low level of activity.
2. Comfort is key
Make sure your study space is comfortable and conducive to long periods of concentration. This could mean investing in a comfortable chair, using a desk with ample space, or ensuring good lighting. Being physically comfortable can help you stay focused and engaged in your studies.
3. Change up your study space
If you find that a particular study spot is no longer working for you, don’t be afraid to change it up. Having a variety of study environments can help keep things fresh and prevent boredom or lack of focus. Consider studying in different locations on and around campus to find the best fit for your needs.
Creating an optimal study environment can significantly improve your ability to concentrate and retain information, ultimately leading to more effective studying.
V. Technique 4: Effective note-taking and organization
Taking effective notes and staying organized is crucial for successful studying. When it comes to note-taking, it’s important to develop a system that works for you. This could include using different colors for different topics, creating outlines, or using symbols to represent key points. Find a method that helps you to easily review and understand your notes later on.
In addition to note-taking, staying organized with your study materials is essential. Keep all of your notes, handouts, and textbooks in one place for each class. Consider using folders or binders to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Having a clear system for organizing your materials will save you time and stress when it comes time to study for exams or complete assignments.
Effective note-taking and organization tips:
– Use different colors or symbols to highlight key points in your notes
– Create outlines or diagrams to visually represent the information
– Keep all of your study materials organized in folders or binders
– Develop a system for organizing digital materials, such as using folders on your computer
– Review and organize your notes regularly to ensure you understand the material
By implementing effective note-taking and organization strategies, you can improve your study habits and set yourself up for success in your courses.
VI. Technique 5: Utilizing technology and resources
In today’s digital age, there are numerous technological tools and resources available to students that can enhance their studying experience. From online study guides to educational apps, utilizing technology can help students study smarter, not harder.
Online Study Guides:
There are many websites and platforms that offer comprehensive study guides for various subjects. These guides often include practice questions, summaries of key concepts, and additional resources for further learning. Students can use these online study guides to supplement their class materials and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Educational Apps:
There are a wide variety of educational apps available for smartphones and tablets that can aid in studying. These apps can help students with organization, time management, note-taking, and even provide interactive learning experiences. Whether it’s flashcard apps for memorization or productivity apps for scheduling study sessions, utilizing educational apps can be a valuable addition to a student’s study routine.
Online Resources:
The internet is a treasure trove of resources for students, including academic journals, research papers, and educational websites. Accessing online resources can provide students with additional information and perspectives on their course material. Online forums and discussion boards can also be valuable for connecting with other students and seeking help or clarification on challenging topics.
By taking advantage of these technological tools and resources, students can enhance their study sessions and make the most of their learning experience. It’s important to use technology in a mindful and purposeful manner, ensuring that it supports and complements effective study strategies.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, implementing active and effective study strategies is essential for success in college. Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not enough to actively engage with the material. Active studying techniques, such as creating study guides, formulating questions and problems, and becoming a teacher by explaining the material in your own words, are crucial for retaining information and improving memory.
It is important to organize and plan your study sessions by topic, and to spread out your studying over several short periods of time over several days and weeks. This distributed practice, along with intensive study sessions, will help you to retain information more effectively and prevent procrastination.
Eliminating distractions and finding the best study environment for you is also important for maintaining focus during study sessions. Additionally, explaining the material in your own words and creating quizzes for yourself are highly effective study techniques that will help you to think like your professor and retain the information.
By taking control of your schedule and implementing these active study strategies, you will be able to efficiently and effectively learn course material, ultimately leading to better performance in class and on exams.
In conclusion, studying smarter, not harder, involves utilizing effective techniques such as active learning, time management, and proper goal-setting. By implementing these strategies, students can maximize their productivity and achieve better results in their academic pursuits.