While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to studying effectively, you can use methods to improve your recall and long-term memory.
Here are our top tips to help you study effectively.
- Get organized
Taking the time to get organized will set you up well and help you achieve your learning goals.
2. Top study tips:
• Invest in a diary and use it to keep track of current assignment deadlines.
• Bring all the materials and devices you need to class to participate. You may find it helpful to pack your bag the night before so you’re ready to go first thing in the morning.
2. Don’t skip class
Skipping classes can be detrimental to your learning and achieving your study goals. It leaves gaping holes in your notes – and in your subject knowledge.
3 Take notes
Notes can help store information in your long-term memory right there in class. These notes will be necessary for reviewing when completing assessments and assignments.
You might find it handy to condense your notes after class so they’re easy to read. Underline or highlight key points. If anything doesn’t make sense, you can seek clarification from your teacher. You can also create visual aids like flowcharts and mind maps to help simplify information.
4. Ask questions
Teachers can further clarify any topics they find confusing. You may even be able to get a little direction on assignments before submitting them.
Your teacher will undoubtedly be impressed with your initiative and happy to help.
5. Space out your studying
If you break up your study load over several days, you’ll retain information far more readily than if you crammed in one long session.
Spacing out your studies can help deeply ingrained information, allowing you to retain it long-term.
6.Create a study plan
A study plan will:
• Motivate you to study, as you’ll have time dedicated to learning
• Keep you organized around work hobbies. and
other commitments, as you can plan,
• Break your study load into manageable blocks,
• Give you time to complete your assignments, ensuring they’re not rushed or last-minute.
O Study. don’t just read
Instead of reading, try: Creating concept maps and diagrams • Explaining concepts to yourself step by step
Formulating questions and problems that you can come back to and solve, effectively creating a quiz for yourself
Becoming a teacher or tutor to your study group or partner and learning the course material by explaining concepts to them.
So
: Setup a quiet study space
Having a designated study area that is free from distraction and will allow you to study effectively is essential.
Choose a study space that is quiet, well-lit, and in a low-traffic area. Don’t study at a dining table when you’re constantly distracted by housemates or family members moving in and out of the kitchen.
O Test yourself
Getting someone to quiz you – or quizzing yourself – is excellent retrieval practice. This teaming technique helps you commit information to your long-term memory and quickly retrieve it when needed.
Recalling an answer to a question improves learning, as does writing down that answer -you’re committing it to memory.
Top study tips:
• You might find it helpful to create flashcards each time you learn a new topic. Flash cards can have questions or a prompt that triggers the recall of relevant information.
• Ask a parent, friend, housemate, or study buddy to quiz you using your flash cards. Creating them alone will help you retain information and is an effective study technique.
Find a study buddy or join a study group
Your study buddy/group can: • Keep you motivated • Help you stay accountable • Quiz and test you on course material • Read over your work to offer advice • Share resources, such as textbooks. lowering expenses.
Reference: Victor ia University