Studying is an important skill, and just like any other skill, it needs to be taught and practiced. With more students learning remotely or getting back into classrooms after time away, study skills are more important than ever. Find out how to study smarter and master whatever material you are learning.
1. Carve Out Space
The act of studying is essential, but where you study matters. Whether you are prepping for a big test or seeking out essay help, it is crucial to find a comfortable space that fits your needs. These requirements can mean very different things to different people. For instance, some individuals need a quiet area with no distractions while others are not fazed if a TV is on or music is playing. Understand what you need in your ideal study space and make sure you have the right environment.
Also, make sure you have the right tools. If you need highlighters or flashcards, then round up those materials so you will be prepared to study.
2. Make Time
Cram sessions are typically not practical and are often overwhelming. It is generally better to schedule a consistent time to study. Spending time with the material and taking breaks between study sessions increases the odds of learning and understanding the information. Research has shown that students who study for shorter periods over several days learn better than students who spend the same amount of time studying but condensed that time into one day. Scheduling time to study a little bit every day can be more effective than a last-minute extended cram session.
3. Quiz Time
Engaging with the material and concepts makes it much easier to internalize the knowledge. A great way to learn is through testing yourself. Get a study partner and take turns asking each other questions, or quiz yourself on the material. Flashcards are a great study tool that makes it easy to test yourself on the material. The act of mentally retrieving information helps that data stick.
4. Mix Things Up
Switch to different topics when you quiz yourself. Staying on one single concept is not effective because your brain will know what is coming. Jumping around to various topics improves recall and helps you learn instead of just memorizing information. Most tests mix things up too, so studying concepts in a constantly changing random order will better prepare you when it is time to sit for an exam.
5. Make a Note of Mistakes
Testing yourself on the material is helpful, but use the results to improve your study sessions. A mistake is an indication that you do not understand a topic or concept, and you need to spend more time working with that information. Make a list of missed questions and go back and review that material. This process enables you to make the best use of your study time. Missing a question is disappointing, but remember not to get down on yourself and to learn from the experience.
6. Read Visual Aids
Take time to read charts and graphs and other visuals. Many people are drawn to visual media and learn better by reviewing visual aids, which makes sense given the popularity of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Reading paragraph after paragraph can cause mental fatigue, and introducing visual media can better explain or reinforce different concepts.
7. Ask Questions
It is not always easy to retain information when taken at face value, but it is easier to learn when you understand a process or event from start to finish. Understanding promotes better memory, so taking the time to ask who, what, where, when, and why as applicable to the material is beneficial.
After reading a textbook, ask why things are a certain way or how things came to be and so on, and seek out those answers. Digging deeper into the material helps create a network of information that is easier to understand and expand upon for future study sessions. Many people find it easy to learn when they understand the reason behind someone’s actions or why an equation must be balanced in a specific way.
8. Take Care of Yourself
Regular studying and good habits are crucial to learning, but it is also essential to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and make time for friends, family, and other interests. A well-rounded approach will keep stress down and enable you to better use your time and, in turn, better understand the material.
Start Studying
Schoolwork can be challenging, and learning is not always an easy process, but taking the time to establish good study habits can make the experience more effective. Remember to give yourself plenty of time and evaluate what tips work for you and which do not work, so you can adjust your study habits to best fit your unique needs.