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What study techniques should I use to effectively study material but also not burn out so quickly Mainly for STEM classes but for all classes as well.?
I usually study and feel like I am repeatedly studying things I know or I just don't feel like my study techniques are effective, and that I could be learning more than I actually am. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
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Alex’s Answer
Hi Shanya,
Study skills are tough to develop, especially in really intensive fields like engineering. There are a few basic techniques that will help make your time more effective, but you'll need to try them out to see how they work (or don't!) for you.
1) Spaced repetition. If you are trying to memorize vocabulary, formulas, etc., don't try to learn it all at once. You'll need to revisit a few times over the course of a couple of weeks, and then periodically refresh every month or so. There are some great flashcard apps to help with this, like Anki.
2) Structure regular breaks! Your brain is the most energy-demanding part of your body. Make sure to not exhaust yourself by limiting how much time you spend studying every day, and building in time to pause. The Pomodoro technique sets up 25 minutes of focused time and 5 minutes of break time. Use that time to get away from screens, stretch, have a quick chat. I find that those 5 minutes feel like a lifetime, and I'm ready to go and work for another hour or so after. You can also find great apps for this, too.
3) Study with a partner. It's great if you find someone who is studying similar things but has slightly different strengths so you can explain ideas to each other. Not only is it very helpful to get a different view on how a concept might work, but it's an even better study technique to teach someone else something that you understand well.
4) Mix it up! Don't just read. Find different ways to process the information that you are learning. Link it to real-life contexts as much as possible. If you like to draw, make comics. If you play sports, see if you can find how the physics shows up in your actions, or find connections that might make you laugh. Don't let it get monotonous.
5) Make your study space. Find a place that is comfortable and free from distractions. Put your devices on do not disturb (or even better, in another room), and make your study space as protected as you can. Rituals really help get you into the right mindset, so make your favorite drink, maybe put on your study sweater, and try to enjoy it.
Good luck!
Study skills are tough to develop, especially in really intensive fields like engineering. There are a few basic techniques that will help make your time more effective, but you'll need to try them out to see how they work (or don't!) for you.
1) Spaced repetition. If you are trying to memorize vocabulary, formulas, etc., don't try to learn it all at once. You'll need to revisit a few times over the course of a couple of weeks, and then periodically refresh every month or so. There are some great flashcard apps to help with this, like Anki.
2) Structure regular breaks! Your brain is the most energy-demanding part of your body. Make sure to not exhaust yourself by limiting how much time you spend studying every day, and building in time to pause. The Pomodoro technique sets up 25 minutes of focused time and 5 minutes of break time. Use that time to get away from screens, stretch, have a quick chat. I find that those 5 minutes feel like a lifetime, and I'm ready to go and work for another hour or so after. You can also find great apps for this, too.
3) Study with a partner. It's great if you find someone who is studying similar things but has slightly different strengths so you can explain ideas to each other. Not only is it very helpful to get a different view on how a concept might work, but it's an even better study technique to teach someone else something that you understand well.
4) Mix it up! Don't just read. Find different ways to process the information that you are learning. Link it to real-life contexts as much as possible. If you like to draw, make comics. If you play sports, see if you can find how the physics shows up in your actions, or find connections that might make you laugh. Don't let it get monotonous.
5) Make your study space. Find a place that is comfortable and free from distractions. Put your devices on do not disturb (or even better, in another room), and make your study space as protected as you can. Rituals really help get you into the right mindset, so make your favorite drink, maybe put on your study sweater, and try to enjoy it.
Good luck!
Updated
Asha’s Answer
Hi Shayna,
Studying the same material repeatedly can be challenging. Here are some tips that helped me:
1. Listening to lectures is crucial. They help you understand the basics, so always pay attention.
2. I find writing down key points helps me remember better. Try jotting down important notes as you study.
3. Practice what you learn. Work on different types and levels of problems to reinforce your understanding. I often revisit concepts, especially in data structures, and find that practicing multiple times helps solidify my knowledge.
4. Study with friends. Teaching each other and sharing ideas can be very beneficial.
5. Try to avoid cramming at the last minute.
Good luck!
Studying the same material repeatedly can be challenging. Here are some tips that helped me:
1. Listening to lectures is crucial. They help you understand the basics, so always pay attention.
2. I find writing down key points helps me remember better. Try jotting down important notes as you study.
3. Practice what you learn. Work on different types and levels of problems to reinforce your understanding. I often revisit concepts, especially in data structures, and find that practicing multiple times helps solidify my knowledge.
4. Study with friends. Teaching each other and sharing ideas can be very beneficial.
5. Try to avoid cramming at the last minute.
Good luck!