3 answers
PV
Student
Pickerington, Ohio
8
Questions
Updated
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What was your studying technique?
Hey there! I'm quite curious on how you built your study plans and your weakness of studying. Would you like to share any tips for studying? I'm not sure why but what helps me study for hours is drinking a lot of water and I feel so much better and calmed down.
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3 answers
Asia Howard
L5 Area Manager
20
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Asia’s Answer
Hey! I love that you found something that works for you. Water is honestly underrated. Even being a little dehydrated can make it harder to focus and make you feel tired, so you're onto something real! 💧
Here's what helped me build my study plans:
📅 How I plan
Work backward from the test date. I list everything I need to know, then split it across the days I have left so I'm not cramming the night before.
Do short, focused blocks. I use the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of studying, then a 5-minute break. After 4 rounds, I take a longer break.
Do the hardest subject first, while my brain is fresh.
🧠 Techniques that actually work
Test yourself instead of rereading. Flashcards, practice problems or covering your notes and explaining from memory work much better than just reading over and over.
Spaced repetition. Review material a day later, then a few days later, then a week later. Apps like Anki or Quizlet make this easy.
Teach it. If I can explain a topic to a friend (or even my pet 😅), I know I understand it.
⚠️ My weakness My biggest weakness was my phone. I'd "just check one thing" and lose 30 minutes. What fixed it was putting my phone in another room or using a focus app while studying. I also used to study for hours without breaks and burn out, so scheduling breaks actually made me get more done.
✨ Other small things that help
Sleep! Your brain stores what you learned while you sleep, so pulling all-nighters usually backfires.
A snack, a clean desk and some quiet music without lyrics.
Keep up the water habit, and take quick stretch or walk breaks too.
Good luck! You've already figured out that small habits make a big difference. 📚
Here's what helped me build my study plans:
📅 How I plan
Work backward from the test date. I list everything I need to know, then split it across the days I have left so I'm not cramming the night before.
Do short, focused blocks. I use the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of studying, then a 5-minute break. After 4 rounds, I take a longer break.
Do the hardest subject first, while my brain is fresh.
🧠 Techniques that actually work
Test yourself instead of rereading. Flashcards, practice problems or covering your notes and explaining from memory work much better than just reading over and over.
Spaced repetition. Review material a day later, then a few days later, then a week later. Apps like Anki or Quizlet make this easy.
Teach it. If I can explain a topic to a friend (or even my pet 😅), I know I understand it.
⚠️ My weakness My biggest weakness was my phone. I'd "just check one thing" and lose 30 minutes. What fixed it was putting my phone in another room or using a focus app while studying. I also used to study for hours without breaks and burn out, so scheduling breaks actually made me get more done.
✨ Other small things that help
Sleep! Your brain stores what you learned while you sleep, so pulling all-nighters usually backfires.
A snack, a clean desk and some quiet music without lyrics.
Keep up the water habit, and take quick stretch or walk breaks too.
Good luck! You've already figured out that small habits make a big difference. 📚
Pamela A Fuller
Retired
1
Answer
Gastonia, North Carolina
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Go in your bedroom close the door take 30 minutes reading your assignments highlight important topics. Keep your mind clear and focus on what you need to be.
You can also use flashcards as well
Pamela recommends the following next steps:
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1876
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Asia gave some excellent advice!
It is recommended that you try to actually learn as you go, rather than trying to learn it for the test. Read the material before the lecture. Take handwritten notes. Yes, I'm old school, but, having gone back to college as an older student, I found that having to actually write something, as opposed to either typing notes or highlighting material during lecture, did more to "cement" that information in my brain. After class, review your notes, and reconcile them with your understanding of the material. If there are any inconsistencies, or points you don't understand, bring them to the class discussion forum, if there is one, or ask the professor (e-mail, office hours, etc).
Secondly, in college, use caution as to the hours you schedule your classes. If your brain isn't fully functional until 10 a.m., don't schedule early classes! Also, as you've already discovered with water, taking care of your body is important. This includes sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Small group study can help, if you have a serious group that isn't goofing off. Discussing material helps it all make sense.
YouTube! I found, when I was having difficulty grasping a particular concept, there was always someone on YouTube who could bring it to life in a way the textbook and professor had not done.
We are each different in how we study and retain information. I once heard a song about the parts of the cell! I've had friends who drew comic strips. In the end, you have to find your unique style, and do what works for you. Otherwise, you can spend hours reading and re-reading, and still not retain much.
Hope this helps!
It is recommended that you try to actually learn as you go, rather than trying to learn it for the test. Read the material before the lecture. Take handwritten notes. Yes, I'm old school, but, having gone back to college as an older student, I found that having to actually write something, as opposed to either typing notes or highlighting material during lecture, did more to "cement" that information in my brain. After class, review your notes, and reconcile them with your understanding of the material. If there are any inconsistencies, or points you don't understand, bring them to the class discussion forum, if there is one, or ask the professor (e-mail, office hours, etc).
Secondly, in college, use caution as to the hours you schedule your classes. If your brain isn't fully functional until 10 a.m., don't schedule early classes! Also, as you've already discovered with water, taking care of your body is important. This includes sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Small group study can help, if you have a serious group that isn't goofing off. Discussing material helps it all make sense.
YouTube! I found, when I was having difficulty grasping a particular concept, there was always someone on YouTube who could bring it to life in a way the textbook and professor had not done.
We are each different in how we study and retain information. I once heard a song about the parts of the cell! I've had friends who drew comic strips. In the end, you have to find your unique style, and do what works for you. Otherwise, you can spend hours reading and re-reading, and still not retain much.
Hope this helps!