33 answers
Donovan
Student
Lakeland, Florida
2
Questions
Updated
3368 views
What is the best study habit to have for any class?
The reason why because I don't have a consistent study habit.#study-tips #studying #academic-advising #time-management #study-skills
33 answers
Imelda Rivas
Tutor
1
Answer
Long Beach, California
Updated
Imelda’s Answer
Hello,
First of all- I want to congratulate you on reaching out for help, not everybody does. You have gotten lots of good advice so I will keep it easy for you to remember. Just remember C.U.B.S!as you read.
C- circle important information and concepts.
U- underline information or terms that you need clarification for
B- box important conclusions
S- write your reaction to each section on sticky notes (which can help you later to write summaries, organize essays, or answer prompts)
!- or highlight problems or issues
Make sure you write the page number on the sticky notes just in case they " unstick" from the page. You can use this method to any subject. I hope this helps and good luck to you.
First of all- I want to congratulate you on reaching out for help, not everybody does. You have gotten lots of good advice so I will keep it easy for you to remember. Just remember C.U.B.S!as you read.
C- circle important information and concepts.
U- underline information or terms that you need clarification for
B- box important conclusions
S- write your reaction to each section on sticky notes (which can help you later to write summaries, organize essays, or answer prompts)
!- or highlight problems or issues
Make sure you write the page number on the sticky notes just in case they " unstick" from the page. You can use this method to any subject. I hope this helps and good luck to you.
I love this advice. Short, sweet and easy to remember.
Cindy Dickerson, Ph.D., PMP
Lilith Amendolia
Writing Tutor
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Lilith’s Answer
I'm currently a college sophomore and still struggle with this myself. But, when I find myself in a slump I try to keep my motivation high by reminding myself what I'm working towards - no matter how small the assignment or project. What also helps is to find a personal interest in what you're working on. Do you feel like you want to know more? Are you excited by the results of your work? If you have something you want to work towards it makes it easier to get through the mundane tasks you may have to do in order to get there.
On a day to day basis setting alarms for yourself and making a calendar has SAVED my grades countless times. If I have something due in a week or so I'll set reminders on my phone as the due date approaches, helping a lot with my time management. Study habits can vary from person to person (i.e. I can't get anything done if I'm not working alone) but hopefully some of this advice can help!
Lilith recommends the following next steps:
Amy Alvarez
Director, Talent Acquisition
3
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
In order to improve your study habits I would suggest reviewing notes and dates for assignments and upcoming quizzes, tests and presentations after every class. This way you can plan ahead.
Every day, I would review the material that was presented in class to make sure you have an understanding. If you don't understanding something, seek out assistance from the instructor, another student, tutor, etc.
It is great idea to organize study groups with fellow students. You might be able to add something that another student doesn't know and vice versa.
I think the best advice is to stay on top of your work, understanding of the concepts, upcoming tests, deadlines, etc. Make a conscious effort to be prepared and learn as you go. Good luck!
Amy recommends the following next steps:
Karen Keller
Artist, Designer, and Educator
1
Answer
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I would suggest first finding out what kind of learner you are.
There are plenty of quizzes like this one: https://arden.ac.uk/what-type-learner-are-you
but you can also just notice what helps you pay attention? what things are you interested in? what is easiest to remember? For instance, I know I am an audio-visual learner, so reading a textbook was really hard for me. I instead had audiobooks on while I played minecraft, thus implementing the Method of Loci:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_loci#:~:text=The%20method%20of%20loci%20(loci,palace%2C%20or%20mind%20palace%20technique.
This allowed me to remember information, and by going through the places I was in my minecraft world, I was reminded of what the textbook was saying while I was there.
There are plenty of quizzes like this one: https://arden.ac.uk/what-type-learner-are-you
but you can also just notice what helps you pay attention? what things are you interested in? what is easiest to remember? For instance, I know I am an audio-visual learner, so reading a textbook was really hard for me. I instead had audiobooks on while I played minecraft, thus implementing the Method of Loci:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_loci#:~:text=The%20method%20of%20loci%20(loci,palace%2C%20or%20mind%20palace%20technique.
This allowed me to remember information, and by going through the places I was in my minecraft world, I was reminded of what the textbook was saying while I was there.
Kalin Black
Recent UNC-Chapel Hill College Graduate
2
Answers
Derwood, Maryland
Updated
Kalin’s Answer
Hi Donovan! Even though each person studies better with certain techniques, I have personally found that repetition is key. When I was in college, if I knew I had an exam in the next week, I would study each and every day for the exam for around 2-3 hours per day. It may seem like a lot at first, but once you get in the routine of it, it becomes quite easy! Also re-wording your notes in class/paraphrasing what the teacher says is a good way to understand the material in a more clear sense.
Another great tool to utilize is Quizlet to make notecards/do review games. I also liked making study groups where me and friends would go and work on similar assignments or study guides together. Having friends explain things to you or even you teaching them helps to reinforce the knowledge you already have.
Another great tool to utilize is Quizlet to make notecards/do review games. I also liked making study groups where me and friends would go and work on similar assignments or study guides together. Having friends explain things to you or even you teaching them helps to reinforce the knowledge you already have.
Tina Yarbrough
Insurance
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Tina’s Answer
One of the best ways that I study is that I always pay attention to whatever the teacher is saying and then I write down the most important parts of what he is saying. Then when I get home I go over my notes and I And then I decide what it is I need to study harder.
Sophia Possidon
Account Executive | Account Management | Sales Optimization | Relationship Management
3
Answers
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
Study will be a product of your time commitment, effort, and goal (grade).
I am a "precrastinator" (opposite of procrastinator). I like to look ahead, get assignments and reading done in advance (not too advance though, I have to manage retention). That way I feel less stress and a sense of control. I also have a positive attitude and try to connect with other students who are similar. If I am challenged by a subject, I face it head on. Corporate Finance was not my strongest business discipline. However, I knew that I had to master the material to get through the course. There was no way around it. I spent a lot of time studying problems and theories over and over. I created my own study spreadsheet and formulas. Time management: I made the extra time to study. I was committed. You are worth all of this effort. Don't spend too much time worrying, spend more time reading or writing. Dive in.
Sophia recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Patterson
student
3
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
A general rule I have about a content review is going through it 3 times across several days. It's tedious but I retain information really well with this method.
I think plan study times 8 to 5 days before something big like an exam or project. I do as much studying while focusing 100% [between 40-1.5 hours] then I'll take a mental break or treat myself for 15-30 minutes.
As for actually studying, your methods may change depending on subjects. A general rule is to have the ability to explain the topics to another person. I talk aloud when I study and it helps with my learning.
like others said I like guidlines/summary sheets of information to make content concise.
I think plan study times 8 to 5 days before something big like an exam or project. I do as much studying while focusing 100% [between 40-1.5 hours] then I'll take a mental break or treat myself for 15-30 minutes.
As for actually studying, your methods may change depending on subjects. A general rule is to have the ability to explain the topics to another person. I talk aloud when I study and it helps with my learning.
like others said I like guidlines/summary sheets of information to make content concise.
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Donavan, there are certainly different ways students can study but below I feel are a couple of foundational habits to make you a successful student and make studying more manageable.
-Be sure to go to class and interact with the material. When you go to class you allow yourself to commit and be responsible over your schoolwork. Sometimes missing class can make you not prioritize the assignments and you can fall behind. So try to attend every lecture!
-When attending lectures make sure to either record them or take good notes. I didn't record my lectures but my good friend did in Biochem and she would listen to them before exams. I liked taking notes though and highlighting which helped me a lot. However, sometimes my friend would tell me an important thing that our professor said from the lecture in her recordings and that would help me on exam day. So, it can go either way or both!
-Read! Basically for most if not all classes you will purchase some reading material, whether it's a textbook or pdf file so it's important to read whatever material you have. Lectures and exams are based off of readings for the most part and sometimes the textbook can help when a professor's explanations or lectures can seem confusing. I use to read before going to class and would take my own notes, then in class I would compare my notes with the lecture and make additions to them if needed.
-Set up a study group if you can! In Biochemistry a few of my friends would meet up and study together, we would go over notes, quiz each other and even offer different perspectives based on lectures. Sometimes one friend can understand a topic better and clarify it for exams.
-Make sure you have time to study, the main thing about forming good study habits is giving time to them. So it's important to give yourself time every day to study for class whether you read, take notes, listen to the lectures, or solve problems. Whatever it is, you need to commit a good number of hours per week to each class.
-Tutoring. There are tutoring services free of charge for students based on a number of subjects so be sure to use them. Also professors sometimes offer study hours before exam days where students meet up and go over topics and ask questions, if there is one be sure to attend.
-Office hours are also important because if you are confused by a topic or have a question you can see your professor and get extra help you didn't during class. Most professors love seeing their students during office hours because it shows that you care and are committed to the class. Also in the future you may need a reference/recommendation letter from one of the professors and office hours help the professor get to know you better and build a better relationship so they can vouch for your work ethics.
*** as a note if you can't make office hours because of time conflicting with work or another class professors can also set up different time appointments. You can always ask a professor if you can't make it to the original office hours.
-Make sure to have a planner! Every semester I always carried a planner with me because you want to write down what's due and what you need to do in order to complete everything in time. Also use the planner to space out your tasks and studying because you don't want to try to do everything at once. For example if you have a research paper you need to write there are certain things you need to complete before. So one day you can write to check out articles, get your topic approved and then draft a copy before submitting the original thing. The point is a planner helps keep you organized and in check because sometimes there will be a lot to handle at once. Don't worry though if you plan ahead and stay committed you will do fine!
***In addition to a planner make sure to keep the syllabus close by, because it outlines what topics are covered and important dates for exams and projects that make up a huge portion of your grade!
Best of luck!!
-Be sure to go to class and interact with the material. When you go to class you allow yourself to commit and be responsible over your schoolwork. Sometimes missing class can make you not prioritize the assignments and you can fall behind. So try to attend every lecture!
-When attending lectures make sure to either record them or take good notes. I didn't record my lectures but my good friend did in Biochem and she would listen to them before exams. I liked taking notes though and highlighting which helped me a lot. However, sometimes my friend would tell me an important thing that our professor said from the lecture in her recordings and that would help me on exam day. So, it can go either way or both!
-Read! Basically for most if not all classes you will purchase some reading material, whether it's a textbook or pdf file so it's important to read whatever material you have. Lectures and exams are based off of readings for the most part and sometimes the textbook can help when a professor's explanations or lectures can seem confusing. I use to read before going to class and would take my own notes, then in class I would compare my notes with the lecture and make additions to them if needed.
-Set up a study group if you can! In Biochemistry a few of my friends would meet up and study together, we would go over notes, quiz each other and even offer different perspectives based on lectures. Sometimes one friend can understand a topic better and clarify it for exams.
-Make sure you have time to study, the main thing about forming good study habits is giving time to them. So it's important to give yourself time every day to study for class whether you read, take notes, listen to the lectures, or solve problems. Whatever it is, you need to commit a good number of hours per week to each class.
-Tutoring. There are tutoring services free of charge for students based on a number of subjects so be sure to use them. Also professors sometimes offer study hours before exam days where students meet up and go over topics and ask questions, if there is one be sure to attend.
-Office hours are also important because if you are confused by a topic or have a question you can see your professor and get extra help you didn't during class. Most professors love seeing their students during office hours because it shows that you care and are committed to the class. Also in the future you may need a reference/recommendation letter from one of the professors and office hours help the professor get to know you better and build a better relationship so they can vouch for your work ethics.
*** as a note if you can't make office hours because of time conflicting with work or another class professors can also set up different time appointments. You can always ask a professor if you can't make it to the original office hours.
-Make sure to have a planner! Every semester I always carried a planner with me because you want to write down what's due and what you need to do in order to complete everything in time. Also use the planner to space out your tasks and studying because you don't want to try to do everything at once. For example if you have a research paper you need to write there are certain things you need to complete before. So one day you can write to check out articles, get your topic approved and then draft a copy before submitting the original thing. The point is a planner helps keep you organized and in check because sometimes there will be a lot to handle at once. Don't worry though if you plan ahead and stay committed you will do fine!
***In addition to a planner make sure to keep the syllabus close by, because it outlines what topics are covered and important dates for exams and projects that make up a huge portion of your grade!
Best of luck!!
Terhan Tinker
Sales Leader
7
Answers
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Terhan’s Answer
The three best study habits i can think of are: 1. Building a relationship with the professor. 2. Spend a few hours daily reviewing notes and preparing for you next lesson. 3. Challenge yourself to go outside of your comfort zone.
Theodore Caulton
22
Answers
Updated
Theodore’s Answer
Goal Setting, being able to set one thing as your goal for a study session and getting through it will make you far more efficient at studying rather than just sitting down and working away at something. Along with this, planning what you need to know can make studying more systematic and split it into smaller chunks rather than seeing an upcoming test as intimidating. Hope this helps!
Halimat Farayola
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Halimat’s Answer
Start your homework the moment you get it. Do it bit by bit, and when you get bored pick a different type of homework to use a different part of your brain. Make use of help, like TAs office hours
Ivana Peart
Mathematics and English Tutor
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ivana’s Answer
One of the best tips I give to people is to try and be prepared for the upcoming lecture. Take a look at the notes before you come to class so you are familiar with the terminology. During the class always have a pencil in hand and paper in front of you. Make sure you are actively taking notes. Do not be afraid to ask questions even if you feel they are stupid because the truth is so many people may have the same question. And the answer to that one question could help you understand the whole concept. Cut out time later in the week to review your notes preferably with the textbook in hand so you can add any extra information that your instructor may have left out. Once you have written down those notes from the class, reading the chapter will seem way easier. I hope this helps!
Ivana recommends the following next steps:
Abigail Banas
Research Assistant/Graduate Student
4
Answers
Lombard, Illinois
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
I highly recommend “talk” studying. Whether you are talking to yourself, to pets, or actually teaching someone else, this is a way to not only be sure you know the information but really practice focusing and putting thoughts together about it. Everyone always says the best way to learn or know information is to teach it to someone else - and this is really true! I recommend having notes on hand, glancing at the page and then talking out the topic completely to yourself. Definitely take the time beforehand and afterward to read through the notes, however, and make sure you didn’t miss any details. Then, repeat the process! You will learn the information faster and really commit the information to memory much better than more passively studying by just reading through notes. I did this throughout my time in high school, undergrad, and grad school and it served me well. Good luck!
alexis wimberly
ups
1
Answer
Updated
alexis’s Answer
Write down any important notes and put that into your own study guide or make a powerpoint & look over it until you remember everything.
Porsha Mills
2
Answers
Updated
Porsha’s Answer
For me school did not come easy. So each day after school I would rewrite my class notes and study it while it is still fresh. I also put most of the information i used for test I wold put the question on note cards so i could quiz myself whenever I had free time.
Jerry Merritt
tech expert
2
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
study with certain songs to certain sections. the music brings to mind what the information was. so during a test and need to remember a section. remember the song and play it in your head. that information will be easier to remember.
Komal Gahlawat
Student
1
Answer
Sonipat, Haryana, India
Updated
Komal’s Answer
First and foremost you need to know that why are you doing this? Why are you studying? When you get that reason then that will only push you . Once you find it out write it on a chart paper and paste it at place where you can easily see it every now and then. This will remind you and motivate you to study. Trust me this really works. So just try it out and if it works then lemme know☺️
Brian Proficient Writer
Academic writer, Tutor, freelancer, researcher, Nutritionist
2
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Brian’s Answer
The best studying method is to always focus and take notes as you proceed with reading. Ask questions frequently. Do not proceed with anything without understanding well what you are studying. Learn the art of reading more books and researching. It is essential to have the desire to acquire more knowledge while studying.
Read more books
Ask questions where necessary
Research more on several topics.
Brian recommends the following next steps:
Martha Acevedo
Academic Advisor
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Be encouraged. Reliable Sources
Abby Lupi
CareerVillage.org TeamData Analyst at CareerVillage.org
54
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Abby’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Donovan! I think part of your question was answered here: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/24160/what-is-the-best-way-to-develop-good-study-habits
Erik Lai
Indirect Account Manager
16
Answers
East Meadow, New York
Updated
Erik’s Answer
I would review your notes before you go to bed every night. If something seems important and you think it will be on a test or you need to know it, I would put more energy around it. Putting the important details on index cards so you can quickly review it at a later time is invaluable.
TERENCE OLDANI MSc Eng
University lecturer
3
Answers
Berlin, Germany
Updated
TERENCE’s Answer
Interact! Ask questions! Communicate!
ranjan paudel
Trainer
1
Answer
Central Development Region, Central Development Region
Updated
ranjan’s Answer
class and student friendly environment
Kristy Polly
Tech Expert
1
Answer
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Kristy’s Answer
One of my best study habits is forming a test out of the material you need to know. If you can form your own test to give to someone you would have to know the answers. This will require research and knowledge that will stick in the memory. Worked for me!
Alycia E.
Aspiring Physician Assistant, current hospital intern and volunteer
30
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Alycia’s Answer
In general, it is always a good rule of thumb to take organized, hand-written notes. It has been proven that writing down what ever you're learning will help with remembering that topic. Additionally, organized notes will be a life-saver whenever you need to go back and look at certain topics to study for a test. I suggest using the Cornell-style form of note-taking, or to just color-code your notes.
If the class you are studying for is based on memorizing topics or remembering formulas, I highly recommend making flashcards right after class. This will help with active recall, which is the most effective studying method you could use.
Don't be afraid to ask for help and visit local tutoring centers!
Make a study group with people in your class.
Hang in there! If you really want to pass this class, put the work in and do it!
If the class you are studying for is based on memorizing topics or remembering formulas, I highly recommend making flashcards right after class. This will help with active recall, which is the most effective studying method you could use.
Alycia recommends the following next steps:
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
It's honestly much better to study in small ten to fifteen minutes sessions multiple times per week as opposed to cram studying. It's way less stressful and the information sticks better. You know how TV advertisements are trying to repeat the same message to you in small chunks multiple times per week? It's the same thing. Our brains retain information way better when its repeated often in small chunks. When you have multiple hour study sessions, the odds are that you're going to be zoning off once the first thirty to forty minutes have passed.
Jamie Simmons
Sr. Analyst Sales Operations - Indirect Channel
31
Answers
Plain City, Ohio
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Flash Cards have always been helpful. Take your notes and transfer them to flash cards and quiz yourself.. then have someone else quiz you. writing them out will help you remember and then reading them will help.. and lastly an audio connection when you read someone else the answers. It helps with visual, audio and kinesthetic learning styles.
Anna Traykova
Education, Advising and Consulting Professional
26
Answers
Updated
Anna’s Answer
While there is no one unique study habit that is more important or effective than others, I would suggest that you preview class material. Based on your syllabus, you will know what your next class will be about. If your course has any reading assigned/related to the topic of that lecture, reading/viewing that material before you attend the lecture will be time well spent. It will help you understand the material better, ask more informed questions in class, be able to focus on things you don't understand well and, ultimately, help you remember the material.
Generally working consciously to improve your study skills and habits is a commendable endeavor. I'd recommend the Learning How to Learn course offered by Coursera.org. You can learn more about this course from this New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/education/edlife/learning-how-to-learn-barbara-oakley.html
Anna recommends the following next steps:
Ruth Jackson
retired high school Spanish teacher/Academic competition team coach
1
Answer
Rossville, Georgia
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
You need to get organized in a way that suits your unique style of learning. There is no one-size-fits-all method that works for every student, or every student I taught in my 30 years would speak fluent Spanish and would have made a grade of 100 on every single assignment and test! You need to have a place to record the information you need to know, whether it is an electronic format or a physical notebook. Personally, I find the physical act of writing it down makes me remember it better because other parts of my body were involved besides just my eyes. Also, don't use just a black pen or a gray pencil. Our brains process colors better than just black and white, but black ink is cheaper so our books are printed in primarily black ink. Write or type your information in colors, using different colors to organize different types of information to help your brain encode them as they relate to one another. I taught verb conjugation using this method and had great success with it. Then, as several others have suggested, review it at least three times, but I suggest that you read it aloud to add an additional what we called modality to the process. That way you have the reading, the writing and the hearing of it as well as your speaking it out loud. Doing all four of those things will help get it into your brain better and into your long-term memory rather than just cramming it last-minute into the short-term memory and hoping it sticks long enough and accurately enough to pass the test.
Knowing your vocabulary for any subject is key. If you don't know the basic terminology that the teacher is using, you are doomed to fail. If there is a word you don't know, write it down to the best of your ability and look it up later. Google has improved to the point that it will actually quite often come up with the correct word if you get close enough with your mistaken form. Also, ask questions in class if you don't know! If you can't understand a word, ask the teacher to write it out for you so you can copy it to look up later, at the very least. I know this isn't an option f you are working from a pre-recorded video in a digital learning situation, but you can send a message to the teacher asking something like, " What was the word that meant the thing that the line of the graph never touches?" or something like that, and s/he should send back "asymptote" so that you could write it down and learn it. Be actively involved in your learning process and it will help !
These are my best suggestions. I hope they will help you. They are the type of things I told my daughters when they needed help.
Depending on which subject you are studying, use the same color scheme to make notes about similar items during the next lesson and the next to show how they build on each other, adding in a new color when something that is absolutely new comes into play.
Use this color-coding method for vocabulary that relates to any subject, linking specific jargon to specific topics. Go ham with your choice of note-taking medium, choosing from the cool new 120 color crayon box to one of those super huge boxes of colored pencils to one of those really big packages of gel pens with lots of different colors. (I wouldn't advise using Sharpies as they bleed through paper. ) If you go the electronic route, you can choose from different font colors and styles and play with that, though that gets a bit tedious after a while and can distract from what you are trying to learn, I find. But Google docs and MSWord both have unlimited font color customization options if you have the patience and the time to fiddle with them. I do not.
Knowing your vocabulary for any subject is key. If you don't know the basic terminology that the teacher is using, you are doomed to fail. If there is a word you don't know, write it down to the best of your ability and look it up later. Google has improved to the point that it will actually quite often come up with the correct word if you get close enough with your mistaken form. Also, ask questions in class if you don't know! If you can't understand a word, ask the teacher to write it out for you so you can copy it to look up later, at the very least. I know this isn't an option f you are working from a pre-recorded video in a digital learning situation, but you can send a message to the teacher asking something like, " What was the word that meant the thing that the line of the graph never touches?" or something like that, and s/he should send back "asymptote" so that you could write it down and learn it. Be actively involved in your learning process and it will help !
These are my best suggestions. I hope they will help you. They are the type of things I told my daughters when they needed help.
Ruth recommends the following next steps:
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
38
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
Figure out how you learn-is it by watching supplementary video explanations on YouTube about the subject? Is it via the class readings? It it by making flashcards? Is it by doing practice sets and problems? This may vary depending on the class.
In general, the best study habits are to do all the required pre-reading and homework before class starts. Write down questions you have to ask during the lecture. Take notes in a way that makes sense to you (some like the Cornell note taking method, others prefer outlines).
After class, review your notes. If a science/math course, redo the practice problems or labs you did in class on your own to make sure you understand how to solve them.
Finally, set up time in your schedule to self study, group study, and one on one tutoring (either via office hours or with a tutor on campus). Many colleges also offer drop in rooms with graduate students to assist with any questions you have. Go to those but go prepared with specific questions and a solid foundational understanding-it can be difficult for a professor/teacher/TA to help you if you don't have specific areas you want to review or seek clarification on.
Outside of these study habits, a good time management/prioritization strategy may be helpful to tie this all together and not get overwhelmed. Best practices include a regular calendar system (either via Google Calendar or a planner). I suggest putting all key deadlines on your calendar at the beginning of the semester when the syllabus is handed out. Then, schedule your homework, class prep, and study time for each day in management chunks and take a step by step approach to completing all required tasks. In general, expect to work 3-4 hours outside of class for every 1 unit a college course is. For example, for a 3 unit course, expect to spend 9-12 hours a week outside of class preparing for class.
In general, the best study habits are to do all the required pre-reading and homework before class starts. Write down questions you have to ask during the lecture. Take notes in a way that makes sense to you (some like the Cornell note taking method, others prefer outlines).
After class, review your notes. If a science/math course, redo the practice problems or labs you did in class on your own to make sure you understand how to solve them.
Finally, set up time in your schedule to self study, group study, and one on one tutoring (either via office hours or with a tutor on campus). Many colleges also offer drop in rooms with graduate students to assist with any questions you have. Go to those but go prepared with specific questions and a solid foundational understanding-it can be difficult for a professor/teacher/TA to help you if you don't have specific areas you want to review or seek clarification on.
Outside of these study habits, a good time management/prioritization strategy may be helpful to tie this all together and not get overwhelmed. Best practices include a regular calendar system (either via Google Calendar or a planner). I suggest putting all key deadlines on your calendar at the beginning of the semester when the syllabus is handed out. Then, schedule your homework, class prep, and study time for each day in management chunks and take a step by step approach to completing all required tasks. In general, expect to work 3-4 hours outside of class for every 1 unit a college course is. For example, for a 3 unit course, expect to spend 9-12 hours a week outside of class preparing for class.
TLAURENTONI HUBBARD
CA
112
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAURENTONI’s Answer
Realize your Dominant Learning Style
It's critical to realize that there is a wide range of styles of learning and every individual will hold data better in various manners.
Make your investigation propensity part of your morning schedule with the goal that it turns into an easy aspect of your day.
Get amped up for learning as opposed to fearing your investigation plan.
Make and Write Down Realistic Study Goals
On the off chance that your objective is too enormous to accomplish, at that point you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and this will likewise not help propel you to examine and achieve your objectives.
Here are a few inquiries to pose to yourself that will assist you with making reasonable objectives and concoct an arrangement for good examination propensities.
•When do you typically read and for how long?
•Do you find that it is compelling?
•Are you content with your evaluations?
•What subjects do you have to zero in on or are experiencing issues with?
•What grades do you have to have so as to pass?
•What are your own duties and needs?
In the wake of noting and considering these inquiries, you'll have the option to perceive what territories you have to put somewhat more spotlight on.
Audit Your Notes
When your examination meetings, you should consistently skim your notes from the ongoing exercise or subject you concentrated before beginning another one. Evaluating your notes once before heading to sleep will likewise assist with establishing new information into your mind.
In the event that you couple looking into your notes with a decent evenings rest, at that point you will altogether improve your capacity to hold more data.
It's critical to realize that there is a wide range of styles of learning and every individual will hold data better in various manners.
Make your investigation propensity part of your morning schedule with the goal that it turns into an easy aspect of your day.
Get amped up for learning as opposed to fearing your investigation plan.
Make and Write Down Realistic Study Goals
On the off chance that your objective is too enormous to accomplish, at that point you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and this will likewise not help propel you to examine and achieve your objectives.
Here are a few inquiries to pose to yourself that will assist you with making reasonable objectives and concoct an arrangement for good examination propensities.
•When do you typically read and for how long?
•Do you find that it is compelling?
•Are you content with your evaluations?
•What subjects do you have to zero in on or are experiencing issues with?
•What grades do you have to have so as to pass?
•What are your own duties and needs?
In the wake of noting and considering these inquiries, you'll have the option to perceive what territories you have to put somewhat more spotlight on.
Audit Your Notes
When your examination meetings, you should consistently skim your notes from the ongoing exercise or subject you concentrated before beginning another one. Evaluating your notes once before heading to sleep will likewise assist with establishing new information into your mind.
In the event that you couple looking into your notes with a decent evenings rest, at that point you will altogether improve your capacity to hold more data.
Ridwanulahi Lanre
Teacher
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Ridwanulahi’s Answer
Effective study habits -- studying smarter -- can be learned to improve your ability to better retain reading material. These habits include approaching study with the right attitude, choosing the right environment, minimizing distractions, setting a realistic schedule, and employing memory games, among others.
Students grapple with many issues in their lives, and because of all of the competing things for your attention, it’s hard to concentrate on studying. And yet if you’re in school, you have to do at least a little studying in order to progress from year to year.
If you want better grades, you need more effective study habits. The key to effective studying isn’t cramming or studying longer, but studying smarter. You can begin studying smarter with these ten proven and effective study habits.
Too many people look at studying as a necessary task, not an enjoyment or opportunity to learn. That’s fine, but researchers have found that how you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Being in the right mindset is important in order to study smarter.
Sometimes you can’t “force” yourself to be in the right mindset, and it is during such times you should simply avoid studying. If you’re distracted by a relationship issue, an upcoming game, or finishing an important project, then studying is just going to be an exercise in frustration. Come back to it when you’re not focused (or obsessed!) by something else going on in your life.
Ways to help improve your study mindset:
Aim to think positively when you study, and remind yourself of your skills and abilities.
Avoid catastrophic thinking. Instead of thinking, “I’m a mess, I’ll never have enough time to study for this exam,” look at it like, “I may be a little late to study as much as I’d like, but since I’m doing it now, I’ll get most of it done.”
Avoid absolute thinking. Instead of thinking “I always mess things up,” the more objective view is, “I didn’t do so well that time, what can I do to improve?”
Avoid comparing yourself with others, because you usually just end up feeling bad about yourself. Your skills and abilities are unique to you, and you alone.
Students grapple with many issues in their lives, and because of all of the competing things for your attention, it’s hard to concentrate on studying. And yet if you’re in school, you have to do at least a little studying in order to progress from year to year.
If you want better grades, you need more effective study habits. The key to effective studying isn’t cramming or studying longer, but studying smarter. You can begin studying smarter with these ten proven and effective study habits.
Too many people look at studying as a necessary task, not an enjoyment or opportunity to learn. That’s fine, but researchers have found that how you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Being in the right mindset is important in order to study smarter.
Sometimes you can’t “force” yourself to be in the right mindset, and it is during such times you should simply avoid studying. If you’re distracted by a relationship issue, an upcoming game, or finishing an important project, then studying is just going to be an exercise in frustration. Come back to it when you’re not focused (or obsessed!) by something else going on in your life.
Ways to help improve your study mindset:
Aim to think positively when you study, and remind yourself of your skills and abilities.
Avoid catastrophic thinking. Instead of thinking, “I’m a mess, I’ll never have enough time to study for this exam,” look at it like, “I may be a little late to study as much as I’d like, but since I’m doing it now, I’ll get most of it done.”
Avoid absolute thinking. Instead of thinking “I always mess things up,” the more objective view is, “I didn’t do so well that time, what can I do to improve?”
Avoid comparing yourself with others, because you usually just end up feeling bad about yourself. Your skills and abilities are unique to you, and you alone.
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