Many people know the feeling: You study for hours, but the information just won’t stick. Often, this isn’t due to a lack of motivation but rather the wrong study method. Everyone learns differently what works for one person might not be helpful for another.
And this is exactly where the key lies: The right study methods can change your entire study experience. They not only help you absorb knowledge faster and more effectively but also make studying less stressful, more structured, and more efficient. In this blog post, we’ve put together some of the best learning techniques for you – try out different methods to find out which one works best for you!
table of contents
Cultivate intense study session
Not all studying is equal. You will accomplish more if you study intensively. Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort. Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn out studying.
In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is distributing studying over multiple sessions. Intensive study sessions can last for about 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end self-testing is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention
Study with Classmates
In addition to making friends, forming study groups in each of your classes is a valuable and fun way to review for tests. Working together helps develop good study habits, increases collaboration on group projects, and boosts confidence.
It is also important to make sure you and your study partners discuss relevant topics and stay focused!
Start early and strategically
Procrastination can be tempting, but starting your revision early gives you a huge advantage in your examinations .
Create a realistic study timetable and prioritize subject based on difficulty and exam dates . Use tools or apps to set reminder and block study periods . Remember to schedule buffer days for unexpected delays or last minute review
Minimize distraction
Distracting activities like your phone ringing , social media notification or or noise in the background. They can make concentration difficult .
Blocking your social media notification , putting your phone on airplane mode or blocking out distraction website .
The less distracted you become the more shaper your focus
Be familiar with problems
Working and re-working problems is important for technical courses like math, physics or economics. Be able to explain the steps of the problems and why they work.
In technical courses, it is usually more important to work problems than read the text . In class, write down in detail the practice problems demonstrated by the professor. Annotate each step and ask questions if you are confused. At the very least, record the question and the answer (even if you miss the steps).
When preparing for tests, put together a large list of problems from the course materials and lectures. Work the problems and explain the steps and why they work.
Take smart break
Stusy techniques such as pomodoro technique can be game -changer . The technique involves studying for 25 minutes followed by 5-minutes break . After a long cycle such as 4 hours take a long break of 15-30mins .
Use this break to stretch, hydrate, refresh your mind and energy. Schedule regular breaks like this , balancing study and rest during exam preparation is very essential
Stay positive and motivated
Motivation may also go in cycles particularly when the study period is long .
in order to know the purpose of studying to you , ask why studying is important to you ? Either a future job or goal you want to achieve
Compliment yourself a little for your hard work and commitment to your work , or do it together with your friends and motivate each other
NB :
Knowing your own effective study strategies is key to success in your college career, and will help with career projects and presentations after graduation as well. Finding the study tips for exams that work best for you will save you time and energy and earn you the best results.
