How To Study Effectively
Too many people are convinced that long hours of studying will pave the way to being a straight-A student. This is not the case.
Students who spend too much time studying are more likely to develop health and mental problems, such as depression, sleep deprivation, lack of balance and alienation in their lives. Also, it will create back problems for students if they sit for too long.
Research shows that highly successful students actually spend less time studying than their peers do—they just study more effectively! (For additional academic assistance, you can get an online tutor here.) Below, we discuss 5 tips on how to study more effectively:
1. STUDY WITH GREATER INTENSITY It’s important to avoid social media and digital distractions when you study. If you constantly check your texts and scroll through Instagram, a lot of your valuable study time will be wasted as your brain has to constantly restart and refocus.
Take the necessary steps to avoid digital distractions and focus solely on your work. Instead of spending a lot of time doing low-intensity work with numerous distractions, you’ll work shorter periods at higher intensity, without any distractions from email, social media, etc. You will be able to study more effectively and this will lead to better academic performance.
2. DON’T USE INEFFECTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Some students use ineffective learning techniques that are time consuming. Becoming a more successful student starts with taking a look at your current study skills. Finding the best way is definitely an ongoing process—and there is no one right answer. But there are some study habits that every successful student has that you can use to reach your full potential. Avoid these learning habits:
3. USE EFFECTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES Pre-testing is extremely important when you are preparing for an exam. It improves post-test results more than spending the same amount of time studying. When you practice answering questions, even incorrectly, before learning the content, your future learning is enhanced.
Spacing out study sessions and self-quizzing are also effective ways of studying. Make test questions for yourself as you learn a new concept and think about the types of questions you might ask on a quiz or test. Incorporate these quizzes into your study sessions.
Utilize intentional learning strategies by relating what you are learning to prior knowledge. Think about how you would explain the content to a 5-year-old, and reflect on and ask yourself questions about the content.
4. DON’T STUDY TO REMEMBER, STUDY TO UNDERSTAND. Rather than just memorizing information for a test, connect it to other things that you have learned in the past. Make a mind map that you can use to relate information and develop a deeper understanding of the information.
5. AVOID CRAMMING
Cramming information the night before the exam can work for a short-term recall of the information, but this information will rapidly be lost. Start studying early and study a little bit each day. Reviewing the material over a longer period of time will help you remember information better, and help identify any areas that need some extra review time.
Goal Setting is one of the most basic and essential skills you need to develop. It's important to utilize this skill in your studies and in the workplace. This course will cover strategies to help you deal with distractions and overcome procrastination. It will translate into increased satisfaction in your studies and personal life.
