Now that we are about a month into the school year, we have learned enough material to take tests and quizzes. Of course we all want to do well but one of the top difficulties students find that hinders their academic growth and success is simply the fact that they do not know how to properly study.
Rule #1: Work on your time management.
You can spend your time however you please. The freedom we are given in college is both wonderful but quite challenging. By mastering this rule, you will thank yourself now and in the future.
Remember that school should always come first. To make school your priority, create a schedule each week where you set aside time to complete homework or readings and review for quizzes and tests. Plan around these important priorities and also set aside some time for fun activities to balance everything out.
Once you know when your quiz or test will take place, write it down and work backward from the due date, studying a little bit every day or every other day, your choice, until the big day becomes closer.
Rule #2: Establish the 45/15 rule.
Research has shown that humans can remain focused on something for about 45 minutes until they become restless and distracted. To keep you in that study mode, follow the 45/15 rule. Here, muster up all your attention and concentration to work nonstop for 45 minutes. Once that time period is over, spend 15 minutes taking a break. Grab a snack or check social media. Then when your 15 minutes is up, get back to work and repeat this rule.
Rule #3: Stay ahead on assigned readings or journals.
If you are assigned work that will not be collected until the end of the week, do not wait until the last minute to complete the assignment. Cramming to do work will only leave you staying up late wishing you started working earlier and you won’t fully grasp what the material is teaching you.
Try to get ahead on readings and your early assignments. Space it out if you prefer. Not only will it open up more free time in your schedule but you will have a better chance of understanding what you are learning about.
While you read, take notes, highlight and underline important words or phrases, and try to put the material in your own words so it is easier to comprehend.
Rule #4: Create a study guide.
Study guides are so useful. They are outlines of important synthesized information that are organized and easy to look over. Gather your information from the chapter reviews in your textbook, class notes, and handouts from the professor.
Make sure to create your own study guide. We all learn and interpret material at different levels so do what is easiest for you.
Rule #5: Get extra help.
If you don’t understand something, make time to see your professors during their office hours. They want you to succeed just as much as you want to yourself, but it is up to you to go and put in that extra effort. Go prepared with a list of questions you have. Ask them how you should study for their exams.
Take advantage of review sessions or workshops they offer. Many students feel they do not need to attend these so go and get that one on one time with your professor or department assistant. Do not be afraid to ask for help!
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By following these rules, it should lead to a path of success. This was a lot to take in but by implementing some of these rules slowly into your life, you will definitely be able to see a difference. Â