This past week, I was extremely overwhelmed with numerous tests, assignments, and assessments, all of which were due around the same time. Normally, I would pack my backpack, head to the campus library, grab an iced coffee, and start studying away. Although some of those tricks remain, not all of them are possible now with remote and virtual learning.
This has caused me to come up with some new tips and techniques to revamp my study sessions and keep myself on track with my schoolwork. Since most college students are finding themselves in a similar position, I figured I’d share some things that have worked for me.
There is no doubt that online learning is hard. Let’s navigate this together!
The following are my go-to study tips:
Try not to procrastinate!
Trust me, I understand it is easier said than done. But dividing your work over a span of a few days, or even a few weeks, will be far more beneficial than trying to cram loads of information overnight. It also will alleviate some extra stress around learning the material and the assessment itself.
Find a study tool you enjoy!
Finding a study tool that you enjoy will make it much easier to retain the content. Some tools could be flashcards, taking notes, rereading, going over lecture slides, getting practice books, or creating online trivia games (such as Kahoot). My personal favorite is finding study videos that I can watch. I find that hearing and seeing the information presented from another educated source is extremely helpful.
Find a study spot!
I have found that with remote learning, I have been doing all of my lectures and work at the desk in my bedroom. This often makes it hard to designate when it is “school time” or “school hours.” In order to help me get focused, I have been seeking out local coffee shops, libraries, and other quiet areas where I can sit down, connect to wifi, and get studying! Having a quiet spot where you know you will be able to get work done can make all the difference.
Fuel up!
Make sure you have energy before heading into your study session, especially if you anticipate being there for a decent amount of time. Some of my suggestions are grabbing an iced coffee before or bringing a few nutritional snacks!
Turn your phone off!
One simple notification buzz can ruin your concentration. For me, the cycle often goes like this: I hear the notification sound, I see my screen light up, then I not only respond to the notification, but I end up on my phone for the next ten minutes, scrolling through social media apps. In my personal opinion, nothing is more distracting than having your phone nearby when you are studying. I recommend shutting it off for the time period. If this isn’t possible, try silencing your notifications or leaving it in another room for the duration of your study session!
Talk with your professors!
If you are struggling, require extra help, need a push in the right direction, or even want study tips, the first thing to do is to talk with your professor. After all, they are the experts in the field. Also, talking with your professors may give you a better idea of what to study, what is going to be on the assessment, or even the setup of the assessment.
Find some classmates!
Getting together with a friend or a group of classmates is a great way to start preparing and studying for an upcoming assessment. Together you can bounce ideas off of each other, quiz one another, compare notes, and help break down and understand the material together. Oh and not to mention, it helps make studying fun! I totally recommend creating a solid study group!
I hope some of these ideas will be beneficial and helpful when it comes to gathering up motivation and setting time aside to study. Take what works and leave behind what doesn’t. After all, it is a learning experience.