Stacy Peters has always been an average student. Even after trying hard, she never quite managed the highest grades. Although she used various study help resources, her grades didn’t significantly improve. She couldn’t pinpoint where she was going wrong until her professor pointed out that maybe she isn’t studying appropriately.
It’s usual for most students to approach studying without giving much thought to the right way to approach their studies. But there are techniques and methods that you need to implement so that you make the most of your study sessions. So, let’s delve into some of the techniques that will allow you to enhance your study skills.
- Determine a learning style to study effectively
Different students have different styles of learning that work well for them. Some students are visual learners, which mean they learn best through the use of images. Some students are auditory learners, which indicate that they tend to clearly remember what they hear.
Then there are students who are tactile learners, also identified as kin esthetic learners. These students learn from physically experiencing the things they are learning about. Figure out the learning style you have and use techniques that best work for you to help study.
- Study one subject at a time rather than multitasking
You would probably be tempted to study two topics or subjects at the same time because you wouldn’t want to miss the deadline. But that actually makes the process more complicated and time-consuming. Instead, devote a specific time to studying for one particular topic, take a break, and then start studying for the next topic or subject.
An article from Weforum.org elaborate on why multitasking is always a bad idea. You can receive much more out of your study session if you focus on one thing at a time, and then move on to the next thing.
- Stay organized with your schedule
Get a planner and list out all your tests and assignments. This can be an online planner or regular paper ones. For each day, write down the assignments or studies you have to do and when you plan to do it.
You may also write down if you have other commitments. Divide time slots to work on longer assignments and study for important tests, so that you don’t push them to the last minute. It also feels satisfying to check off each task as you get through them.
- Take notes and ask yourself questions
Reading your textbooks isn’t like reading a novel for fun. You have to make sure you’re perfectly focusing on and remembering the details. As you go through the material, think about what you’ve just read to check your comprehension.
First, write down the chapter headings and then add a few bullet points for each major piece of information. If you’re not sure what essential details you should write down, go through the textbook chapter summary, which will often involve only the most interesting points.
- Follow strategies for taking tests
Doing well in tests isn’t only about studying the topics and information; it’s also about getting comfortable with tests. Take practice tests to be comfortable with answering the multiple-choice, short answer, and essay-type questions. When you’re taking these practice tests, mark the complicated questions to check back later.
This way, you’ll have more time to answer the questions that you know, and if you have time, you still get the time to come back to work on the ones you didn’t know.
If you’re required to write an essay on your test, don’t try to memorise the information that you might have to add. Practice writing an essay in a short span of time, so when it’s time to take the actual tests, you won’t feel nervous.
- Approach studying with the right mindset
Many studies have indicated that the way students approach studying is as crucial as what and how students study. As a student, you shouldn’t let yourself feel overwhelmed.
Also, it’s imperative that you think about worst-case scenarios. Manage your time, and try to consider the bright side of your study process, even if it’s stressful. Take every challenge as a scope to succeed and grow.
- Try teaching the concept to anybody else
Teaching a particular concept to somebody else allows you to learn and retain it more than just studying it on your own. So if you’ve got a complicated concept you’re trying to learn, try teaching it to a friend.
Based on the concept, you can also try teaching it to someone else who has no knowledge of the subject. Describing a tricky concept in simple language can help develop your understanding.
This way, you’ll have clarity on the concept better because you’re talking out loud. The whole point of teaching someone else is to read it out loud. But it might feel weird if you talk to yourself, which is why talking to someone can help.
- Avoid distractions by limiting electronics
Make sure the TV or iPod is off. Put your phone on silent. If you don’t need the internet while you’re studying, turn your WiFi off as well so you won’t get distracted. The smart-phones today consist of digital well being features which allow you to restrict the distracting apps.
If you prefer studying with music, make sure it’s instrumental, without words, that won’t allow you to sing along and get distracted. You can tell any of your family members to help you keep the distractions at bay.
Wrapping it up,
Developing your study skills will enable you to improve your grades in return. You only need to know the right techniques to improve study skills. The right strategies will help you reap the benefits, whether you’re studying to take a test or writing an assignment.
Author bio:
William James is a guest lecturer for a notable academic institution in Australia. Jenkins has been serving as an educator for close to a decade now. He has earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of South Australia. She’s also an academic expert for MyAssignmenthelp.com and offers study help to students.
