By OlusolaOluwaseyifunmi
1.GET ORGANIZED
Taking the time to get organised will set you up well and
help you achieve your learning goals.
Top study tips:
·
Invest in a diary, and use it to keep track of
current assignment deadlines.
·
Bring all the material and devices you need to
class, so you can participate.
·
You may find it helpful to pack your bag the
night before, so you’re ready to go first thing in the morning.
2. DON’T SKIP CLASS
Skipping class can be detrimental to your learning and
achieving your study goals. It leaves gaping holes in your notes – and in your
subject knowledge.
Remember to practise active listening by focusing on what
your Lecturers are saying in class and taking notes as needed.
3.TAKE NOTES
Keep your brain engaged during class, take notes, which you
can refer to later, as you refine your study techniques.
Notes can help store information in your long-term memory,
right there in class. These notes will be important for reviewing when you’re
completing assessments and assignments.
You might find it handy to condense your notes after class,
so they’re clear and easy to read. Underline or highlight key points. If
anything doesn’t make sense, you can seek clarification from your teacher.
You can also create visual aids like flow charts and mind
maps to help simplify information. For some students, these visual aids help
them remember complex information and study more effectively.
If you do miss a class, ask a study partner or classmate if
you can refer to their notes. This will ensure there are no holes in your own
notetaking.
4. TALK TO YOUR LECTURER AND ASK QUESTIONS
Your lecturer is, in a way, a resource who is there to be
used!
You can take advantage of this interactive learning
environment by asking questions during or after class, where you can get fast
feedback.
Lecturers can further clarify any topics you find confusing.
You may even be able to get a little direction on assignments before
submitting.
Your Lecturer will no doubt be impressed with your
initiative and happy to help.
5. SPACE OUT YOUR STUDYING
One of the most effective ways of studying is to space out
your learning sessions.
If you break up your study load over several days, you’ll
retain information far more readily than if you crammed in one long session.
This can help deeply ingrain information, allowing you to
retain it for the long term.
You’ll find you achieve much better results for it.
6. CREATE A STUDY PLAN AND STICK TO IT
One top study tip is to create a schedule or plan.
This is incredibly helpful for time management and can help
you reach your learning goals.
A study plan will:
·
Motivate you to study, as you’ll have time
dedicated to learning
·
Keep you organised around work, hobbies and
other commitments, as you can plan ahead
·
Break your study load into manageable blocks
·
Give you time to complete your assignments,
ensuring they’re not rushed or last-minute.
7. DON’T JUST RE-READ BUT STUDY
When you are reading and re-reading texts and notes, you’re
not studying. This is because you’re not engaging with the material.
You’ll discover that you have trouble remembering class
notes if you’re not using active studying techniques.
Instead of reading, try:
·
Creating concept maps and diagrams
·
Explaining concepts to yourself step by step
·
Formulating questions and problems that you can
come back to and solve, effectively creating a quiz for yourself
·
Becoming a teacher or tutor to your study group
or partner and learning the course material by explaining concepts to them.
8. SET UP A QUITE STUDY SPACE
It is important to have a designated study area that is free
from distraction and will allow you to study effectively.
When you settle into your study area, you will know you are
there to learn. This mindset will help with your overall motivation to study.
Choose a study space that is quiet, well-lit and in a
low-traffic area. Don’t, say, study at a dining table when you’re going to be
constantly distracted by housemates or family members moving in and out of the
kitchen!
If there’s nowhere suitable for study at home, try your library.
Libraries are naturally quiet and many have designated areas for study.
Victoria University has seven libraries across its campuses. Check the opening
hours calendar to find a time that works for you.
For many students, the greatest distraction is their phone.
You may find it helpful to switch your phone to silent – or even off – for the
duration of your study session.
You can also use apps such as Freedom (external link) or Focus
Me (external link)to block non-essential apps from your phone, while you’re
trying to learn.
9. TEST YOURSELF
Getting someone to quiz you – or quizzing yourself – is
great retrieval practice. This learning technique helps you commit information
to your long-term memory and easily retrieve it when needed.
Recalling an answer to a question improves learning, as does
writing down that answer – you’re committing it to memory.
You might find it helpful to create flash cards each time
you learn a new topic. Flash cards can have questions on them or have a prompt
that triggers the recall of relevant information. Ask a parent, friend,
housemate or study buddy to quiz you, using your flash cards. The act of
creating them alone will help you better retain information and is an effective
study technique
10. FIND A STUDY PARTNER OR JOIN A STUDY GROUP
One of the best ways to study is to share the experience
with another person.
It can be beneficial to find a study buddy – or even form a
study group with like-minded students.
Your study group can:
·
Keep you motivated
·
Help you stay accountable
·
Quiz and test you on course material
·
Read over your work to offer advice
·
Share resources, such as textbooks, lowering
expenses.
Read about how to find a study buddy or a study group and
how this can improve your results and study more effectively.