5 Tips for Studying Effectively

As you get ready to hit the books this semester, it’s important to learn some effective ways to study smarter, not harder. The students with the best grades are not always necessarily the ones that spend the most time with their textbooks, as these students have likely have developed the study skills necessary to use their study time efficiently. Here are five tips that can help you make the grade and still have a few hours left over for sleep:

1. Set apart a regular study time. Study is more effective when it is planned ahead. Give yourself a sufficient block of time everyday during which you can review notes, write papers, and analyze material.
2. Keep up with class assignments. Follow along with class reading schedules and homework assignments even if the professor doesn’t formally check their completion. Not only will you be prepared for the occasional pop quiz, you will definitely get more out of the lecture. Having a solid base in the topic being discussed will help you participate more fully in any class discussions or projects, which can also help solidify your understanding and retention of the material.
3. Know what you need to know. Pay careful attention to study guides, exam questions, course objectives, and any other hints your professor may give you to know what material will be covered by tests, quizzes, and finals. Study past exams to get a feel for the types of questions the professor will ask and how he or she grades. Whether this is your first exam or your thirtieth for this class, ask the professor or teaching assistant for hints about what will be on the exam and what won’t. This advice can help you know where to focus your time.
4. Don’t just read. When some students “study” they spend the majority of their time reading and rereading the textbook. While this might let some information trickle into your brain cells, a much more effective method of studying is engaging the material. Ask yourself questions (maybe provided by past exams or concepts you don’t understand) and find the answers in your material. Try to memorize using mnemonics or writing down responses. Take notes on what you are reading. Study and practice the material with a friend or tutor.
5. Take breaks. Believe it or not, taking breaks can actually help you study better. Try studying intently for a certain period of time, 30 minutes to an hour, and then slipping in a small, five minute break during which you do something completely different. Text a friend, eat a snack, walk around. This break in intense study helps you from burning out. After your break, come back and refocus. You’ll usually find that you can concentrate much more easily after this short time away.

If you follow these study skills and attend class, you’ll be addressing graduation invitations before you know it.

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Teresa Dahl is a stay at home mom, and regularly writes on a number of topics including home improvement, interior design, education, parenting and more.