How to study well

While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to studying effectively, there are several methods almost everyone can use to improve their recall and long-term memory. However,  everyone has different learning techniques. What works for some students may not work for others.

1. Get (and stay) Organized 

Invest in an agenda or planner. Whether it is a notebook from a fancy stationery store or just the notes app, writing down assignments keeps you on track and prepared. Along with writing down all the assignments, bringing the necessary supplies also helps one stay on track.

2. Don’t Skip Class

Skipping class can leave gaps in one’s learning process and notes. They might fall behind and depending on the workload you might be behind for weeks. There won’t always be people you can ask for notes. 

3. Take Notes

To keep one’s brain engaged during class, take notes which students can refer to later as they refine their study techniques. Notes help store information for long-term memory. These notes will be important for reviewing when completing assignments and studying for tests. Underline or highlight key points. The creation of visual aids can help simplify information. 

4. Ask Questions

One can take advantage of this interactive learning environment by asking questions during or after class, where feedback is more easily available. Teachers can further clarify any topics that are confusing. Some students may even be able to get a little direction on assignments before submitting.

5. Space Out Study Sessions

One of the most effective ways of studying is to space out learning sessions. By breaking up the study load over several days, a student will retain information far more readily than if by cramming in one long session. This can help to ingrain information, allowing it to be retained for the long term.

6. Create a Study Schedule

A study plan can motivate one to study, keep one organized around work, hobbies and other commitments, break the study load into manageable blocks, and give time to complete assignments, ensuring they are not rushed or last-minute.

7. Test Yourself

Getting another person to quiz one– or quizzing oneself– is great retrieval practice. It helps commit information to the long-term memory and retrieve it when needed. Recalling an answer to a question improves learning, as does writing down that answer – this commits it to memory. Somemight find it helpful to create flash cards for each new topic. Flash cards can have questions on them or have a prompt that triggers the recall of relevant information.z