Make a study schedule and stick to it-The best way to ensure that you will have enough study time to meet your goals in each course is to plan for it. Purchase a daily planner. Understand assignments and write them down-Keep all assignments in one place to avoid forgetting something.
Develop an understanding of your best concentration times-Arrange your schedule so that you have study time during your peak hours.
Remember that "study" includes many different tasks-When instructors talk about the need to study, they mean you should read review material in preparation for class, complete all homework, and review class notes, text assignments and supplementary material on a regular schedule.
Realize that different subjects require different types of preparation-Lecture classes require that you review your notes right after class and preview the new topic just before class; recitation classes, like languages and math, demand more specific study just prior to class.
Schedule study learning sessions to fit your attention span-Try studying for 45 minutes and then treating yourself to a ten-minute exercise break or TV break.
Begin each study session with goal setting-Predict specifically what you want to accomplish and then work to meet your goals.
Study difficult and/or complex material first-Leave routine and more mechanical tasks for last. Most people do the opposite; consequently, they never get to the hard or less interesting material.
Vary subjects and type of study for maximum efficiency-Within a study session do some reading, writing, recitation, etc., to stay interested and alert.
Schedule periodic review sessions-To remember material over a long period of time, you must review the information often.
Use all of your available time-Even small bits of time, like waiting for the dentist, can be put to use-don't be caught without something to read or study.
Copyright Jane L. McGrath |
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