Effective Study Skills

How to study and make the most of your time
 

This article will help you improve your learning and understanding, and ultimately your grades. It is not so large that it would require you to engage in mind-numbing reading of chapter after chapter as is the case with many books on the subject. The information is written in a way to help you "see" and "practice" proven study techniques.

No two people study the same way, and there is little doubt that what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you have to take is going to be so interesting as to be a pleasurable study.Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally.

If you are reading this page, it's likely that you are not one of them, but don't despair, there is hope! Your success in high school and college depends on your ability to study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and low or failing grades. It's your life, your time, and your future.

Time is precious and not to be squandered, no matter what you believe right now.This guide is designed to help you develop effective study skills.It is not a magic formula for success in preparing for tests, or written or oral assignments. Studying any material requires work! However, by using the techniques described in this series of articles and by applying yourself to them, you can gain a valuable edge in understanding material, preparing for tests and ultimately, learning.

This series contains some of the best and most effective techniques of successful students - students who typically have high grades in high school and college regardless of the courses they take. So read on, think about what you read, and be prepared to become a successful student!Effective study skills are about more than understanding. Effective study skills must be practised to improve.

It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better.

The value of a schedule

Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule.

If you don't have a schedule or plan for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be a lifesaver. It's upto you to learn how develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.

A schedule saves time

All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you should have the need to do it!

Making every hour count

A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study.

This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.

When to study

The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.

Studying for lecture courses

If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.

Studying for recitation courses

For classes that require recitation, such as foreign language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the time to practise. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your skills in a before-class study period.

Making and revising a schedule

Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building becomes easier.