Study Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Tips for Successful Study Sessions
Have you ever spent hours studying, only to feel like your brain retained none of the information? Or have you ever been frustrated by dismal results, even though you reviewed your notes several times? The truth is, not all study sessions are created equal. Luckily, there are specific strategies you can implement to ensure your study sessions deliver better results.
5 Tips for Successful Study Sessions
1. Plan Ahead: Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. Those simple words are packed with incredible wisdom that all students can benefit from. Don’t let exams or assignments creep up on you – use your syllabi to stay ahead of important dates. I personally use and recommend a physical agenda, but reminders in your phone can work well too. Whatever system works for you is fine, just make sure you have a system and are using it consistently. Consistency breeds success.
2. Take a Building Block Approach: Just as prescriptions are given in small doses taken over a period of time, your study habits should be approached in the same way. Cram sessions won’t give you nearly the same results as studying incrementally throughout each week. In addition, it’s always important to remember that there is a huge difference between studying to learn and studying to pass. Cram sessions may get you through a test, but they won’t commit the information to your long-term memory. Don’t believe me? Read the research for yourself so you can better understand how the process of consolidation, which involves rehearsal and meaningful association, converts short term memories into long-term memory.
3. Eliminate Distractions: A study conducted by the University of London concluded that “subjects who multitasked while performing cognitive tasks experienced significant IQ drops”. College can be tough, but why make it any tougher on yourself than it already is? Don’t sabotage your own success – turn off the distractions. I personally put my phone in airplane mode, and then set my timer for 50 minutes. I spend those 50 minutes studying, followed by a 10 minute break to check texts, social media, etc. After that, it’s back to airplane mode and back to the books. Try it just once and see the effects for yourself. Not only will you have clearer thoughts, but you’ll also get your school work done in a fraction of the time.
4. Know and Use Your Resources: The purpose of higher education is to learn more and grow more. Thankfully, there are a ton of resources to help you do so, and do so successfully. If you have a big paper due, visit the writing center and let them help you brainstorm. If you’re struggling with your math homework, don’t get frustrated! Get the help of a math tutor. . . they’re there everyday waiting and wanting to help. In fact, peer tutoring is available for nearly every subject, and they’ve got a set schedule so you can plan ahead (Rule #1) and get the help you need.
5. Use Proven Study Methods: If you’ve ever studied your notes, felt like you knew the material, and then been disappointed by your results, then it may be time to switch your study method. The problem with simply reviewing notes is that it doesn’t give your brain the ability to engage in active recall. New information is cemented in your memory banks when your brain has the opportunity to recall and consolidate the material repeatedly. But when you are reading your notes, the answer is right in front of you so your brain doesn’t have to do the work. However, when you engage in active learning, such as using flash cards or testing yourself, new information is reconsolidated in your mind at a much deeper level, setting you up for better results. Active learning is where learning, memory and mastery collide, so get yourself some 3×5 cards and give it a try!
Just as one trip to the gym won’t get and keep you fit, one study session won’t get and keep good grades. Success takes effort, and effort takes time, but implement the five study tips above and you’ll find the time spent is well worth it in the end.
Rebekah Oshman • Nov 30, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Dear Laura,
First of all, thank you very much for your suggestion on how to study more effectively. Some of these strategies are new to me and I would love to try it out sometimes because I have a very hard time trying to study for my quizzes and tests. Most of the time when I am studying for my quizzes and tests, I would studying for hours and I would not remember anything when I am finish with studying. I have tried many strategies to help me with studying but it does not work for me. Some strategies will work a short period of time and some how, it would stop working for me. There is one thing I did not know about until I read your article was that, if your are reading something that is physically in front of you, your brain does not have to work hard so trying to put them into your long term memory. I know I am a visual person but now a day, most of my school works are online. I do most of my home work online and yes, even my math homework is all online.
Again, than you for your suggestions on how I can study successfully and getting better results rather than studying for hours and burn out your brain and get nothing out of it.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Oshman
Katherine Woodford • Nov 30, 2016 at 2:43 pm
Dear Laura,
Hello. I enjoyed your article “Study Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Tips for Successful Study Sessions.” Many of the techniques and tips you described seem helpful, especially the section on active recall studying techniques. I liked that you included links and research to support why I should use these tips.
I plan on sharing this article with my brother, who is also a student at ACC, as I think he would find it helpful. Have you, or others at the Pinnacle, considered doing articles on the series of Mid-Day Takeaways that ACC has been offering? I know many students who would be interested in attending, but have class during that time. Perhaps an article addressing the same topics, if not really a summary of the class, would be helpful. I would also be interested in an article addressing techniques during class, such as a pro/con informative article about different note-taking techniques, or proper etiquette when interacting with teachers.
Anyhow, I really enjoyed your article and will get a lot of use out of it. Well done.
Thank you,
Katherine Woodford