Studying Effectively

Studying - Quick Tips

• Don't attempt to cram all your studying into one session.
• Make and keep a study schedule
  • Each study time should have a specific goal
  • Study in chunks
  • Take regular breaks - every 15 - 20 minutes
• Start with the most difficult subject first.
• Studying in an Appropriate Setting — Same Time, Same Place, Every Day
  • Use a different setting for each subject
  • Set the mood
  • Study at a desk or table - this will help you stay focused
  • Make sure you're not distracted while you're studying - turn off electric gadgets
  • Equip your study area with all the materials needed, and nothing you don't
• Read the textbook and other readings slowly
  • Take notes as you read
  • Read important sections aloud
• Go to every class
  • Sit front and centre
  • Turn off your cell phone - unless you are using it for note taking
• Take effective notes; don't simply rely on the instructor's presentation notes
  • Review your notes before starting an assignment and at the end of each week
  • Colour code your subjects using highlighters, pens, post-it notes, labels, etc.
  • Review notes frequently; over-learning enhances memory
• If you don't understand something, ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Talk to your teacher
• Study with a friend or join a study group
• Manage your stress; if you can't concentrate, feel overwhelmed, etc. go do something else
  • Get 7-10 hours of sleep each night
  • Exercise
  • Eat properly - the brain needs fuel to function well

Study Tip Videos

Note Taking Tips

• Notes help you remember information
• Find a method that works for you; here is a sampling of note taking methods
       (see the Reference section for more on note taking methods)
• Read the textbook and course readings slowly, before class
  • Take notes as you read
• Listen actively in class
• Don't rely on the instructor's presentation notes
• If you don't understand something, ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Talk to your teacher
• Keep your notes simple
  • Use keywords and very short sentences
    • Use white space to separate major ideas
    • Use abbreviations and/or symbols in place of sentences
    • Colour-code using different pens, pencils, highlighter, post-it notes, etc.
    • Use only one side of the paper
  • Focus on key concepts
    • Anything the instructor says you need to know or will be on a test
    • Anything repeated
    • Anything emphasized (example: has a PowerPoint slide, is written on the board)
    • Relationships between ideas
  • Paraphrase in your own words
  • Write only enough to trigger memories
• Rewrite, organize, clarify, and expand your notes after classOrganize your class notes; keeping an organized notebook improves grades
  • Use a three-ring binder - one for each course
  • Relate concepts to concrete, real-life examples
  • Combine text and images

Note Taking Videos

References - Check for Detailed Tips

Allan, P. (2015, March 2). "Study Less, Study Smart": The Best Ways to Retain More in Less Time. Lifehacker.  http://lifehacker.com/study-less-study-smart-the-best-ways-to-retain-more-1683362205

Expert guides on how to study for college (2016).  Intelligent.com.  https://www.intelligent.com/

Grohol, J. M. (2016).  10 highley effective study habits. PscyhCentral. https://psychcentral.com/lib/top-10-most-effective-study-habits/?all=1

How to study effectively: 12 secrets for success (2017, April 19). Oxford Learning. https://www.oxfordlearning.com/how-to-study-effectively/

How to study more effectively [Note taking] – Top Methods for College (2017). Discover Business. https://www.discoverbusiness.us/learning/

How To Take Study Notes: 5 Effective Note Taking Methods (2017, May 3). Oxford Learning. https://www.oxfordlearning.com/5-effective-note-taking-methods/

In class study tips: What you must do in class (2017?). How to Study in College.  https://howtostudyincollege.com/in-class/

Klosowski, T. (2013, April 30).  Back to basics: Perfect your note-taking techniques.  Lifehacker. http://lifehacker.com/back-to-basics-perfect-your-note-taking-techniques-484879924

Loveless, B. (2017).  10 habits of highly effective students. Education Corner: Education That Matters.     http://www.educationcorner.com/habits-of-successful-students.html

Note taking systems (2017). Cal Poly: Student Academic Services. Academic Skills Center (ASC). https://asc.calpoly.edu/ssl/notetakingsystems 

Note taking techniques (2017). AcademicTips.org.  https://www.academictips.org/acad/literature/notetaking.html

Pinola, M. (2012, January 27).  What to Write Down During a Class Lecture.  Lifehacker. http://lifehacker.com/5879941/what-to-write-down-during-a-class-lecture