10 Ways to Improve Studying

After 26 years of education and four degrees these are the 10 study principles that supported me through some long years.

 

1. Study with next year in mind, not the next test.  Long term memory builds the conceptual foundation for future understanding and creativity.  Time lapses between studying such as summer leads to memory loss and reduced access to known material; as with every muscle, entropy starts within 3 days of non-use.

2. Quiz yourself while you read.  Within the sections of the chapters, ask yourself questions while/during the initial reading.  This leads to creativity and curiosity.  Time yourself.

3. When pressed for time, study in 10 minute increments.

4. When tired, change subjects every 20 minutes to keep the brain actively engaged.

5. Study using different media, use a specialized electronic study aids such as JogNog.

6. Use integrated studying which addresses kinesthetic, auditory and visual techniques.  Briefly draw/sketch your topic within 5 minutes.  Record your voice with 10 minute notes.  Use Google images to find pictures of your topic.

7.  Immediately after class, in the hallway, write down one interesting idea from the lecture to keep yourself stimulated with the topic.

8.  Alternate study locations.  Study in the gymnasium, hallway, bathroom, car, dinning room, in front of the fireplace.  The brain responds with flexibility when studying occurs in different locations.

9.  Remember the chapter title while/during reading.

10.  Review, review, review - even the topics from the year before and never wait to the last minute if you want long term foundation memory.

 

Be as dynamic and as creative as you can when you approach studying.  The more challenging and variable the study methodology will result in faster long term learning and less stress when studying for exams.

 

Irene A. Smith, BS, MA, JD, PhD