LEARNING TO STUDY PROPERLY

DEVELOP YOUR STUDY SKILLS

Because studying is a serious business, most first-year students learn the hard way. The reason is simple – the majority are just unprepared to study appropriately because the study habits have not been developed, and the study tools have not been researched and employed. Let’s examine what a student could do to excel at their studies.

First and foremost is to start with yourself.

• Develop good study habits: Setting aside regular study time, minimizing distractions, and staying organized. Good study habits can help improve focus, motivation, and productivity.
• Set clear goals: Setting clear goals for what you want to achieve in your studies can help you stay motivated and focused. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and achievable.
• Practice active learning: Active learning involves engaging with the material you’re studying, such as by asking questions, making connections to other concepts, and practicing problem-solving.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks can improve focus and retention of information. Try taking a short break every 25-30 minutes of studying to recharge.
• Review and revise: Regularly reviewing and revising material can help consolidate learning and improve retention. Try to review material within 24 hours of learning it and regularly review older material to keep it fresh in your memory.
• Seek help when needed: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when struggling with a concept or assignment. It could include contacting a teacher, tutor, or classmate for assistance.
• Stay motivated: Staying motivated can be challenging, but finding what works for you is essential. It could include setting rewards for reaching milestones or finding a study buddy to keep you accountable.

LEARN TO READ, MEMORIZE AND WRITE.

Then move on to developing practical skills, like speed reading and writing.

Here are some techniques to help you read a book and save time. Here are a few tips:

• Skimming: Skim through the book by reading the introduction, conclusion, headings, and subheadings. It will give you an overview of the main points and help you focus on the vital information.
• Scanning: Use scanning to locate specific information by quickly looking through the book for keywords or phrases relevant to your topic.
• Speed reading: Practice speed reading techniques, such as using a pacemaker to guide your eyes or reading in chunks of words at a time, to increase your reading speed.
• Take notes: Take notes while reading to help you remember important information and organize your thoughts. It will also help you to review and revise the material more efficiently.
• Use audiobooks: Consider listening to the book while doing other tasks, such as commuting or exercising. It can help you save time and absorb the material differently.

However, remember that reading quickly should not come at the expense of understanding and retaining the material. It’s essential to balance reading quickly and comprehending the information meaningfully.

Speed reading is a technique that involves increasing your reading speed without sacrificing comprehension. Here are some tips for speed reading:

• Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet, distraction-free environment to read, and turn off your phone and other electronic devices.
• Use a pacer: A pacer is an object, such as a pen or finger, moving along the page as you read. It helps your eyes move smoothly across the page and can help you avoid skipping words or lines.
• Read in chunks: Instead of reading one word at a time, try reading groups of words at once. It can help you read quickly and take in more information at once.
• Avoid subvocalization: Subvocalization is the habit of silently saying the words as you read them. It can slow down your reading speed. Instead, try to focus on the meaning of the words and phrases.
• Practice regularly: Like any skill, speed reading requires practice. Set aside time to practice speed reading daily, gradually increasing your speed over time.

It’s important to note that speed reading may only work for some and may only be suitable for some types of reading material. Some types of reading, such as complex academic texts or literature, require a slower, more deliberate reading approach to understand and appreciate the material thoroughly.

While reading is crucial, memorizing is the key to success. Get yourself prepared to learn things you read. Students can use several learning techniques to improve their ability to recall information. Here are some examples:

• Repetition: Repeating information thoroughly can help it stick in your memory. It can be done by reciting information out loud, writing it down multiple times, or creating flashcards to review.
• Visualization: Creating mental images of the information you’re trying to remember can make it more memorable. For example, you could picture a map in your mind to remember the locations of different countries.
• Mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory aids that use associations or acronyms to help remember information. For example, “ROY G BIV” is a mnemonic for remembering the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
• Chunking: Chunking involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. It makes it easier to remember the data and helps with organization and categorization.
• Association: Associating new information with something you already know can help it stick in your memory. For example, you could remember a person’s name by associating it with something they are wearing or a feature of their appearance.
• Elaboration: Elaboration involves adding meaning or context to information to make it more memorable. It can be done by asking questions about the data, relating it to personal experiences, or creating a story around it.

Remember that different techniques may work better for further information or learning styles. Experiment with other memorizing techniques to find what works best for you.

Finally, concentrate on writing. That is the critical element of your studies, and that’s typically how your professor assesses your knowledge.

Learning to write an essay quickly takes practice, but here are some tips to help you improve:

• Plan: Before you start writing, make a plan for your essay. It includes brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, and organizing your thoughts. It will save you time later on and help you write more efficiently.
• Use a template: Consider using a template or formula for your essay. It can help you structure your essay quickly and ensure you include all the necessary elements, such as an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Focus on the thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise and state your essay’s central argument or point. Focus on this statement throughout your paper to keep your writing on track.
• Use simple language: Avoid using complicated words or sentences that can slow down your writing process. Instead, use simple language to communicate your ideas clearly and efficiently.
• Edit as you go: Instead of waiting until the end to edit your essay, try editing as you go. It can help you catch errors and improve the overall quality of your writing.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice writing essays, the faster and more efficient you will become. Set aside time to practice writing essays on different topics, and try to get feedback from others to help you improve.

Remember that writing a good essay takes time and effort. While it’s essential to work quickly, make sure that you also focus on the quality of your writing and the strength of your argument.

GET USED TO WORKING UNDER PRESSURE

Work under pressure. You are going to be overloaded with assignments most of the time.

When a student is overloaded, it’s essential to take steps to help them manage their stress and workload. Here are some things that can be done:

• Prioritize tasks: Work with the student to prioritize their homework and assignments based on importance and deadline. Help them break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.
• Encourage breaks: Students should take breaks when studying or working on assignments to prevent burnout and improve focus. Suggest exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.
• Provide support: Offer emotional support and encouragement to the student, and let them know you are there to help them if needed. Connect them with resources such as counselling services or academic support if necessary.
• Teach time management skills: Help students develop time management skills to balance their academic responsibilities with other commitments. It includes setting realistic goals, using a planner or calendar, and learning to say no to additional obligations when necessary.
• Be flexible: Be flexible with deadlines or requirements to help alleviate some of the pressure on the student. Work with them to find solutions that work for both of you.

Remember that each student is different and may require different types of support. Listen to their needs and concerns, and work with them to find the best solutions.

USE COMMON LIFE HACKS

We have prepared here some of the most common life hacks used by students to improve their academic results:

• Creating a study schedule: Students often create a study schedule or plan to help them manage their time and stay on track with assignments and exam preparation.
• Taking good notes: good note-taking skills can help students retain information and stay organized. Students may use different note-taking methods such as outlining, mind mapping, or Cornell note-taking.
• Finding a study group or partner: Studying with others can help students stay motivated and accountable. They can also share ideas, ask questions, and explain concepts to each other.
• Using online resources: There are many online resources available to students, such as educational videos, practice quizzes, and interactive tutorials. Students can use these resources to supplement their learning and improve their understanding of complex concepts.
• Practicing past exams: Practicing past exams or sample questions can help students prepare for exams and get a sense of the types of questions that may be asked.
• Taking care of themselves: Taking care of physical and mental health is essential for academic success. It includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Remember, academic success is not just about using life hacks or study techniques; it also requires hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset. Students should focus on developing good study habits and maintaining a positive attitude toward their education.