Study Techniques

When to Study

• Find out how you use and misuse your time before making any changes.
• Plan two hours of study time for every hour spent in class. There are exceptions, but this is a good general rule. Students making the transition from high school or community college are often unaware of the increased workload expected of them. The benefits of following the rule will be apparent at exam time.
• Study difficult (or boring) subjects first. If your chemistry problems put you to sleep, complete them first, while you are fresh. Most of us tend to do what we like first, yet the courses we find most difficult require the most creative energy. Save the subjects you enjoy for later.
• Avoid scheduling marathon study sessions. When possible, study in shorter sessions. Three three-hour sessions are far more productive for most students than one nine-hour session. When you do study in long sessions, take a planned break every hour. Work on several subjects and avoid studying similar subjects back to back.
• Be aware of your best time of day. Many students learn best during daylight hours. Observe yourself and, if this is true of you, schedule study time for your most difficult subjects when the sun is shining. The key point is to determine your best learning time. If early morning doesn't work for you, find out what time is better.
• Use waiting time. Five minutes waiting time for the bus, 20 minutes waiting for the dentist, 10 minutes between classes -- waiting time adds up fast. Have short study tasks ready for these times. For example, carry 3X5 index cards with equations, formulas, or definitions and pull them out anywhere. Also, use time between classes or breaks during work to review class notes or notes on reading. A solid review of a lecture can be completed in 15 minutes, and even five minutes can be valuable if you are prepared.
• Keep a calendar for the semester. Keep track of all of your assignments, tests, and papers.
• Make a weekly to-do list of important tasks and assignments that you need to complete. Be sure to prioritize the list and do the most important tasks first.

Where to Study

• Use a regular study area. Your body knows where you are. When you use the same place to study, day after day, your body becomes trained. When you arrive at that particular place, it will automatically sense that it's time to study. You will focus your concentration more quickly.
• Don't get too comfortable. Put yourself into a situation where your mind is alert.
• Use the library. Libraries are designed for learning. Entering a library is a signal to your body to quiet the mind and get to work. Most students can get more done in a shorter time at the library.
• Set up study groups. A study group doesn't take the place of individual study, but it forces you to articulate concepts and makes a review more fun and productive.
• Also, it helps keep your review on schedule and helps you to avoid procrastination.

How to Handle the Rest of the World

• Pay attention to your attention. Breaks in concentration are often caused by internal interruptions; your own thoughts jump in to tell you another story about the world. If this happens too often, perhaps you need to find a different study time or place.
• Agree with living mates about study time. This includes roommates, wives, husbands, parents, and/or kids.
• Make the rules clear and be sure to follow them yourself. Make explicit agreements -- even written contracts. Hang a "do not disturb" sign on your door. One student always wears a colorful hat when he wants to study. When his roommates see the hat, they respect his wish to be left alone.
• Avoid noise distractions. Don't study in front of the TV. Turn off the stereo. Many students insist that they study better with music, and that may be true. Some students have reported good results with carefully selected and controlled music. The overwhelming majority of research, however, indicates that silence is the best form of music for study.
• Notice how others misuse your time. Be aware of repeat offenders. Ask yourself if there are certain friends or relatives who consistently interrupt your study time. If avoiding them is impractical, send a clear (but gentle) message. Sometimes others don't realize they are breaking your concentration.
• Get off the phone. You don't have to be a telephone victim. Try saying, "I can't talk right now, I'm studying" or activate your answering machine. Or avoid the whole problem by studying at the library.
• Learn to say no. This is a valuable time saver for students and a valuable life skill. Many people feel it is rude to refuse a request. Saying "no" can be done effectively and courteously. Others want you to succeed as a student. When you tell them that you can't comply with a request because you are busy educating yourself, 99% will understand.

Adapted from: Becoming a Master Student, by David Ellis. (College Survival, Inc.)