Tips For Effective Study Technique
Reflect on your study habits and preferences.
After conquering the battle of time management, the next challenge students often face is studying effectively with the right techniques. If you've been following my newsletter, you might recall our previous discussion on time management for students.
Studying isn't just about hitting the books; it's an art form in itself, a craft you can tailor to your preferences. We can all agree that understanding, exploring, and being able to teach a particular concept is an art.
So, how do you mould this art form to your taste? These tips will help you in your subsequent studies.
Get a Good Night's Sleep
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Contrary to popular belief, getting adequate sleep is a critical step in preparing for effective study sessions. Aim for at least 5 hours of rest before diving into your study routine. Even if you occasionally pull an all-nighter, ensuring a good night's sleep on other days can help you stay focused during your late-night study sessions or on days when you have tests or exams.
Know What Works for You
Reflect on your study habits and preferences. Are you a solo learner or do you thrive in study groups? It's crucial to identify what suits you best. For example, if you find that group studying hampers your focus and retention, don't hesitate to pursue independent study and rejoin the group for discussions and questions. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to studying.
Switch Up Your Environment
As James Clear highlights in his book "Atomic Habits," making your study environment attractive and conducive to learning is essential. Your surroundings can greatly impact your study productivity. Find a well-lit, comfortable, and dedicated space for studying. Minimize distractions and reserve this area exclusively for study purposes.
Study at Your Pace
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Just like elastic, humans have limits too. When you push beyond your capacity, you risk burnout. If you find yourself spending more time on a single topic than usual or struggling to focus, it's a sign to take a break. Review what you've learned, rest, and return to your studies later. Your brain needs rest to absorb and retain information effectively.
Snack on Brain-Friendly Foods
Having a snack handy during your study sessions can be a wise choice, but not just any snack will do. Opt for brain-friendly options like nuts, sliced apples, or dark chocolates to fuel your mind without causing energy crashes.
Choose a Study Method that Suits You
Explore different study techniques and discover which one aligns best with your learning style. Two effective methods are SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) and PQ4R (Pre-question, Question, Read, Recite, Reflect, Review).
1. SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review):
Survey: This is the initial step where you skim through the material you're about to study. Look at the headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or bold text. This gives you a sense of the content's structure and what to expect.
Question: In this step, you generate questions based on the material you've surveyed. Create questions that encourage deeper understanding. For example, instead of asking, "What is this chapter about?" you might ask, "What are the main concepts discussed in this chapter?"
Read: This is the core reading step. You dive into the material, focusing on understanding the content thoroughly. Take notes, underline key points, and actively engage with the text.
Recite: During your reading, you likely took notes or highlighted important information. In this step, you recite or restate these key points in your own words. This process helps solidify your understanding and memory of the material.
Review: After you've gone through the material, go back to the questions you generated earlier and answer them based on what you've learned. This step reinforces your comprehension and helps identify areas where you might need further study.
SQ3R is a structured method for breaking down and comprehending complex information effectively.
PQ4R (Pre-question, Question, Read, Recite, Reflect, Review):
Pre-question: Before diving into the material, think about what you already know about the topic. This step activates your prior knowledge, helping you relate new information to what you already understand.
Question: Similar to SQ3R, generate questions based on the material you're about to study. These questions should encourage a deeper understanding of the content.
Read: Actively read the material, paying attention to details and key concepts. Take notes and highlight important information as you go.
Recite: As in SQ3R, restate the key points you've gathered from your reading in your own words. This reinforces your understanding and helps commit the information to memory.
Reflect: In this step, relate the concepts you've learned to your personal experiences or real-life situations. Reflect on how the material connects to your life, making it more relatable and memorable.
Review: Go back to the questions you generated earlier and answer them based on what you've learned. This final review step ensures that you've grasped the material thoroughly.
PQ4R is an expanded version of SQ3R, with the addition of the "Pre-question" and "Reflect" steps, making it even more comprehensive for deep learning and retention.
Both techniques can be adapted to various learning styles and subjects, allowing students to choose the approach that works best for them. The key is to actively engage with the material, break it down into manageable parts, and reflect on its relevance to your life and learning goals.
Remember, you don't have to follow these steps in a strict sequence. Adapt and choose what works for you based on your preferences and learning style. Additionally, consider using study apps like My Math Alarm Clock, Quizlet, Anki, Evernote, and Forest to enhance your study experience.
I hope you find these study techniques and app recommendations valuable. If you encounter any challenges while implementing them, don't hesitate to reach out. Studying can be an enjoyable journey when you discover the methods that resonate with you. Happy studying!
Writteb by: Islamiyyah Oladokun