How to Study: Techniques and Tips for All Students
As we enter a new school year, especially one that looks quite different from what we have been used to over the past two years, getting back into a routine and re-learning studying strategies that may have worked for you before the pandemic, is something that every student is struggling with. You are not alone! As we return back to entirely in-person classes, tests, exams, etc. The idea of studying and performing well may seem almost impossible. I am here to reassure you that it is most certainly possible and okay if it takes you a couple of tries to stick with one studying technique that works. I would also like to point out one more thing before we discuss any studying tips or techniques: There is no ONE PERFECT way that will magically make you achieve 90% on all your tests and assignments; it simply just does not exist. If there is one thing I hope to get across to all of you reading this today, it is this: Studying is something that is personal and can take a while to find what works best for YOU but that is okay and part of the process. Now, with that being said, I would like to go over some really important tips for studying effectively including some techniques that are recognized as study methods by students across Canada and the entire world.
Studying Effectively
Tip #1: Organize your Calendar
If there is one tip that I would like to start with, it would most definitely be organization! Learning how to plan and organize your time throughout the day and especially on a week-to-week basis is one of the most essential parts of succeeding in your academics. It is important to go over deadlines, due dates, and test dates to effectively plan out your study schedule weeks in advance. This ensures that you have taken the necessary means to block off ample time to study for tests and complete assignments, allowing you to make time for yourself and personal care. As a high school or university student, academics can also become a primary responsibility to secondary commitments; many of you are actively involved in your school and local community by volunteering, working, clubs and many other fun activities. However, it is important to also note that completing these activities requires time, and blocking off time to complete tasks for extracurricular activities is super important as well. Having a combined agenda for academics and for extracurriculars is one way to go, but having separate ones can also help to separate time and tasks to be seen as less overwhelming. Once again, there are no RIGHT way for organizing your time but there is always one right way for you. I hope these suggestions help you find the one.
Tip #2: Remove Yourself from Distractions
Whether it be at the library, at a friend’s house, or even in your own bed (because I know we all have done it), make sure you are aware of your surroundings and are taking active steps to remove any major distractions from the room where you are studying. This is the key to keeping focused and getting things done in the specified time they are blocked off for. I know this may be hard to hear but when you are studying and beginning an intense study session, TURN OFF YOUR PHONE, or better yet, leave it in the other room. It may seem as if turning off your phone is enough, but staring at it will remind you of the many things you have to look at. These thoughts are inhibiting your ability to study and focus on solely the information you are trying to learn. Also, when you are in public places or even in your own room, having some background noise (white noise) is a great way to keep your focus, since listening to music or other people’s conversations can also get in the way of your focus and are major distractions.
Tip #3: Ask Questions
As many of you have already started school this week, I am sure your teachers/professors have told you this piece of advice, but, it can never hurt to reinforce it because if one thing should stick with you, it is this: Ask questions if you are stuck! If you are confused about whatever it is you are learning about, ask your peers and classmates. A really amazing trick I think is super helpful (and also applies to problem-solving situations anywhere) is the “three before me” rule. This not only will encourage you to make friends (especially when it is the first day and you know nobody) but it will also enhance your self-regulation and initiative which teachers and professors love to see from their students. The “three before me” is a rule that outlines the fact that as a student, you should try and ask your question(s) to three of your peers and/or classmates before asking your professor/teacher/TA etc., because many times it may be a miscommunication or misunderstanding that can be sorted out with another pair of eyes amongst your classmates. This rule is really great and I encourage you to use it when asking questions or inquiring about a topic presented to you.
The three tips I have outlined above have helped me tremendously as a newly second-year university student, and for any of you beginning high school, university, or even continuing throughout your educational career, these tips are habits that will only help you in reaching your future academic and personal goals.
How to Study: Techniques for all Students
Technique #1: Pomodoro Method
Although you may not believe me, learning how to study effectively is a science, and therefore research has been and continues to be done in this field. Even if one exact formula for studying “correctly” is not achievable, validating that some study strategies work better than others is definitely a fact. One of the most common studying techniques used globally to study any subject is the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique is focused on using one’s time wisely in that you break up a time block into chunks to redirect your focus and attention after shorter time blocks. For some people, their attention spans may be smaller and therefore staring at a screen for seven hours trying to memorize an entire biology textbook is not effective for them. With the Pomodoro Technique, you decide on the time blocks you wish to study with. For example, 30 minutes, where you would leave the last 5 minutes as a break for you. However, once the five minutes is up, your distraction goes away and you repeat this ‘Pomodoro cycle’ for multiple cycles. It is traditionally repeated four times before taking a longer 15 to 20-minute break. This is a really great technique for people who get distracted and lose focus quickly because the timer enhances the urgency behind finishing the task within the given time limit. Be sure to test it out and see if it works for you! Here is a link that can help you start your Pomodoro studying session: https://pomofocus.io/
Technique #2: Study Groups
Study groups are exactly what they sound like — studying in groups! For some, independent study methods work more effectively than large group study sessions and that is completely okay. However, for some, it takes other people whether that be peers, friends, or classmates, to motivate them into studying. It is a really great way to learn how other people study and perhaps learn something new as well. Finding a study group that matches your interests and study focus is extremely beneficial and you have someone to ask questions right there if you have any during your study session. If independent work is something that does not seem too enticing, perhaps trying to find a study group on your campus or from your class may be a great way to spark that study motivation inside you!
Technique #3: The Feynman Technique
The Feynman Technique is another really great way to get right into an intense study session and make use of your time because we all know, time is precious. This technique is especially helpful for learning concepts and being able to understand them rather than memorizing them. As you continue through your academic career, most of what you learn is not factually based but rather application based. Although it may seem as if what you are learning are quick facts, learning how to apply them and use the knowledge you have learned in real-life situations is what will help you succeed on assessments. How this technique works is that you have to write the subject/concept you are studying at the top of a piece of paper and then try to explain it in your own words. The best way to try and “explain it in your own words” would be to try and imagine you are teaching it to a group of younger students who have no idea what you’re talking about. Being able to confidently teach the topic to someone else is a great indicator of how well you understand the topic and your ability to apply it to a test and/or assignment in the future. After you have reviewed what you wrote and identified any missing pieces of information, it is important to go back to your notes and clarify where you went wrong and correct your answer.
I am sure you are thinking about how cool these studying techniques are because I sure am! After learning about the hundreds of different ways to study, it reassured me that I would be able to find one that works for me to help me succeed in my academics. Be sure to try some of these tips and techniques out because I promise you they will only help and give you more motivation! Also, stay tuned for our upcoming blog series which will continue to touch on some back-to-school insider tips to calm all your back-to-school jitters.
About the Writer
Wynter Sutchy is a second-year undergraduate student at McMaster University studying Biology (Physiology) and is from King City, ON. She is very passionate about the healthcare field and enjoys sharing her volunteering experiences through writing. She plans to pursue a career in medicine in the future and plans to explore the field of healthcare through research and volunteering throughout her undergraduate career. In her free time, you can expect her to be watching her favourite show, Greys Anatomy, teaching children how to swim, or baking some delicious desserts!
