Effective study tips for students

Most students have been taught to lock themselves in a room and study a topic for hours until they master it, however, new study methods that may seem counter-intuitive at first are proving more effective than methods that have been used for years. From alternating study locations to resisting the urge to cram the night before an exam, there are simple changes you can make in your study routine that will help you learn and retain material faster. We look at 4 of the tips this week. Next week we look at another 4:

1. Take good notes: Taking good notes involves dating each entry and keeping notes for different classes separate from each other. In addition, write down anything your instructor writes on the board. If the instructor took the time to write it out, he or she considers it important. If possible, try to take your notes in outline form. The organization of ideas is as important as the content of those ideas, especially when it comes to learning exam material.

2. Review your notes every day: Spend 30 minutes each evening going over notes from each class. Research shows that reviewing new material within 24 hours after hearing it increases your retention of that material significantly. In addition, reviewing material before the next class period allows you to identify points of confusion which will prepare you to ask the questions you need to ask before the next class.

3. Alternate study locations: Alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information. Although you may have a favourite spot to study, research suggests that it is better to change locations. Memory is influenced by location, so changing your study locale increases the likelihood of remembering what you learned. 4. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential when it comes to effective study habits. When you’re tired, you think more slowly and tend not to retain as much information. If you want to get the most out of your study sessions, make sure you get enough sleep.