A good study routine can make or break your academic success.
Developing a study skill set takes practice, but the basic principles are something every student should be familiar with.
You’ll find that getting into a productive study routine will make it much easier to focus, learn and retain information to the best of your abilities.
Here are six basic principles of creating a successful study routine that students should consider, according to Dummies.com:
1. Space
You need to make room to learn, both physically and mentally. Clear your mind and your space so that you are able to focus only on the topic at hand you’re trying to absorb. Make yourself comfortable in every way possible so that studying is a better experience for you.
2. Place
It can look office-like or comfortable, whatever you prefer. Create a space that’s dedicated to studying and that you know will be conducive to your attention span.
You want your area to be somewhere you can relax and feel comfortable without tempting you to fall asleep!
3. Pace
There’s no one size fits all answers to pacing your study routine. Consider what pace works best for you and plan out your time according to that schedule.
Obviously, if you work at a slow pace, you will need to set aside more time but, if that’s the way you learn; you’ll get the most benefit from working at that pace.
4. Memory
Organize your study session to fit how your brain memorizes. Most of what we retain is at the beginning and end of the session – not the middle.
Be sure to study the most important aspects at the beginning and end of each study session to ensure you’ve got the best chance of retaining the important information.
5. Method
Create a plan that helps keep you focused on the task at hand. It will be easier to manage everything you need to cover if you break it down into simpler goals.
It will also help keep you focused if the goals are topic specific, so that you’re able to check them off your list as you’re studying.
That way, you can keep track of your accomplishments and how much further you have to go.
6. Mind Maps
Building mind maps can help you visualize information clearly and efficiently – even more so than lists. It’s a great way to visually outline information into categories, subcategories, etc.
It’s also a great way to take notes and aids in the understanding of difficult concepts.
If you’re not completely sure how to mind map, there are even smartphone apps, like Simplemind+, to help you create them.
Did you find implementing these study methods was helpful? Why or why not?
Did you find implementing these study methods was helpful? Why or why not?
