Happy Monday! This week, let’s talk about study habits. I know we’re all in the thick of mid-terms. We’re stressed, a little burnt out, and in need of some motivation. To assist in our venture to do well on the next exam, let’s outline some techniques that experts have proven effective.
1. What kind of learner am I?
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, “I’m a visual learner”. But what does this mean? What kind of learner are you? According to this resource, there are three learning styles: auditory, visual, and tactile. For most of us, we’re a combination, and we can’t be confined to one style or identity. However, there is some merit in this categorization. Rather than a strict doctrine use this information to guide and inspire new study tactics. Take the quiz here: http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml
Auditory:
Auditory learners learn by hearing and listening. You understand and remember information based on what you heard, you store information by the way it sounds, and you find it easier to understand spoken direction rather than written. Often, you learn by reading out loud because you require that audio component.
Some indicators that you are an auditory learner include the habit of humming r=or talking to yourself or others when bored. Also, people may think that you are not paying attention when in reality, it is possible that through hearing you understand everything being said.
Study tips:
Listen to podcasts.
Sit where you can hear.
Use flashcards to learn new words; read them out loud.
Read stories, assignments, or directions out loud.
Record yourself spelling words and then listen to the recording
Have test questions read to you out loud.
Study new material by reading it out loud.
Visual:
Visual learners learn by reading or seeing pictures, photos, or diagrams. These learners understand and remember information using sight. You picture what you are learning in your head. Some indicators you are a visual learner: you’re generally neat and clean, you often close your eyes to visualize or remember something, and you will watch something if you become bored. You may struggle with spoken directions and get distracted by sounds. Conversely, you are attracted to color and stories rich in imagery.
Study tips:
Sit near the front of the classroom.
Use flashcards to learn new words.
Try to visualize things that you hear or things that are read to you.
Write down keywords, ideas, or instructions.
Draw pictures to help explain new concepts and then explain the pictures.
Color code (!!) things.
Avoid distractions during study times.
Tactile:
Tactile learners learn by touching and doing. You can be described as a "hands-on" learner who prefers physical movement: touch, move, build, or draw what you learn. You require activity and frequent breaks, you speak with your hands (gestures), and you do not like to sit still.
Tactile learners enjoy taking things apart and putting things together, you “tinker”. You may be well coordinated or have athletic ability. You can easily remember things that were done but may have difficulty remembering what you saw or heard, and you often communicate via touch.
Study tips:
Participate in activities that involve touching, building, moving, or drawing.
Do lots of hands-on activities like completing art projects, taking walks, or acting out stories.
It's OK to chew gum, walk around, or rock in a chair while reading or studying.
Use flashcards and arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas.
Trace words with your finger to learn to spell (finger spelling).
Take frequent breaks during reading or studying periods (frequent, but not long).
It's OK to tap a pencil, shake your foot, or hold on to something while learning.
Use a computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch.
2. Taking Breaks
According to MIT, we learn better by switching gears frequently. They recommend the most effective time management for studying is to study in one-hour blocks (50 minutes of study with a ten-minute break). Meanwhile, shorter periods are sufficient for smaller tasks, but these longer, one-hour periods are necessary for problem-solving and writing papers.
3. Short-term goals
Concerning short-term goals, a common structure is SMART goals (SMART = specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely).
Specific – the desired outcome is stated clearly.
Measurable – since you’ve listed specific steps, it’s easy to see that you’re following them.
Attainable – you’ve given yourself daily and weekly goals that lead to an achievable semester goal.
Realistic - the steps you’ve chosen come from current research on the best ways to be academically successful.
Timely – it’s something you can begin on immediately that will move you toward your desired end.
Here is an example:
BAD example
GOAL: get better grades
PLAN: study harder
SELF-EVALUATION: improved GPA at the end of the term
GOOD example
GOAL: I will raise my cumulative GPA by the end of the semester
PLAN:
Go to every class, every day
Study every day, during the day
I will review my notes before class starts and I’ll review my notes as soon as possible after class
I will attend instructor/TA office hours weekly
I will visit the help room weekly
I will meet another student in each class
I will review each exam carefully so I know where I’ve made mistakes
SELF-EVALUATION:
I will learn how my grade is calculated so I’m always aware of how I’m doing
I will get to know the instructor/TA so I can get their feedback on my progress
The second example adheres to the guidelines of SMART goals. Some examples of short-term goal setting include…
Finish X chapter by tonight
Do 30 minutes of review work every day
Watch these Crash Course videos by Wednesday
Personally, I like to tell myself “finish X task” before I check my phone. For example, I will finish taking notes on a full chapter before I let myself check my phone, meaning that I cannot check it at all before I accomplish that task. This motivates me and encourages focus.
4. Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a “time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have—rather than against it”. According to the method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks, also known as “pomodoros”. After around four pomodoros, you can take longer breaks of 15-20 minutes. During the breaks, completely rest by breathing, meditating, grabbing a cup of coffee, going for a short walk, or stretching.
The benefits of this technique are as follows:
“Handle interruptions
Reduce the length and number of meetings
Reduce estimation errors
Improve motivation by improving the content of work
Transform time from being an enemy to being an ally to achieve your goals
Meet deadlines without time pressure
Share with your team members the same point of view about what to do
Create an effective team timetable to reach multiple goals, handle unplanned events, tasks, emergencies, and change
Reduce the complexity of your goals and the relative uncertainty of reaching them
Optimize the interaction between team members needed to complete tasks”
5. Active learning
As opposed to passive learning, active learning involves practicing skills, solving problems, struggling with complex questions, proposing solutions, and explaining ideas in original words through writing and discussion.
Here is an example from Seattle Pacific University:
6. Location, location, location!
As opposed to studying in bed, you should utilize a designated study space. However, the ideal location for you may not be the ideal study location for someone else. While some students prefer studying in a small cubical absent of noise and other stimuli, others appreciate studying in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
In choosing your designated study space, consider the following...
Find a comfortable desk or table area.
Decide if you are more productive in an open or closed environment.
Commit to studying only in this space and using this space only for studying.
Establish an appropriate atmosphere and attitude.
Consider what lighting and temperature increase your ability to concentrate.
Bring plenty of healthy snacks and water.
Avoid sitting down on a couch or soft surface that will tempt you to doze off.
Ensure study supplies, such as notebooks, paper, headphones, note cards, pencils, calculators, etc. are always readily available.
Keep calendar/planner accessible.
Bring notes, practice tests, texts, test calendar, syllabi, and laptop.
Ultimately, there is no one perfect way to study. Finding your ideal strategies may require trial and error, but there’s a tactic for everyone. :)
Resources: