It can be overwhelming to start a new curriculum in college. But optimizing your study skills can help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Many students find the transition from high school to college studies overwhelming. Finding the best way to study with a new class load can also be difficult.
Multi-modal learning is the key to effective study methods. Jessie Schwab is a psychologist and preceptor in the Harvard College Writing Program. She says that we often misjudge how much we have learned. It is not enough to be able to recite information that you have memorized.
Schwab says that despite decades of research in cognitive science, learners often misjudge their abilities. “Memorization may seem like learning, yet we haven’t really processed the information to be able to recall it hours or days later.”
College success is dependent on planning and finding the right support. This blog offers study tips and strategies that will help you to survive (and thrive!) This blog will provide study tips and strategies to help you survive (and thrive!) in your first college course.
1. Don’t Cram!
While it may be tempting to rush through your study for the big exam, research shows that this does not lead to better long-term learning.
According to an article by the American Psychological Association, students may do well on a test they have crammed for, but this does not mean that they truly understand the material. Studies have shown that long-term learning is better than cramming.
2. Plan and stick to it!
A study plan that includes goals will help you to feel prepared. It can also give you a guideline. Schwab says that procrastination can be a mistake students make when they transition to university-level courses.
Schwab says that students often have a lower workload in high school. “Don’t cram,” is one of her biggest pieces of advice. Set yourself a schedule and stick to it.
3. Ask for help
It’s not necessary to struggle alone through difficult material. In high school, many students don’t seek extra help, but it is quite common in college.
Our guide on pursuing a major in biology explains that you should be proactive and identify areas where assistance is needed. Seek out this assistance immediately. The longer you delay, the harder it is to catch up.
You can get help from your professors, peers, and tutors. Harvard’s Academic Resource Center provides academic coaching, workshops and peer tutoring for students.
4. Use the Buddy System
You are not alone in your struggles. Form a group of classmates to discuss material, brainstorm and support one another through difficult times.
You can quiz each other and explain the material to them. This will help you build a support network that you can use throughout the course.
5. Discover Your Learning Style
You may need to spend some time (and make a few mistakes!) It may take some time (and trial and error!) to find the best study method for you. You can test your knowledge in many ways beyond just reviewing your notes and flashcards.
Schwab suggests trying out different strategies by using metacognition. Metacognition is the process of analyzing one’s own cognitive processes. It can help one determine what study methods work best for one.
Schwab recommends practising the following steps.
- Review what you know and what you expect to learn before you begin reading a new chapter.
- Take notes as you listen or read. Make a note of other topics or connections you see or hear. Note down any questions you may have.
- After you have learned what you need to know, ask yourself any remaining questions and try to find answers.
Discover summer courses for students in high school.
6. Take breaks
The brain can only absorb a certain amount of information at a time. National Institutes of Health research shows that taking breaks between study sessions improves retention.
Wakeful rest is just as crucial as practice when it comes to learning a new technique. Resting allows the brain to consolidate and compress memories from what we have just done.
You should allow your brain to be refreshed by allowing time for relaxation and sleeping between sessions.
7. Cultivate a Productive Space
The place you study is just as important to your success as the way you study.
You should find a place that is distraction-free and where you can easily access all of the supplies and materials you require. Have a snack nearby and a water bottle to keep you hydrated.
8. Reward Yourself
It can be not easy to maintain your mental and emotional stamina while studying.
Studies show that rewarding yourself during a task can increase your enjoyment and interest.
Science Daily reported that small rewards at various stages of the process, rather than saving them all for the end, can keep motivation high.
Treat yourself to ice cream after a long study session or watch an episode of a favourite show.
9. Review. Review.
The best way to remember information is to practice what you have learned.
Researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork argue that “desirable difficulty” can enhance the learning process. Test yourself with flashcards, for example. They are more difficult than reading a book, but they will result in better learning over the long term.
Schwab adds, “Another analogy that is often used to strengthen memory is weightlifting. You have to “exercise” those muscles in order to achieve this.
10. Set specific goals
You can track your progress by setting specific goals. Psychology Today suggests using the SMART Method:
- Specific: Make sure you have a plan that is specific and measurable. For example, “I will go to the library every day from 2 to 4 pm.
- Measurable benchmark: Set a goal to increase your exam score or study for a specific number of hours to achieve a benchmark.
- Realistic: Your goals should be realistic to avoid getting discouraged. If you study for two hours a week, you could increase your time to three or even four hours.
- Your goals should be time-specific. They should align with your academic schedule and other obligations.
These study tips will help you get the most from the material you are studying in class and set you up to succeed for the rest of your academic career.
