It’s a question that tortures every student: How can I improve my study skills? Is there any way to do it fast and effectively?
First off, you need to realize why you need to boost your study skills. The benefits of being a lifelong learner are numerous. For example, you’ll spend considerably less time doing homework. Then, you get used to learning and stay more concentrated when studying. And, of course, you train your brain and memorize information better. Enjoy the advantages!
The National University of Ireland in Galway developed an appealing guide for students in higher education. It includes overviews of learning techniques, strategies on wise time management and planning. When analyzed, make use of some handy tips on boosting your study skills and working out a habit to learn.
What are the components of successful study skills development?
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Set a goal
It doesn’t matter what, exactly, you’re doing – it’s vital to have a goal. If you don’t, you’ll never reach your potential. A goal is like a driving force for you. Planning is possible when you know what you’re going to get in the end.
Now your goal is to sharpen your study skills and spend less time studying. It’s a good thing to start with. So your task is to draw up your plan for a week, a month or a year in such a manner that every single activity will move you forward toward the final goal.
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Manage your notes
Start moving toward your goal with a plan. Plan your day, week and year, and set subgoals. The best way not to miss a thing is to take notes. Of course, you can stick to an old-school manner of noting or take advantage of up-to-date planners and organizers like to-do calendar planner.
Additionally, it has always been helpful to use sticky notes. They work as reminders. Besides usual sticky notes, a number of note-taking applications exist. Try Evernote, Freeology, NotesHolder, OneNote or any other tool to enjoy quick noting.
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Manage your study time
Note what you need to do and define approximate times for each task. Don’t forget that in addition to studying and working, you need to sleep, eat, socialize and finish household tasks. Make sure to leave enough time for leisure: You cannot study productively if you feel exhausted every day.
And one more thing not to be missed: Consider your biorhythms. It’s important to understand when it’s more comfortable for you to work – in the morning or at night – and based on this, allow time for studying.
Here’s a checklist that a guide for students in higher education gives to make sure you do everything right:
- keep your timetable layout simple
- keep the schedule realistic and leave time for urgent tasks
- divide your time into “have to” and “want to”
- assess how you use your time
- assess how much time you need for sleep, rest and other needs
- exercise
- mind what you eat
- define how much time you need to study and consider your deadlines
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Choose a comfortable workplace
Don’t underestimate the power of your surroundings: Background noise, temperature, and tidiness all influence your mood and study productivity. How can people memorize information if there are so many distracting things around them? Choose a place for studying where you can concentrate and work without interruption.
Also have a place where you can keep your manuals and notebooks. They should be within your reach and quite close to your working place so you don’t get sidetracked.
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Read and research
You form your study habits only when you work systematically. If you know how to compile library, carry out Internet research and check for plagiarism (doing it on regular basis) , if you have a thirst for knowledge and learning new things, and if you’re a good reader and listener, half of the battle is won. You know that your efforts equal your final results, and you can be sure to achieve your goals if you follow the read-and-research advice.
