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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSet the Stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you experiment with any of the different studying methods we discuss, create the conditions in your body and external environment to learn and retain information. Here are some pre-studying techniques worth trying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Get a good night\u2019s sleep:\u00a0<\/strong>A 2019 study found a positive relationship between students\u2019 grades and how much sleep they\u2019re getting.1<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0However, this doesn\u2019t only mean getting eight hours of sleep before a big test. What matters even more is getting enough sleep for several nights before you do most of your studying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch up your study environment:<\/strong>\u00a0This might not seem like a promising strategy for how to study effectively, but studies show that switching up your environment can increase recall performance.2<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0Instead of studying at home every day, try checking out a new coffee spot each week or heading to your local library. A change in scenery can be one of the best study methods to improve your memory and concentration levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stick with an environment that works:<\/strong>\u00a0If you have a good study space at home or a caf\u00e9 that is reliably productive, it makes sense to stick with this when you are under pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listen to calming music:<\/strong>\u00a0You can listen to any music you like, but many agree that tuning into classical, instrumental and lo-fi beats is one of the best ways to study and can help you pay attention to the task. Songs with lyrics can be distracting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eliminate distractions:<\/strong>\u00a0Silence your phone and annoying background noises such as the TV or radio. Make a pact to avoid checking social media until the end of your study session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Snack on smart food:<\/strong>\u00a0Coffee and candy will give you a temporary boost, but then you\u2019ll have a blood sugar crash. For energy that is more focused and sustainable, try healthy snacks such as edamame, apples or nuts.3<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
10 Study Methods & Tips That Actually Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. The SQ3R Studying Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The SQ3R method can be one of the best studying techniques to help students identify key facts and retain information within their textbook. SQ3R (or SQRRR) is an acronym that stands for the five steps of the reading comprehension process.<\/strong>4<\/sup><\/a> Try this process for a more efficient and effective study session:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Survey:<\/strong>\u00a0Instead of reading the entire book, start by skimming the first chapter and taking notes on headings, subheadings, images or other standout features like charts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Question:\u00a0<\/strong>Formulate questions around the chapter\u2019s content, such as: What is this chapter about? What do I already know about this subject?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read:\u00a0<\/strong>Begin reading the chapter and look for answers to the questions you formulated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recite:<\/strong>\u00a0After reading a section, summarize in your own words what you just read. Try recalling and identifying major points and answering questions from the second step.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Review:\u00a0<\/strong>Once you have finished the chapter, review the material to fully understand it. Quiz yourself on the questions you created and re-read any portions you need to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can try these study techniques for college before taking your final exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Retrieval Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Retrieval practice is a studying technique based on remembering at a later time.5<\/sup><\/a> Recalling an answer to a question improves learning more than looking for the answer in your textbook.<\/strong> Remembering and writing down the answer to a flashcard is more effective than thinking you know the answer and flipping the card over early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you practice retrieval, you are more likely to remember the information later. Below are some ways for how to study effectively by integrating the retrieval process into your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Utilize practice tests:\u00a0<\/strong>Use practice tests or questions to quiz yourself without looking at your book or notes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Craft unique questions:<\/strong>\u00a0Be your teacher and create questions you think would be on a test. If you\u2019re in a study group, encourage others to do the same and trade questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use flashcards:<\/strong>\u00a0Create flashcards, but practice your retrieval technique. Instead of flipping a card over prematurely, write the answer down and check.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Spaced Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Spaced practice, or distributed practice is one of the best ways to study complex material.6<\/sup><\/a> It encourages students to study over an extended period instead of cramming the night before.<\/strong> When our brains almost forget something, they work harder to recall that information. Spacing out your studying allows your mind to make connections between ideas and build upon the knowledge that can be easily recalled later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To try this study technique, review your material in spaced intervals similar to the schedule below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Day 1:<\/strong>\u00a0Learn the material in class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Day 2:<\/strong>\u00a0Revisit and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Day 3:<\/strong>\u00a0Revisit and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After one week:\u00a0<\/strong>Revisit and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After two weeks:<\/strong>\u00a0Revisit and review.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When figuring out how to study effectively, It\u2019s important to start planning early. At the beginning of each semester, schedule time each day to study and review the material. Even if your exams are months away, this will help you hold yourself accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. The PQ4R Method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Similar to the SQ3R method, PQ4R is an acronym that stands for the six steps in the process.7<\/sup><\/a> It\u2019s one of the best study methods because it takes an active approach to learning. By implementing it, you can improve memorization and understanding of a topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Preview:<\/strong>\u00a0Preview the information before you start reading to get an idea of the subject. Skim the material and read only the headers, subheadings, and highlighted text.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Question:<\/strong>\u00a0Ask yourself questions related to the topic, such as: What do I expect to learn? What do I already know about this topic?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read:\u00a0<\/strong>Read the information one section at a time and try to identify answers to your questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reflect:\u00a0<\/strong>Did you answer all of your questions? If not, go back and see if you can find the answer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Recite:<\/strong>\u00a0In your own words, speak or write down a summary of the information you just read.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Review:\u00a0Look over the material again and answer any remaining questions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. The Feynman Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Feynman Technique is one of the more effective study techniques of learning a concept quickly by explaining it in plain and simple terms.8<\/sup><\/a> It\u2019s based on the idea, \u201cIf you want to understand something well, try to explain it simply.\u201d<\/strong> What that means is, by attempting to explain a concept in our own words, we are likely to understand it a lot faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How it works:<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Set the Stage: Write the subject or concept you are studying at the top of a sheet of paper and jot down everything you know about it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ELI5: Then, explain it in your own words as if you were teaching someone without a basic understanding of it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assess & Study: Review what you wrote and identify areas where you were wrong. Then, go back to your notes or reading material and figure out the correct answer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organize, Convey & Review: Lastly, if there are any areas in your writing where you used technical terms or complex language, go back and rewrite these sections in simpler terms for someone who doesn\u2019t have the educational background you have. Review your new understanding of the subject.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6. Leitner System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Question:<\/strong>\u00a0Ask yourself questions related to the topic, such as: What do I expect to learn? What do I already know about this topic?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Day 2:<\/strong>\u00a0Revisit and review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Craft unique questions:<\/strong>\u00a0Be your teacher and create questions you think would be on a test. If you\u2019re in a study group, encourage others to do the same and trade questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Question:\u00a0<\/strong>Formulate questions around the chapter\u2019s content, such as: What is this chapter about? What do I already know about this subject?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Switch up your study environment:<\/strong>\u00a0This might not seem like a promising strategy for how to study effectively, but studies show that switching up your environment can increase recall performance.2<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0Instead of studying at home every day, try checking out a new coffee spot each week or heading to your local library. A change in scenery can be one of the best study methods to improve your memory and concentration levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n