Are you spending hours studying and still not getting the results you hoped for? You’re not alone. The problem isn’t how long you study, but likely the efficiency of your studying. Maximizing your efficiency will ensure that what you’ve studied really sinks in (and also means less time spent studying!)
With exam period once again around the corner, follow these 5 tips to ensure you make the most of your study time.
1. Divide and Conquer
When studying for long periods of time, you are more likely to remember what was first and last and forget what was in between. To make sure you remember all the material, divide your study time into smaller sessions. Try studying for 25 minutes at a time, with a 5 minute break in between. This may seem short, but you will get much more out of your time this way.
2. Pair up
Working with a partner or even a small group gives you the opportunity to see the material from a different perspective and learn some new tricks. Even if your friend is not in the same courses, having a designated study partner will keep you both accountable, motivated and on track. On top of that, the social interaction will make studying more stimulating so that you are more likely to remember what was reviewed.
3. Be Well Rested
Pulling all-night study sessions may seem like a good idea at the time, but these actually do very little for our efficiency. Take time to study when you are fresh and awake (a coffee can help, but you shouldn’t need 3 to keep your eyes open). Being well rested means being more alert, which will allow you to retain much more information. Try reviewing your notes after a good night’s sleep or even after a quick work out.
4. Don’t Memorize
Memorizing is a common mistake we’ve likely all made. Instead of memorizing the material, focus on understanding it. When you understand the material and can explain it in your own words, you are much more likely to remember it later on. You will then be equipped to tackle any question on the exam, not just the practice questions you memorized.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to remember what you’ve learned is to apply it, which means practice, practice, and more practice! Use as many practice questions, textbook quizzes and in class tests as you can. You can get your hands on some past exams, quizzes and study materials at StuDocu, which will give you the best idea of what to expect come exam time.
Written by Julia Stamp
