Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder
In college, students often find their high school study habits ineffective. College is different from high school, with professors less personally involved, larger classes, higher exams, and more intense reading. However, there are many active, effective study strategies that can be effective in college classes.
To improve your study habits, consider the following tips:
1. Read is not studying. Reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. Active engagement involves constructing meaning from text, making connections to lectures, forming examples, and regulating your own learning.
2. Create a study guide by topic, formulating questions and problems, and writing complete answers.
3. Become a teacher, saying the information aloud in your own words as if you are the instructor and teaching the concepts to a class.
4. Derive examples that relate to your own experiences.
5. Create concept maps or diagrams that explain the material.
6. Develop symbols that represent concepts.
7. For non-technical classes, figure out the big ideas so you can explain, contrast, and re-evaluate them.
8. Study in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion.
Organization and planning are essential for actively studying for your courses. When studying for a test, organize your materials first and then begin active reviewing by topic. Use professors’ subtopics on the syllabi as a guide to help organize your materials.
Understand the Study Cycle, developed by Frank Christ, which breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and checking your understanding.
However, many students try to take shortcuts and miss opportunities for good learning. For example, skipping a reading before class because the professor covers the same material in class may miss a key opportunity to learn in different modes (reading and listening) and to develop critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, studying smarter not harder is crucial for effective learning in college classes. By incorporating these tips into your study routine, you can efficiently and effectively learn course material.