Studying How To Study
Fall is here! Classes have begun and a new semester is
underway. Success in classes is dependent upon effective study habits. But with
so many different ways to study, it can be hard to know how to study well. Cramming
for tests and projects can lead to decreased happiness and increased stress
levels. Below are some ways to help create great study habits to reduce stress
and increase result!
Using Your Technology to Your Advantage:
A Science Direct study showed that 64.3% of students used
laptops in at least one class. However, students reported that they used their
computer for other activities during class than to take lecture notes. 25% of
students played games, 43% of students surfed the web, 68% of students used
messaging apps, and 81% of students checked email. All in all, students used
their computer to take notes for an average of 17 minutes during a 75-minute
class! If you use a computer, make sure you limit the distractions. It is
always a good idea to throw it back to the old days and hand write notes.
Learning Time Management
The best way to create effective study habits is to learn
how to manage your time well. It is important to set realistic goals for
yourself so you are not studying at the last minute. Based on the literature,
it is best to study for 30-50 minutes with a 10-minute break. The main goal of
studying is to retain knowledge. Retention rate is 60% higher when information
is reviewed within 24 hours of hearing it.
Studying Technique
Everyone learns differently. Some techniques to studying
are: re-read notes, re-write notes, use flashcards, and make personal examples.
Even though listening to music may feel good, a 2010 Applied Cognitive
Psychology study showed that participants who listened to music while studying
had worse recall abilities compared to those who did not listen to music while
studying. Also, a study done by UCLA indicated cramming has been shown to push
information into the short-term memory rather than the long-term memory. So,
find a study technique that feels right for you and follow it!
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
It is common knowledge that you should get 6-8 hours of
sleep a night. You may think that you can perform well without sleep, but it
has been shown that only 2% of people can do well with 5-6 hours of sleep and
chances are you aren’t really in that group. Sleeping allows the information to
sink in and a study done by Hendrix College showed that those who work at night
get an average of 41 minutes less of sleep per night. The “night owls” had an
average GPA of 2.84 while those who wake up around 8 am or earlier had an
average GPA of 3.18. Get enough sleep at night, and you’ll see the benefits in
the class room!