Study Skills
Learning Resources Study Skills
Studying is a significant part of how we learn, remember, and apply our learning. Even though we may think we know what "studying" is, this does not mean we always study effectively. Here are several study strategies you can explore to find the best and most effective ways to learn.
Study Ideas
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique (developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s) uses a timer to break tasks into 25-minute intervals, called Pomodoros, separated by short breaks. Named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used, this method involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. It helps reduce mental fatigue, and improve concentration and productivity while working on a task.
Steps to a Successful Pomodoro Session
- Choose a Task: Decide on the task you want to work on.
- Set a Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes (or your preferred Pomodoro length).
- Work on the Task: Focus on the task until the timer goes off. Write down any distractions to handle later.
- Take a Short Break: Then, take a 5-10 minute break.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for a total of three Pomodoros.
- Take a Longer Break: After three Pomodoros, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes before starting the cycle again.
Use the interaction below to practice the Pomodoro Technique now!
Spacing Rather than Cramming
You've likely noticed that cramming is an ineffective study strategy, but do you know why? Research on memory shows that spacing out study sessions helps improve long-term retention.
Here's how it works:
- Forgetting Helps Learning: When you give yourself time between study sessions, you might forget some information. However, relearning what you've forgotten strengthens your understanding and memory of the material.
- Better Retention: Each time you revisit and relearn information, it reinforces your knowledge, making it easier to remember in the long run.
Interleaving
Interleaving is a study strategy where students mix up their study content instead of focusing on just one type of problem during a session. For example, interleaving would involve revisiting material from previous chapters or working on different types of problems within the same study session. This approach helps your brain "mix up" the information, which may cause some short-term forgetting but ultimately enhances long-term memory and learning.
| M | T | W | Th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Read ch. 1 |
Re-read ch. 1 Read ch. 2 Take a practice quiz for ch. 1-2 |
Re-read ch. 2 Create a concept map for ch. 1-2 Reorganize notes |
Re-read notes Review items missed on practice quizzes Create practice test |
Sociology Test |
Practice Testing
You can use practice testing in two ways:
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Self-Testing While Reading: Test yourself as you read. After reading a passage, cover the material and ask, "What was the main idea of this section?" Recite or write your answer, then check it against the original text. This adds variety to your studying and reinforces comprehension.
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Creating Tests: Make flashcards or write your own test. Online tools like Quizlet can help. This method requires more effort but effectively practices retrieving information, a crucial skill for actual exams.
Teaching Others
Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn. To test yourself after your study session, explain a concept to a peer mentor during a meeting, a family member, or a friend. This process reveals how well you understand the subject and highlights areas needing more study. Teaching is a form of practice testing that requires demonstrating your knowledge in front of others, reinforcing your learning.
Note-Taking Strategies
Maximizing the effectiveness of your note-taking begins well before you set pen to paper. It starts with foundational habits such as ensuring regular class attendance and minimizing distractions, like turning off your phone. These practices lay the groundwork for capturing the essence of your lectures effectively. Remember, while there is no single correct way to take notes, adopting a methodical approach is key. By choosing an intentional, consistent, and systematic strategy, you can organize your thoughts and determine the note-taking techniques that resonate most with your learning style. Whether it’s the Outline, Cornell, or Mapping method, the right system can transform your study sessions and enhance your academic performance.
Cornell Notes
The Cornell Note-taking method divides your page into three sections. Begin by drawing two lines to create a larger right-hand section for taking notes during class. After class, summarize the key points in the left-hand column using short cues or phrases. For instance, in a US history class, you might write detailed notes on Civil War battles on the right, and then after class, list key battle names and facts on the left as study cues for you. At the bottom of the page, write a summary or conclusion to reinforce the main themes of your notes. This structured approach helps streamline the review and recall of the material.
Split-Page Method
Like Cornell Notes, the split-page method involves drawing a vertical line to divide your paper in half. Use the left-hand column to list key items like names, phrases, or formulas. Provide descriptions or details for each item on the left in the right-hand column. This method, essentially a reverse of Cornell Notes, can be used like flashcards for effective memorization practice.
Question/Evidence/Conclusion
The Q/E/C note-taking method, introduced by Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University, focuses on Questions, Evidence, and Conclusions. This method encourages a comprehensive understanding of class material by connecting all subject aspects.
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Questions: Convert the learning material into specific, straightforward questions. For instance, in a nutrition class, you might ask, "How does vitamin B impact our health?" Evidence: Document all relevant information answering the question. For the vitamin B example, note its functions in the body and the effects of its deficiency.
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Conclusions: Analyze the questions and evidence to draw conclusions. Continuing with vitamin B, you might conclude its dietary importance and list foods high in vitamin B. This structured approach helps you see how different pieces of information fit together.
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is like drawing a tree for your ideas. You start with the main idea as the trunk. Then, you draw branches for each big thought related to the main idea. Smaller branches come off these for more details. It’s a fun and easy way to see how your thoughts connect, just like looking at a tree with lots of branches! Use the mind map below to start connecting your ideas.
One tool that is commonly used for mind mapping has recently become available to you.
- Brainstorm, take notes and whiteboard in a digital space
- Collaborate with groups in real-time, communicate thinking
- Easily create diagrams, graphic organizers and other visuals
- Leverage pre-built, customizable templates, assignments, quizzes
Preparing for Class
To prepare for class effectively, complete all assigned readings and homework beforehand, ensuring you understand the material well. Review your previous notes to refresh your understanding and identify any unclear concepts. Also, outline the main topics for the upcoming class based on the syllabus or previous discussions and prepare specific questions or points of interest.
Reading Comprehension
Use the SQ4R Method
You can use the SQ4R method to ensure you’re reading as effectively as possible. It may seem like more work, but it will make your reading more efficient!
Explore these other reading strategies available to you and use the SQ4R Reading tool the next time you read!
Annotating involves adding notes or comments to a text to clarify or explain its content. As you read, jot down small notes directly on the page to enhance your understanding and retention. The style of these notes can vary, and we'll explore different annotating techniques later.
Use a highlighter or pen to mark important passages you want to remember or locate later. Highlighting is most effective when used sparingly; if too much text is highlighted, it loses effectiveness. This visual aid helps quickly find important information during review sessions.
Identify the thesis statement to grasp the context quickly, especially in academic articles. Typically found in the first few paragraphs, the thesis statement outlines the central argument or purpose of the text, providing a clear snapshot of what the author intends to convey. We'll delve into how to locate and interpret the thesis statement in more detail later.
This can improve focus and retention, as hearing the information can help some learners process the text more effectively.
Before reading, scan the text to get an overview. Look at headings, subheadings, images, and any highlighted or bolded words to anticipate the content and structure.
Skim the text to grasp the main ideas without reading every word. Quickly scan to find specific information, such as names, dates, or facts.
Break the text into manageable chunks or sections. Tackle each section individually, which makes dense or lengthy readings more manageable.
Engage with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and connecting the material to your experiences or other knowledge. This helps deepen understanding and makes the reading more relevant.
Use techniques like the Cornell method, mind mapping, or annotating directly on the text. This helps to organize information and makes reviewing key concepts easier.
After reading, write a brief summary or paraphrase important points in your own words. This practice reinforces memory and comprehension.
Help-Seeking
To help you effectively study, reach out to your TA, a campus tutor, or your professor to ask for guidance and feedback on an assignment. Professors and TAs intentionally set up office hours for students to attend and ask questions! Contact these people for help; they are here to teach and help you.
Be respectful and professional when reaching out for assistance. Address your professor by "professor [Last Name]" or "Dr. [Last Name]" if they have a PhD. Also, add information like the course name and section if your professor or TA teaches multiple sections of the same class.
Peer-to-Peer Connection
Another great way to study is with other people! Studying in a group can alleviate stress and help you connect with and build relationships with people you may not know yet. Working in groups also allows people to share different perspectives and insights, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the material. Start by talking to the people sitting around you in class and asking if they want to study together.
Tip for Contacting Peers
Leverage tools provided in your class, such as discussion boards, group chats, or class lists, to reach out and propose the idea of a study group to people in your class.
Using Resources Provided
Utilizing the resources provided by your professor, such as lecture slides, reading materials, and additional references, can also enhance your understanding of the course content and improve your academic performance. These resources are tailored to complement your learning and offer valuable insights and deeper explorations into the subject matter. If you need to know what resources are provided, ask your instructor!