No matter how much you love learning, we all know studying can become a dull, tedious activity that often leaves you wondering if that degree/diploma is even worth it. Even the brightest of students face blocks in motivation to study. We’ve put together some effective strategies and techniques that can help you learn more efficiently and retain information better.
Here are some study hacks you can try:
- Make a schedule
Create a schedule around your work or classes that includes study time, breaks, and activities that you enjoy. Stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you have enough time to studying all the material you need to learn. - Practice self-care
Make sure that you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthy meals to nourish your body and help you stay focused and alert. Getting enough sleep is especially important for retaining information and staying focused during your study sessions. - Take breaks
Allow yourself to take breaks throughout your study period. Taking regular breaks will help you stay fresh and focused. After taking a break, you can go back to the learning material and ensure you haven’t missed anything. - Set achievable goals
Define what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, achievable goals. Make sure you also reward yourself when you reach them. This will help you stay motivated and engaged in your studies. - Study with a group
Studying by yourself can become boring after a while and make you feel less motivated. Join a study group to share ideas, ask questions, and get feedback from others. You can also study with a friend in the same class to help one another. - Use active learning techniques
Active learning techniques, such as practice problems, flashcards, and summarizing notes, have been proven to be more effective than passive learning techniques, such as re-reading notes or textbooks. Find an active learning technique that you enjoy and works best for you to retain information. - Eliminate Distractions
One of the most crucial tasks for being productive is eliminating distraction. Find a quiet, distraction-free study space and turn off your phone and other electronics. Libraries or quiet cafes can be great for this. Otherwise, you can create a space for yourself in your home, where you feel comfortable staying for a long period of time and feel focused. - Test yourself
Test yourself on the material you are studying by asking yourself questions, creating flashcards, or taking a mock test prior to your actual exams. Reviewing your material regularly will assist you to reinforce what you have learned and prevent you from forgetting information before your test/exam. If you also already taken a similar practice test, you’ll feel more confident going into the real thing. - Stay organized
Keep your study materials organized so that you can easily find what you need when you need it. This can include creating folders for different subjects or highlighting your notes/textbooks. Always keep your materials for class prepared and easy to find. - Ask for help
Asking for help can feel daunting but is actually very valuable to your success. There is no shame in asking for help, especially when you find yourself struggling. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, tutors, or classmates to assist you with a specific concept or topic.
We hope these hacks will help you in your educational journey. Remember, the most important thing is to find the study strategies that work best for you. Experiment with different techniques until you find what works and what you enjoy best for your learning style. Feel free to share what other study hacks not listed help you the most!
