1. Plan two hours of study time for every hour
you spend in class
students making the transition from high school to higher education are often unaware that more is expected of them. The benefits of following this rule will be apparent at exam time.
students making the transition from high school to higher education are often unaware that more is expected of them. The benefits of following this rule will be apparent at exam time.
2. Study difficult (or boring) subjects first.
If your chemistry problems put you to sleep, go to them first, while you are fresh. If you discover that you continually avoid a subject, that course is a potential trouble area. Take a look at the circumstance of this behavior.
If your chemistry problems put you to sleep, go to them first, while you are fresh. If you discover that you continually avoid a subject, that course is a potential trouble area. Take a look at the circumstance of this behavior.
3. Avoid scheduling marathon study sessions
three 3-hour sessions are more productive than one 9-hour session. With a great deal of study ahead of you, the temptation is to put off by sharpening a dozen of pencils and changing the light bulbs. When you study, take planned breaks every hour. Focus for short spans, then give your brain a rest.
three 3-hour sessions are more productive than one 9-hour session. With a great deal of study ahead of you, the temptation is to put off by sharpening a dozen of pencils and changing the light bulbs. When you study, take planned breaks every hour. Focus for short spans, then give your brain a rest.
4. Be aware of your best time of day.
One hour of daylight study is worth one and one half hours of nighttime study. Study your most difficult subjects when the sun is up.
One hour of daylight study is worth one and one half hours of nighttime study. Study your most difficult subjects when the sun is up.
5. Use waiting time.
Five minutes waiting for the bus, 20 minutes between classes - waiting adds up fast. Have short study tasks ready to do during these times: 3x5 cards with equations, formulas, or definitions can be pulled out anywhere; class notes can be reviewed in fifteen minutes if you are prepared.
Five minutes waiting for the bus, 20 minutes between classes - waiting adds up fast. Have short study tasks ready to do during these times: 3x5 cards with equations, formulas, or definitions can be pulled out anywhere; class notes can be reviewed in fifteen minutes if you are prepared.
6. Pay attention to your attention.
Breaks in concentration are often caused by internal interruptions; your own thoughts jumping in to tell you another story about the world. What then happens, notice the thoughts and let them go.
Breaks in concentration are often caused by internal interruptions; your own thoughts jumping in to tell you another story about the world. What then happens, notice the thoughts and let them go.
7. Agree with living mates about study time.
Make the rules clear, and be sure to follow them yourself. Make explicit agreements not to disturb or tempt each other during study hours.
Make the rules clear, and be sure to follow them yourself. Make explicit agreements not to disturb or tempt each other during study hours.
8. Avoid noise distractions.
The overwhelming majority of research indicates that silence is the best form of music for study. Some students have reported good results with carefully selected and controlled music.
The overwhelming majority of research indicates that silence is the best form of music for study. Some students have reported good results with carefully selected and controlled music.
9. Notice how others misuse your time.
Be aware of repeat offenders, ask yourself are certain friends who consistently interrupt your study time. If avoiding the interrupter is impractical, send a clear message.
Be aware of repeat offenders, ask yourself are certain friends who consistently interrupt your study time. If avoiding the interrupter is impractical, send a clear message.
10. Turn off the phone
A cell phone is the perfect interrupter. You don't have to be a text or phone victim. If a simple, "I can't talk, I'm studying" doesn't work, use dead silence. It's a conversation killer. If you assume that you are responsible for the texts and calls you receive, than take control of the situation.
A cell phone is the perfect interrupter. You don't have to be a text or phone victim. If a simple, "I can't talk, I'm studying" doesn't work, use dead silence. It's a conversation killer. If you assume that you are responsible for the texts and calls you receive, than take control of the situation.
11. Learn to say no.
This is a valuable time-saver for students and a valuable life skill. Many people feel it is rude to refuse a request. Saying no can be done effectively and courteously. When you tell people that you can't comply yourself because you are busy educating yourself, 99% will understand.
This is a valuable time-saver for students and a valuable life skill. Many people feel it is rude to refuse a request. Saying no can be done effectively and courteously. When you tell people that you can't comply yourself because you are busy educating yourself, 99% will understand.
12. Hang a "do not disturb" sign on
your door.
They work. Using one will relieve you of making a decision about cutting off each interruption - a time-saver itself.
They work. Using one will relieve you of making a decision about cutting off each interruption - a time-saver itself.
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