It can often feel like studying is a never-ending battle with time — there always seems to be more work to do than time in which to complete it. However, it’s often not about how much time you have, but rather about how effectively you’re able to use your time when you sit down.
Whether you’re a high school student preparing for exam season or working part-time while completing online RN programs for non nurses, knowing how to study effectively makes all the difference. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your studying time.
Identify your learning style and adapt your study methods
Everyone has a different learning style. Some people learn better visually. Others, auditorily. Others can only learn by having conversations with other people. How you learn most effectively can have a huge impact on the best study method for you.
If you’re a visual learner, you should try to include as many diagrams as possible, or make use of tools like mind maps and presentations. Alternatively, if you’re an auditory learner or someone who learns best from engaging in conversations, you should try to find podcasts that cover your area of study or create study groups with others studying the same thing.
To find your learning style, try taking an online quiz and tailoring your study method to the result.
Utilize time management techniques
There are many time management techniques out there that can help you reduce procrastination, achieve flow state, and make the most of your time. They don’t all need to work for you — actually, you only need to discover one that works well and stick with it.
Many people swear by the Pomodoro technique, where you break your work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks, usually 5 minutes each. Then, after four of these 25-minute intervals, you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. People who use the Pomodoro technique say it improves their focus and reduces burnout by ensuring they get regular breaks.
Other techniques include more traditional methods, like making use of a calendar or a diary (whether online or on paper), or using reminders and to-do lists to break down big chunks of work into achievable and less daunting steps.
Practice effective note-taking
There are many ways to take notes, and some are more effective than others. Experimenting with different ways of structuring your note-taking can help you find ways to record information that facilitates finding and revising it later.
For example, some people take down notes the way their brain hears something – what we call a brain dump. However, although this tactic can be useful for brainstorming and getting all your ideas down on paper, it often makes it hard to go back and find the information you need when you’re revising.
Another popular way to do note-taking is to use the Cornell method. This is where you divide a page into three sections: a note-taking area, a cues or questions column, and a summary space. In the note-taking section, you record your main notes from lectures or readings, as you would do traditionally. Then, in the cues/questions column, you write key terms, questions, or ideas that help you understand the notes and jog your memory. Then, in the summary space at the bottom of the page, you summarize the main points covered in that particular content. This method helps facilitate active learning and better organization, and makes it easier for you to self-assess on the material.
Develop daily study habits
At the end of the day, study, like any other productive task, needs to become a habit to reap the most generous rewards.
Embedding study into your daily routine means your body can get accustomed to when and where you study. It can also allow you to minimize procrastination and combat any reluctance you may feel about starting the task.
Even if you don’t study for hours every day, getting into the habit of doing it daily is crucial. If you combine daily habits with some of the techniques we’ve listed today, you’ll be able to get more done with less time.
