Strategies for Effective Study Habits

Summary

In this video, Justine, a writing and study skills tutor, shares strategies for developing effective study habits. She emphasizes the importance of scheduling study time, creating routines, and taking breaks to avoid burnout. The video also highlights the value of focusing on comprehension rather than mere memorization, using techniques like making connections, teaching others, and creating study guides. Justine suggests a focused study plan leading up to tests, including reviewing notes, practicing key concepts, and simulating test conditions. The goal is to make studying a habit and improve long-term academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Schedule study sessions like appointments to create a regular routine.
• 😀 Make studying a habit by setting a specific time and location for your sessions.
• 😀 Reward yourself after study sessions to reinforce your study habit.
• 😀 Focus on comprehension rather than just memorization for deeper understanding.
• 😀 Relate new material to your personal experiences to make it easier to remember.
• 😀 Rewrite notes in your own words to enhance understanding and retention.
• 😀 Teaching what you've learned to others can help reinforce your knowledge.
• 😀 Organize your study materials by topic for better accessibility and efficiency.
• 😀 Take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• 😀 Create a focused study schedule in the days leading up to a test for optimal preparation.

Q & A

Why is it important to develop study habits in college?

In college, the material becomes more complex, and courses move more quickly. Effective study habits help students keep up with the workload and perform well in their courses.

What is the first key strategy for effective studying?

The first key strategy is to make study time a habit. This involves scheduling study sessions like appointments and ensuring self-discipline to stick to them.

How can you hold yourself accountable for study sessions?

To hold yourself accountable, you should schedule specific study times and locations, make sure you have the necessary materials, and reward yourself for completing study sessions.

How important is taking breaks during study sessions?

Taking breaks is crucial to avoid burnout. It helps maintain focus and energy. A common approach is studying for 45 minutes and then taking a 15-minute break, or adjusting based on what works best for the individual.

What should you do to organize your study materials effectively?

Organize your study materials by topic, and utilize resources like chapter tests, online quizzes, flashcard apps, and anything your instructor provides to ensure you're prepared.

What’s the difference between memorization and comprehension in studying?

While memorization may be necessary for some facts, comprehension is more important in college. Comprehension requires understanding the material analytically and being able to apply knowledge.

How can rewriting your notes help with comprehension?

Rewriting notes in your own words, comparing concepts, and making connections to personal experiences can deepen understanding and make the material easier to remember.

Why is teaching someone else a helpful study technique?

Teaching someone else forces you to explain concepts clearly, which can reinforce your understanding. This could be done with a study buddy or even speaking the material aloud to yourself.

How can you prepare for a test effectively using study guides?

You can create study guides or practice tests based on your notes. Thinking like the teacher and predicting potential test questions will help you prepare better and identify any gaps in your knowledge.

What is the suggested study plan leading up to a test?

The study plan involves reviewing notes several days before the test, practicing key points without looking at notes, completing sample tests, and using the day before the test to solidify any unclear concepts.