Effective Learning : Study Tips

Study notes

• Don't forget to review them 
• Make them in your own words
• Organize them in an appropriate and useful way: color coding, drawings, icons, mind maps, charts, diagrams...

To-do list / Planner

It helps you to be more organized, to allocate your time better and to prioritize your tasks.

Limit the distractions 

Silence your smartphone, use noise-canceling headphones, chose a quiet place where you feel comfortable (but probably not your bed).

Or, in case you are looking for some ideas about productive things to do instead of scrolling on your phone, check this article.

Change the scenery

Changing your studying environment can have a positive effect on your concentration and retention levels.

Underlining

It’s the simplest and easiest way to memorize information more effectively (if you don’t start underlining entire paragraphs). You should highlight one key sentence per paragraph and a few important phrases here and there.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an affective group activity for generating ideas. It’s a creative way frequently used for problem solving and can also be practiced individually.  

Take on the role of a teacher

Studies show that you will be more engaged and focused on learning if you are expected to take the teacher’s role.

Positive study environment

Tidy desk, maybe with a plant (proven to increase productivity), inspiration or mood board, away from noises, natural light…

Flashcards

Easy and affordable way to test your knowledge and you can bring them everywhere and revise. Especially useful when trying to assimilate different facts, dates, formulas or vocabulary.

Mind mapping

A way of organizing information in the form of a diagram which helps you remember and can also be used for brainstorming, outlining essays or study topics and for exam preparation. 

Learning style

• Visual learners - drawing, mapping, or writing out notes visually. 
• Auditory learners - listening to other people explaining ideas or concepts.
• Kinesthetic or tactile learners - absorb information best by trying their hand at something.

Take practice tests

A good way to test your knowledge and to see where you need to focus more. Also, it’s proven that students retain 50% more information after taking practice tests.

Listen to music

It is up to you whether you will put some musical background. 

• classical music (proven to boost concentration)
• instrumental music

Drawing

Many people find it easier to recall images rather than text, that is why they are better able to memorize concepts if they associate them with pictures or drawings.

Mnemonic rules

It is a memory tool which is especially useful when memorizing lists and sets. How it works: associating certain concepts with other concepts that are more familiar to us. Many of the mnemonics engage images, senses, emotions, and patterns. Learn some useful practices here. 

Track your progress

You can try to keep a checklist for each subject area you intend to cover. This will help you stay more focused and organized.