5 DIFFERENT / EFFECTIVE WAYS TO STUDY
When it comes to studying, we are all unique and learn in different ways. For some, they may find that they learn best by teaching, and others may learn by ‘doing’.
No matter how you choose to study, there is no one-size-fits all approach, but we’re here to talk to you about 5 of the most effective ways to study, no matter how you like to learn.
Take a Pre-Test
This might sound a little backwards, but testing yourself on the subject you’re trying to learn, before you undertake your studying, has been shown to improve post-test results more than just study itself.
Space Out Your Study
Cramming isn’t an effective solution when it comes to studying, and we recommend spacing out your studies to allow your brain, time to absorb the information given to it. Focusing on a specific topic for short periods on different days has been shown to improve retention and recall. An effective way to practice spaced study is using flash cards and self-quizzing. When using flash cards, create different piles when reviewing your cards. Cards that were answered correctly should be placed in a pile and reviewed three days later. Those answered with difficulty should be reviewed two days later, and those that were answered incorrectly should be reviewed the next day.
Practice by Self-Quizzing
Much like the methods in spacing study, self quizzing can be extremely helpful as a method of active retrieval practice. As you learn new information and topics, create questions for yourself relating to specific areas, such as what you may expect to find in a test. Take the time to answer these questions whenever you study, even if you feel that you know the answer.
Teach Others
This may sound a little confusing - afterall, how could you possibly teach someone something you’re trying to learn yourself? The benefit to teaching others is that it forces you to not only learn the information, but more importantly to understand it. If one of your ‘students’ asks for further explanation, it creates a scenario you wouldn’t have been faced with otherwise.
Paraphrase Your Learning
How many times have you read a textbook, about to turn the page, when you realise you haven’t retained any of what you’ve read? This is more common than you think, and one of the best ways to overcome this is to paraphrase each page or section as you finish it. Explain or write the information as you might explain it to a five year old, or reflect on, and ask questions about the content.