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How to Study and Make the Most of Your Time
- This web page on study skills, and what some may refer to as study tips, is designed to help you improve your learning and
understanding, and ultimately your grades. It is not so large the Effective Study Skills
Latest update: December 28, 2012at it would require you to engage in mind-numbing reading of chapter after
chapter as is the case with many books on the subject. The information is written in a way to help you "see" and "practice" proven study
techniques. This page is used in hundreds of schools and universities and is currently ranked by Google and Bing in the top ten for plain
old "study skills" and "how to study effectively" and #1 by Google and Bing for "effective study skills"
Want more? Available now is a new, inexpensive download or CD on how to improve not just your study skills,
but your learning skills as well. It is the new Catalyst: Balanced Study Skills, that includes in one program a greatly enhanced version of
all the information below, and much, much more, including a new section on how to get better math grades and
self-motivation. After all, isn't what works what really counts?
There is little doubt that no two people study the same way, and it is a near certainty that what works for one person may not work for
another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you
have to take is going to be so interesting that studying it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish.
Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. If you are reading this page, it's likely
that you are not one of them, but don't despair, there is hope! Your success in high school and college is dependent on your ability to
study effectively and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and low or failing grades. It's your life, your
time, and your future. All I can say, upon reflection of many years as a teacher, is that time is precious and not to be squandered, no
matter what you believe right now.
This guide is designed to help you develop effective study skills. It is not a magic formula for success in preparing for tests, or written or
oral assignments. Studying any material requires work! However, by using the techniques described in this guide, and by applying
yourself, you can gain a valuable edge in understanding material, preparing for tests, and, ultimately, learning. This guide contains some of
the best and most effective techniques of successful students - students who typically have high grades in high school and college
regardless of the courses they take.
So read on, think about what you read, and prepare to become a successful student! If you have
questions, comments or suggestions, please send to me.
Effective Study skills are about more than understanding
Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually
do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better.
This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on
this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to
be an achiever, take this saying to heart.
The value of a schedule
Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan for
studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out
schedule can be a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how to develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most
Effective Study Skills
important, follow it.
A schedule saves time
All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good
schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've got to want to do it!
Making every hour count
A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There are givens
such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a
weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time.
Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time
available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.
When to study
The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and
have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.
Studying for lecture courses
If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand.
If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.
Studying for recitation courses
For classes that require recitation, such as foreign language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the time to
practice. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your skills in a before-class study period.
Making and revising a schedule
Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work,
revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule
building becomes easier.
The Process of Study
How to use your time
Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide
you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away
valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your
success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.
Where to study
You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all,
the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out
of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.
Strategies
Thinking skills
Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied, but must be built up over a period of
time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you're not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that
make you ask yourself questions as you read. Talk to other students who you feel are good thinkers. Ask them what it is they do when
they think critically or creatively. Often times, you can pick up valuable insights to help you become a better thinker.
The SQ3R method
The SQ3R method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Take a
moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a good slogan to commit to memory to carry out an effective study strategy.
Survey - get the best overall picture of what you're going to study BEFORE you study it in any detail. It's like looking at a road map
before going on a trip. If you don't know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.
Question - ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. Questions should lead to emphasis
on the what, why, how, when, who and where of study content. Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will
help to make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will make an impression on you. Those things that
make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more easily remembered. Don't be afraid to write your questions in the margins of
textbooks, on lecture notes, or wherever it makes sense.
Read - Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively. Read to answer questions you have asked
yourself or questions the instructor or author has asked. Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The authors intend that this material
receive special emphasis. Also, when you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often times tables,
graphs and illustrations can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.
Effective Study Skills
Recite - When you recite, you stop reading periodically to recall what you have read. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of
concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what graphs, charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop an overall concept of what
you have read in your own words and thoughts. Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know. When you do this
periodically, the chances are you will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays and objective tests.
Review - A review is a survey of what you have covered. It is a review of what you are supposed to accomplish, not what you are going
to do. Rereading is an important part of the review process. Reread with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the
process. During review, it's a good time to go over notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand.
The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something. Don't wait until just before an examination to begin the review
process. Before an examination, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your
knowledge of the material. Thousands of high school and college students have followed the SQ3R steps to achieve higher grades with
less stress.
Reading
A primary means by which you acquire information is through reading. In college you're expected to do much more reading than in high
school. Don't assume just because you've "read" the assignments that is the end of it. You must learn to read with a purpose. In studying,
you may read the same assignment three or four times, each time with a different purpose. You must know before you begin reading
what your purpose is, and read accordingly.
Getting the Main Idea
Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. You must learn what the author's central idea is, and understand it in your
own way. Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in
each paragraph you read.
Extracting Important Details
Extracting important details means that you locate in your reading the basis for main ideas. There is usually one important detail
associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you
have made a link between an idea and information that supports it. The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as
ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.
Don't Read Aloud to Yourself
Generally, reading aloud to yourself does not help you study more effectively. If you move your lips while you read, you're not reading
efficiently. If you read aloud or move your lips while you're reading, you are reading slowly, so stop moving your lips. Try putting a finger
over your lips. Your finger will remind you not to move your lips. Make an effort to read faster and retain more - after a while, you'll be
surprised how little effort it will take.
Taking Notes
Like reading, note-taking is a skill which must be learned and refined. Almost invariably, note taking, or the lack of it, is a constant
deficiency in the study methods of many high school and college students. Learning the ingredients of good note taking is rather easy;
applying them to your own situation depends on how serious you are in becoming a successful student.
Where to Keep Notes
You must learn to keep notes logically and legibly. Remember, if you can't read your own writing a few days after taking notes, they are
of little use. By all accounts, the best place to keep notes is in a loose-leaf notebook. Use dividers to separate the different classes you
take. Make it a habit of using your notebook to record ALL your notes. If you're caught without your notebook and need to take notes,
always have a supply of loose-leaf paper with you. Insert your note papers into the notebook as soon as you can. Be sure to buy a good
notebook, as it will get a lot of wear and tear.
Outlining Textbooks
First of all, don't underline. Use a highlighter. Experience has shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the
same passages underlined. In outlining a text, don't just read along and highlight what seem to important words. That technique rarely
works. The act of outlining works much better.
Taking Lecture Notes
Surveying, Questioning, Listening
Taking accurate and concise lecture notes is essential. Develop the habit of taking notes using appropriate methods described earlier in
the SQ3R technique. For example, when you listen to a lecture, formulate questions as you listen. Your main job in taking lecture notes is
to be a good listener. To be a good listener, you must learn to focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down,
and then later reorganize them in your own words. Once you have done this, you have set the stage for successful reviewing and revising.
Reviewing and Revising
As you prepare for examinations, tests, or other assessments, you should spend time reviewing and revising your lecture notes. Begin the
process by reviewing your notes right after a lecture. If you wait too long, you may discover that the notes just don't make sense. Don't
hesitate to revise your notes based on the review process.
Research Notes
Any form of note-taking that requires compilation of information by categories, rather than in narrative form is best done using index cards.
Effective Study Skills
You can sort, edit and arrange index cards to suit your particular study needs. The most important point in using cards is to indicate the
correct reference or topic at the top of the card. Use the cards for study, review, to help organize information for papers, reports, or
projects. An even better idea, if you have a personal computer, is to organize your categorical information in a database. Once you set it
up, finding, updating and adding new information is quite easy. If you have a printer, you can print out your notes in a variety of ways.
Taking Examinations
Objective Examinations
Surveying
Survey any objective examination to find out what types of questions are being asked. Surveying helps you to know what to expect.
Knowing the Ground Rules
Always read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. Make sure your answers are clear. Determine what
the scoring rules for the test are and follow them to your advantage. For example, if wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you
can reduce the choices to two.
Answering Easy Questions First
Answering easy (to you) questions first is the best strategy. If you stumble over difficult questions for too long a time, you may not be able
to complete the exam.
Picking out Key Words
Objective examination questions usually contain one or more key words. A key word or group of words are those on which the truth or
falsity of a statement hinges. Learn to spot the key words in the statement that define the meaning. If a statement contains two clauses,
one of which is false, the whole statement is false. Usually, two-statement true-false questions are either both true or both false.
Reading Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups. Usually, only one alternative is correct. Your job is to
pick the alternative that is more nearly true than the others. Read multiple-choice questions the same way as for true-false. Eliminate
obvious false choices.
Reading Other Types of Questions
The methods used to answer true-false and multiple choice questions apply to matching questions as well. Always scan the entire list of
alternatives before matching any. As in the other types of questions, try to identify key words in each list and test them. Completion
questions require you to provide a word or phrase. When you encounter completion questions, choose your words carefully. If you don't
know the answer, give it your best guess, as often times such responses get at least partial credit.
Essay Examinations
Planning your time in answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests. The general rule is not to get carried away
on one or two questions to the extent that you cannot answer that other questions in the time allowed. Read through the entire
examination first. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions,
be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.
When you follow directions for an essay exam, pay attention to the key words the instructor has included. Such words as "list,"
"describe," "compare and contrast," and "outline" have special meaning. Don't "write around" the question but answer it directly. If a
question asks you to list something, don't write a narrative about it. Answering essay questions directly is always the best policy.
After scanning the list of questions to be answered, choose the ones you know most about. A good idea is to prepare an outline of your
answers. The outline will help you remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response. Another technique is to do a
"memory-dump." This technique is discussed in the last section of this guide, "Power Study Tips."
Good handwriting is an absolute essential. If your cursive writing is very hard to read, try printing instead. Most instructors value clear
handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling also count. Well-written grammatically correct answers almost always receive higher
grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers, even though the answers themselves are the same.
Writing Themes and Reports
Reviewing the Topic
Students usually have some freedom to choose the subject of themes or reports. When you make this choice, be sure that the topic is
acceptable to the teacher, and is as interesting to you as possible. Another consideration is that of availability of resource material. Your
task is made much easier when there is a good amount of reference and resource material available.
Using Correct Punctuation and Grammar
As in writing essays questions, good grammar and punctuation are a must. Most students use word processors to write papers. Be sure
to use the spell checker that almost all word processors have built in. Many word processors also have some sort of grammar checker.
Learn to use a grammar checker, as it can point out serious flaws in your writing and help you become a better writer. Most grammar
checkers explain the grammar rules that apply to the suggested corrections to your writing.
Effective Study Skills
Gathering Materials Before You Write
Before you begin writing, assemble the materials you will need. Use index cards, notes, bibliographies, summaries, reports and reviews
as part of your preparation process. Using index cards for references is an excellent way to organize your materials. Computer database
programs can also help you classify and organize reference materials.
Preparing an Outline and Writing the Paper
Once you have your topic, have gathered and organized your materials, it is time to outline your paper. Put your outline on paper! Don't
make the mistake of trying to keep everything in your head. Make your outline in the form of main headings or ideas with sub-headings
fleshing out the flow of the paper. Using the outline as a guide begin writing begin by asking yourself what the paper is going to say and
what conclusions you want to reach. Doing this ahead of time will help keep you focused and prevent you from straying from the purpose
of the paper. Making up the outline as you go along almost always results in a less than satisfactory product. Writing is important in high
school and is a key to success in college and in many professions. Become a good writer by writing, revising, and reviewing your work.
Don't be afraid to ask other students to critique your work. Try to write in your own natural style, be aware that most good writers go
through many revisions, and be prepared to do the same. Writing and test-taking are the end results of developing good study skills.
There is no magic formula for success. If you follow the suggestions in this guide, apply them and think about them, you'll have taken a
giant step toward becoming a successful student.
Power Studying Tips for College Students
The following tips have proven to be extremely powerful guides for organizing, thinking, studying, and learning in college. They represent
the best advice of successful college students. They can also work for high school students.
Study Space
Tip: Your study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, recreation
rooms, or lounges.
Tip: When studying, keep a waste basket handy.
Tip: Have a consistent place for everything, and above all, keep it there!
Tip: Have everything needed for studying handy beforehand. Don't waste valuable time looking for books, notes, of other information.
After you have assembled the items you need, put them where you can reach them easily.
Study Habits
Tip: Begin studying no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal.
Tip: Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep.
Tip: Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study, prioritize the list, and stick to it!
Tip: If possible, study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. Many students retain more by studying for short periods with breaks in
between. It all depends on what you're trying to study, but generally, after a period of study, take a break.
Tip: Take study breaks away from your desk or wherever you are studying. Let the break be a time to think about other things. Use some
break time to reflect, not constantly review what you have just studied.
The Classroom
Tip: Distractions in the classroom are deadly. To help avoid distractions, sit near the front of the class. You're less likely to miss something
important, and there are far less distractions at the front than any other location.
Tip: Think! Thinking is one of the most important things you can do in class. If you just sit there passively, and not think, class can be
deadly. Think about what the teacher is saying BEFORE writing down anything. Writing down each word is a WASTE OF TIME.
Reorganize in your mind what the teacher says, and then write it down. This way you will be connecting the teacher's words with HOW
you think. If you do this, your notes will make a lot more sense later on.
Tip: Pay attention to the course outline or syllabus. Generally, important points and materials are referenced here and repeated. Don't be
afraid to ask the teacher if there is something you don't understand. Most teachers will be glad to clarify for you.
Preparing for Class
Tip: Efficient students do not underline! Underlining is not a productive way to emphasize textbook material. It's best to use a highlighter.
Tip: Read the table of contents of your texts carefully. If the textbooks have chapter summaries, read them first! If you don't understand
the material from the summaries, go back and highlight. Take notes on what you have highlighted and review your notes. Tip: Break study
material into short segments of length dependent on its difficulty. Remember, concise notes are more powerful than copious notes. Think
about the material! Then take notes on what you don't know or are not sure of.
Test Taking
Tip: For essay examinations, try the "memory dump" technique. If permitted, write down everything you've memorized - facts, names,
dates, ideas, events, and so on BEFORE you do anything else. Sometimes reading through the essay questions can distract you from
what you've studied. The "memory dump" technique requires that you write down everything possible BEFORE you begin writing essay
answers. This way, you are less likely to forget something important.
Effective Study Skills
A Final Word
The study skills presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really
don't want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas, or outlines can help much. You are the one who is
responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you. To that end, one last word of advice -- work smart, not hard.
The Life Train
- 1. Life on the train A while back, I read a very interesting book that compared life to a train ride or a series of train rides .
- 2. Life is like a train ride, it read. We get on. We ride. We get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will translate into great moments of joy, some will result in profound sorrow.
- 3. Wenn wir geboren werden und in den Zug einsteigen, treffen wir Menschen, von denen wir gauben, dass sie uns während unserer ganzen Reise begleiten werden: unsere Eltern. When we are born and we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey. Those people are our parents!
- 4. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their ever presence.
- 5. There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us, in turn.
- 6. These people are our brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances, whom we will learn to love, and cherish.
- 7. Some people consider their journey like a jaunty tour. They will just go merrily along .
- 8. Others, will encounter many upsets, tears, losses on their journey. Others still,
- will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.
- 9. Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off…. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly, they will scarcely leave a sign that they ever travelled along with you or ever crossed your path…
- 10. We will sometimes be upset that some passengers whom we love, will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, there’s nothing that says we can’t seek them out anyway.
- 11. Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them because that seat will already be taken .
- 12. That’s okay …everyone’s journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of it… no matter what...
- 13. We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone.
- 14. Remember that at any moment during our journey, any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help.
- 15. We too may vacillate or hesitate, even trip… hopefully we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding…
- 16. The bigger mystery of our journey is that we don’t know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop. Not even those sitting in the seat next to us.
- 17. Personally, I know I’ll be sad to make my final stop…. I’m sure of it! My separation from all those friends and acquaintances I made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those I’m close to will be a sad thing. But then again, I’m certain that one day I’ll get to the main station only to meet up with everone else. They’ll all be carrying their baggage… most of which they didn’t have when they first got on this train.
- 18. I’ll be glad to see them again. I’ll also be glad to have contributed to their baggage… and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to my baggage and enriched my life.
- 19. We’re all on this train ride together. Above all, we should all try to strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time.
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