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How to Study

The process of studying can both be very demanding and at the same time very smile if adequate planning is put into it. Being in college can mean that there are different courses that a student takes and hence balancing of time is critical. The student does not want to spend all their time with their head buried in books, but they also need to explore other things to make the learning process as enriching as possible. To do this, a student has to learn which learning style best applies to them. There also needs to be coordination with their peers as well as the instructor. Effective studying means getting to know what works for you and what doesn’t (Turner & Elizabeth 98).

It is imperative that the students are comfortable with their choice of course. It doesn’t help if the student lacks motivation because they feel that what they are doing does not give them fulfillment. The first step is, therefore, to make sure that their chosen course is one that makes the student feel that they can use the knowledge gained to make their own lives better as well as those around them. Once the desired course has been chosen the students can then concern tare on making sure that they gain all the knowledge that they can.

Several methods can be sued to make the learning process as enjoyable as possible. Students can study in groups with their peers. Peer studies can help the student to learn what works and what doesn’t work for others so that they can gain some insight into their study habits as well. Students will also feel more comfortable discussing areas that they find challenging that they might be too shy to share with their teachers in class. Peer teaching is also a tactic that teachers can use to make the learning process more interactive.

Students should be approach study time with a positive attitude. Before embarking on a study period, the student should make sure that they affirm their strengths and be willing to learn from their weaknesses. Studying is often a cumbersome task that students have a very negative perception. This should however not be the case as attitude towards studying is everything, it determines whether you pass or not. One approach is to study to learn new things and not just for the sake of passing exams. This will make the process of stung more useful and informative. When study time is merely impossible during a time of many distractions, the student should postpone this time because they will hardly have any retention capacity (Dweck 34). Thoughts such as ‘I am a failure’ should be banished entirely. Comparing oneself to others is sure to be detrimental to effective studying especially if the

Study environment is also critical. Studying while lying down in bed or while trying to watch a movie or have a conversation with a friend is bound to lead to failure. When looking for study place, make sure it quiet and conducive for learning. A library or quiet classroom is adequate and it is devoid of distraction. After selecting a suitable place to study, the student should also make sure that they bring only the materials they need for a particular study period. Al the books, papers, and other equipment required should be assembled before time so that there is no running back and forth (Entwistle & Ramsden 13). Carrying electronic devices such as laptops and phones will make study time less effective as the student is tempted to check their social media or send texts, defeating the whole purpose of studying in a suitable environment.

Notes that are taken in class are important in memory. If a student borrows noted from their peers, they should also rewrite the records in their own words to encourage retention on their mind. It is also essential to incorporate all the senses when studying so that information can be recalled more easily. Memory games and mnemonics are beneficial in recollection. The brain will be more stimulated t recall visual images that are created in mind during study time. Make notes, use colored paper and pens and come up with new initials to store the information more effectively in the brain.

Practice makes perfect, and this also applies in studying effectively. A student may choose to study with friends who have the same attitude or even a better view so that they can motivate each other. Use of sample papers and other materials will also help the students to feel more accustomed to questions they come across. However, past exam pares should not be considered the actual papers as this might lead to disappointment during the day of the exam when there are no similar questions to those previously studied. Use flashcards to test retention capacity. Students should also set up a realistic study guide that will yield more effective results. All the points discussed relate to smart studying and not just studying hard. All students would benefit by applying these methods for effective studying.

Works Cited

Dweck, Carol S., Gregory M. Walton, and Geoffrey L. Cohen. “Academic Tenacity: Mindsets and Skills that Promote Long-Term Learning.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2014).

Entwistle, Noel, and Paul Ramsden. Understanding student learning (Routledge revivals). Routledge, 2015.

Turner, Patrick, and Elizabeth Thompson. “College retention initiatives meeting the needs of millennial freshman students.” College student journal 48.1 (2014): 94-104.