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Successful Studying
For a lot of students, ‘studying’ takes on a new meaning
once they enter college. While many might picture themselves pouring
over a stack of books in the library for hours on end, attempting to
memorize as much as possible, what most people refer to as ‘studying’
in college is far less intense. Studying in college basically means
just doing your work – reading every chapter, turning in every
assignment and asking questions when you have them.
Not that bad, right? Right – as long as you develop
the proper skills. While no two students are exactly alike, here are
some time-tested tricks to help keep you on the track to successful
studying. If these don’t seem to work for you, make an appointment
with Jacki Miskimins to design
a personalized study plan.
| Go to class... |
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If it sounds obvious, it’s because it is. Going to class
– every class, on time – is the absolute easiest
way to stay on top of your studies. Beyond the passive learning
you’ll be doing just by sitting there, you will also develop
a relationship with your instructor and build your reputation
as a student. Being in class is also the only reliable way to
make sure you know exactly what is due when, if there are any
changes to the syllabus, and what your instructor expects of
you. If that’s not enough encouragement for you, consider:
in many classes, attendance is required – so don’t
let your grade slip just so you can sleep in!
 Action
Item: Go to class. Every class. On time.
Action
Item: Either don’t bring your cell phone or don’t
touch it during class.
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| Fight the urge to sleep in or start
your weekend early – as one professor puts it, “Just
showing up to class is half the battle. Show up, pay attention,
and you’ll be just fine.” |
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| Do more than just
go to class... |
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Ok, so now you’re awake and in class, right?
Good – but you’ve just begun. To really get the most
out of your courses, you need to pay attention and engage in what
is going on. (Sitting in the front and middle ‘T’ of
the room improves your chances of doing that!) ‘Engaging’
means that you aren’t just hearing words from your instructor,
but you really understand what they’re saying. And if you
don’t understand? Ask! Raise your hand to pose a question,
or ask that they clarify a point you missed. You’ll benefit
yourself and your fellow students, and your instructor will be impressed
that you are trying to follow along.
Action
Item: Sit in the ‘T.’
Action
Item: Pay attention and ask questions. |
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| Take (good!) notes... |
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Now that you’re in class and paying attention,
what else should you be doing? Taking notes! Even if your instructor
provides the PowerPoint slides or lecture notes online, be sure
you are also writing things down as they are said. This way, you
won’t miss an anecdote that helps you remember a difficult
concept, and you will be able to jot down questions or ideas as
you have them. Don’t worry too much about what your notes
look like; if your handwriting really bothers you, you can always
rewrite them – which, by the way, is an excellent way to
review what you covered.
Rewrite? But I have a computer! It’s true –
some instructors allow you to use your computer, but be careful:
an open computer on your desk is a big temptation. Yes, you can
type your notes faster than you can write them out by hand; but
a pen and paper can’t check Facebook or your fantasy football
scores, can’t shop online and can’t chat with the
friend sitting two rows behind you.
Action
Item: Take notes the old-fashioned way:
pen and paper.
Action
Item: Write down anything that may help you remember later.
Action
Item: Watch for ‘cues’ – illustrations,
phrases repeated often.
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| Cell phones: Leave your cell phone
in your pocket, purse, dorm, car or backpack. Put it on
silent (not vibrate – come on, everybody can hear
that) and put it away. The easiest way to annoy your instructor
is to text during class; and annoying your instructor is
not conducive to academic success. |
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| Review what you
covered... |
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Did you know that you could lose up to 80 percent
of what you learned in the first 24 hours if you don’t reinforce
it? Reading over your notes is critical to committing them to
memory. When you get home for the day, or while you’re waiting
for your friends to go to dinner, or when you’re unpacking
your bag to prepare for the next class, read over what you’ve
written. Even a quick review like this will help you learn.
Later, read over your notes again alongside the textbook, PowerPoint
or handout, if possible. Seeing things repeatedly and finding
the connections will make your life much easier down the road.
This is also a good time to rewrite your notes; cross-reference
what you have with those around you to see if you may have missed
something. If you have a question about something you’ve
written, don’t be afraid to e-mail your instructor! He or
she will be impressed that you took so much initiative, and it
will help build your reputation as a student.
Action
Item: Go over your notes whenever you
have a couple minutes.
Action
Item: Review with a classmate and literally compare notes.
Action
Item: Check your notes against other materials from the
class.
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| Do your homework... |
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For some classes, your homework will be reading;
for other classes, you may need to write an essay or complete a
problem set. Whatever the assignment is, complete it – even
if it’s not graded. After your first history test, you will
understand the importance of reading every assignment; the night
before is no time to catch up on six long chapters. Problem sets
for math may seem boring, but the repetition and practice will be
invaluable to you later. And, since many subjects build on previously
taught knowledge, getting even a little behind on your work will
make catching up incredibly difficult. Homework isn’t always
fun, so working with a study group or a classmate can help keep
it interesting – just be sure to focus!
Action
Item: Do every assignment, even if it isn’t graded.
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| Do all of the busy work, even if you
think it is pointless. Remember: Repetition – reinforcement
– results! |
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| Prep for class... |
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Before walking into your next class, check the syllabus
to see what you’ll be covering. Skimming the textbook before
class, or looking up an unfamiliar phrase before you discuss it,
will make you feel more prepared and ahead of the game; it will
also pre-enforce what you’re about to learn, which will make
remembering it even easier!
Action
Item: Check the syllabus and skim any readings before class. |
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| Get to know your
professors... |
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Nothing will impress your instructors more quickly
than showing up to their office hours with a question about class.
Make a point to visit every professor at least once during the
first couple weeks of class. It won’t make you a ‘teacher’s
pet’; it will make you a good student.
Action
Item: Visit your professors during their office hours.
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