How can you improve your study habits?

Study habits during the pandemic may look very different than what they would have pre-COVID. Many students were adjusted to camping in the library or taking a visit to the local Starbucks or MoonGoat Coffee. This was all taken away when the university closed, and there was no opportunity for indoor or outdoor seating. We were forced to change the ways we studied. This can be pretty difficult; So, here are some techniques you can use to improve your study habits.

Some ways to improve your study habits are tackling various assignments in a designated time: making a routine is critical. The first step to improve your routine is figuring out what time works best for you! Do you prefer waking up early and completing those assignments? Or would you rather stay up late and get your grind on while everyone in your household/dorm is asleep? Maybe it is neither, and you do your best mid-afternoon.

Once you have set up what time works best for you, it is time to make a game plan.

There are different techniques you can use to complete your assignments. If you are reviewing for an exam, try the Feynman Technique, which can help you genuinely master the material you are studying. It works by writing down the subject at the top of the sheet. Then, you explain it with your own words in the most basic and straightforward way possible. Once done, review what you have written and identify where you were wrong or what is missing.

The PQ4R Method is another way to approach studying on your own. This method is similar to the Feynman Technique, but consists of six steps for it to work.

Step One

You must first preview the information by skimming through materials such as headers, subheadings, highlighted text, or bold letters. This will give you an idea of what the subject will be based on.

Step Two

Then, focus on the question: question yourself about the topic, such as what do I already know about this topic? What do I expect to learn? Come up with ideas you wish to know. Keep in mind what particular objectives you must master.

Step Three

Read through your material and try to answer all of the questions you came up with!

Step Four

Reflect on what you have read and written so far. Try to relate the information to what you already know or try to solve problems the material presents.

Step Five

Recite your words by either speaking or writing down a summary of the information you have read. You can color-code your notes, too, for example. Write down key points in red, highlight essential details in yellow, organize various topics or vocabulary words in different colors.

Step Six

Finally, you can review the material. You have the chance to go in and check the material one more time and answer any questions that have not been answered yet.

My personal favorite would be the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method. It uses a timer to break down work into periods of 25 minutes. You first write down a to-do list. Number one is your most important, and you work your way down.

Then, set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus primarily on a single task until the timer rings. Once your 25-minute session ends, enjoy a 5-minute break. After you complete four 25 minute sessions, take a 30-minute break, and continue once again.

Try out these different study sessions, and let us know what you think! These different studying strategies are designed to help you study no matter your location or surroundings.