The secret to being a proficient student is figuring out how to study more efficaciously, not more. This statement continues to hold greater relevance as you progress in your academic journey. Studying for one or two hours each day is normally enough to pass high school with decent marks, but when you hit university, there simply aren’t enough hours for all the studying if you haven’t learned to study more efficiently.
Although some students can sail through their academic years with little effort, this is an anomaly. A great number of triumphant students acquire their accomplishments by cultivating and utilizing effective study techniques.
Highlighted below are the top 10 study methods adopted by highly accomplished students. Therefore, if you aspire to become a high-achieving student, don’t feel disheartened, don’t surrender. Strive to cultivate each of the study habits described below and you’ll notice a rise in your grades, an expansion of your knowledge, and an enhancement in your capacity to comprehend and absorb information.
1. Avoid studying everything in one sitting.
Do you ever find yourself spending more time fighting sleep than studying late into the night? If so, it’s time for a change. Successful learners generally spread their workload over shorter time frames and seldom try to jam all their studying into a few sessions.
Becoming a high-achieving student necessitates learning to be consistent in your studies with frequent, shorter study durations.
2. Decide your study timings.
Successful learners designate specific times during the week for studying, maintaining that schedule diligently. Inconsistent, capricious studying typically yields subpar results compared to students with a fixed study schedule.
Still keeping in touch with your studies, developing a weekly regimen where you allocate dedicated time a few days a week to revisit your subjects ensure you develop habits conducive for your long-term academic success.
3. Maintain regular study timings.
It’s crucial not only to plan your study timings but also to establish a consistent, daily study schedule. When your study timings are regular, studying naturally integrates into your daily life. With each study session, you’ll be mentally and emotionally better prepared, leading to increased productivity.
If unforeseen events force you to alter your schedule occasionally, it’s fine. Just revert to your routine once the event is over.
4. Set specific goals for each study session.
Studying aimlessly is not effective. You must know what you are trying to achieve in each study session. Set a study goal that aligns with your overall academic goals before each session, such as memorizing 30 vocabulary words to excel in an approaching Spanish vocabulary test.
5. Never delay your planned study session.
Postponing your study session due to lack of interest, other commitments, or challenging assignments is effortless and quite usual. However, successful learners NEVER defer studying.
If you put off your study session, you make your study less effective and possibly fail to complete everything you were supposed to. Procrastination often leads to rushing, which in turn is the leading cause of mistakes.
6. Start with the toughest subject.
The most demanding assignment or subject demanding the highest effort and mental energy should be approached first. Once you complete the toughest task, completing the rest becomes much easier.
Surprisingly, beginning with the most challenging subject significantly enhances your study sessions’ effectiveness and your academic performance.
7. Review your notes before starting an assignment.
It’s a no-brainer; before you can review your notes, they must exist. Always ensure to take comprehensive notes in class. Review your notes carefully to ensure you know how to complete the assignment correctly before each study session and before starting a particular task.
Reviewing your notes before each study session will help you recall the crucial subject matter learned during the day and ensure your study is focused and effective.
8. Ensure a distraction-free study environment.
Everyone gets distracted by something. It could be the TV, family, or eerily quiet surroundings. Some people find that a bit of background noise helps them study better. When you get distracted while studying, you lose your train of thought and struggle to concentrate, leading to ineffective studying.
Find a place free of disturbances or distractions before you start studying. For some, this could be a quiet library corner. For others, a public place with some background noise might work.
9. Make effective use of study groups.
You must have heard the saying, “Two heads are better than one.” This rings particularly true for studying. Studying in groups lets you seek help when struggling with a concept, complete assignments quicker, and teach others, helping both you and others to internalize the subject matter. Study groups can be counterproductive if not properly structured and if members come unprepared. Successful students use study groups efficaciously.
10. Review your notes, homework, and other study materials over the weekend.
Successful students recapitulate what they’ve learned during the week over the weekend, preparing them to learn new concepts that build on previous coursework and knowledge acquired the previous week.
Developing the habits above, we are confident, will result in a significant improvement in your academic success.
