We have all heard or read about the study habits of highly effective students. They routinely spend many hours in class, taking notes and researching. They also read widely, accumulating a large body of information over the course of a semester. However, their secret to studying efficiently is as old as the idea of studying itself: focus.
In his book, “The Power of Conversational Learning”, Robert Cialdini lists a series of habits that students can practice to help them learn faster. Some of these habits are similar to those of highly successful students. For example, they both tend to spend time on what they are studying. The main difference between highly successful students and average ones is their focus. Highly effective students are constantly focused on what they are doing; they do not allow other distractions to interfere with their focus.
In order to practice this powerful habit, however, it helps to begin by developing good focus in the first place. One effective way to begin this process is to ensure that you are setting aside time each day to read. This will ensure that you are fully focused on your class and thus maximize your focus.
Many students also take time to review what they have read during the previous day. Having this review will reinforce your focus and help you become more knowledgeable about the material. Another habit to use is to revise what you have already read. This will allow you to remember the main points, as well as connect them with what you learned during the course of the day. This can be particularly helpful when a topic is particularly difficult for you to understand.
When it comes to writing, there are a number of habits that you should develop to ensure that your research is organized and accurate. Writing articles, essays and short reports require clear, concise writing. It is important that you do not rush through this habit. You may need to spend several hours on a drafting process before you can submit an article or paper.
Get into a Study Habits routine.
The last habit that students need to develop is to keep their notes organized. This means that you should keep all of your assignments in one document, such as your pad of paper. Having everything in order will make it easier to locate and review information. A final tip for the organization is to create a to-do list, or schedule a time every day to look over your work. This will help you stay on task and remember important details.
These four habits are very easy to incorporate into your daily studying. They can easily be incorporated into your normal routine. Once you learn to integrate these habits into your studying, your entire class will benefit from your diligence. Your classmates will love your concentration, and you can enjoy the benefits of better focus. The benefits are numerous!
Set Study habits goals
Set Study habits goals are extremely important and define all things properly, as they will allow you to better organize the information that you are studying and retain that information. When you have organized habits, you will be more likely to pass your tests and achieve your goals. Students that do not practice good study habits when learning their courses often dread the end of the semester, as they have already studied so much and yet cannot find the notes that they need to finish their projects. Learn to develop these habits, and study smarter–and you’ll enjoy a better semester.
Take a break and take care of yourself
Another habit that can help you in your studies is to allot a certain amount of time each day to study. The amount of time spent studying will vary depending on your own needs, but it should be no less than one hour. If you study an hour every night, you’ll be able to take all of your classes online without any complications, since you’ll already be fully prepared to take the test. If you don’t have time to study at night, consider buying study books or downloading some study material from the library.
Conclusion
Well done!
In addition to studying in a regular fashion, you should also engage in a variety of activities throughout the course of the semester. You can keep your class in your home by recording your lectures on your iPod or DVR. You can go shopping with friends once you’ve finished your course. Study groups can keep you motivated by discussing topical issues, and bonding together over common interests.
Studying is a habit, and like any habit, it’s easier to start than to stop. If you practice good study habits now, it will make it much easier for you when the time comes to take the exam. So get started today!
