Do you feel like your study habits are not as effective as they could be? Do you want to get the most out of your time in school and make sure that it doesn't go to waste? If so, find out how to create an effective study schedule that will help you improve grades and learn more effectively. Follow these tips to get the most from your studies.
Determine What to Study
For your study schedule to be effective, you must be studying what will benefit you in class. For example, if there is an upcoming math test, it would be great to spend study time on math. The point is to study what will be on your following tests to avoid wasting time.
Decide How Much Time You Need
It's essential to decide how much time you are willing to spend studying each day. Different people have different schedules and commitments that will determine how often they can study, but it's important to find balance.
While at it, remember to strike a balance with other non-academic activities. For instance, if you are a student-athlete, you need to find time for sports and studying. If you spend too much time on sports, your grades will take a plunge.
Start with Small Steps
Once you have a study schedule, the amount of work that needs covering can leave you feeling disillusioned. However, it's essential to start, however small, and not to give up.
Instead, break the work into smaller steps. For example, try studying for 20 minutes each day this week and then increase your time as you see fit. Slow-butting is a better alternative than quitting altogether because it will help you build that momentum needed to reach your goals in the long run.
Leverage Online Resources and Apps
One way to get the most out of your study time is by using online resources like Quizlet. You can find just about any topic you need, create your flashcards with the material, or create a personalized study set that will help you remember what you're studying more easily.
If you're having a hard time writing a causal analysis essay or any other essay, consider looking up educational websites that publish writing guides. You'll be surprised to find some pretty good resources out there.
Pay Emphasis on Your Weak Subjects
Every student has that one subject that they can't seem to get a hold of. Sometimes it's just a few topics that need polishing. For instance, you could find it challenging to remember an argumentative essay format or the second law of thermodynamics. Whatever the case, give your weak subjects extra attention.
This will help ensure that every subject is up to par with the rest of your subjects. Getting a balanced scorecard is much better than excelling in a few subjects while failing miserably in others.
Set Practical Study Goals
At the beginning of the term, it might feel like you have all the time in the world. All you want to do is get a feel for your class and try out all those new reading strategies that looked so promising on paper.
But before long, it feels like there's barely any time left in the day. Now you're looking up at night with no idea how you'll be able to fit everything into your study schedule. The best way to do this is to set realistic goals to avoid feeling unmotivated in the process.
Allocate Adequate Breaks
Research shows that working for extended periods without breaks can dampen your productivity. Your brain needs to rest, too, and too much studying can lead to a mental meltdown.
Break up study sessions with short periods of physical activity or other activities that let you rest and recuperate before getting back into the books, like taking a walk outside or doing some yoga at home.
The Pomodoro Technique is also good because it divides work time into manageable chunks of 25 minutes and includes time for breaks.
Find the Best Environment for Studying
You should also find the environment that is most conducive for studying. If you have distractions at home, such as pets and children, it might be best to take your studies elsewhere, like the library, where there are fewer disruptions.
Also, consider varying your study locations. If you always study in the same place, your body may go into a type of autopilot mode and not be as attentive to what you are learning as it would if new stimuli were present.
Track Progress and Stay Motivated
It's important to stay motivated with your studies. It can be helpful if you create goals for yourself at the beginning of the week or semester and keep track of your progress to see what areas need improvement.
For instance, if you've finally mastered an explanatory essay after weeks of struggling with it, you may want to give yourself some time off as a reward. You should be proud of your accomplishment.
Conclusion
Figuring out how to create an effective study schedule can be difficult, especially when it feels like everyone is telling you something different. You need to have a plan that works for you and your lifestyle and one that will help you reach your goals of success in college or graduate school. Keep in mind that it's hard to excel in your studies until you create an efficient study schedule based on what works best for you using these tips.