Forget what you know about study habits

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Forget what you know about study habits

Forget what you know about study habits

Science-backed study tips every college students should know

The Big Picture:

In his recent analysis, physics professor Sanjay Kumar, summarized the most effective study habits. As Kumar notes, you should:

Alternate your study places: Although some people swear by the library, cognitive scientists suggest that alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information, according to the New York Times. Memory is colored by location, and changing your study locales increases the likelihood of remembering what you’e learned.

Actively engage your brain: Students should keep on actively engage their brain either by taking down notes or practicing questions side by side. It has been proved that people retain 75% of the information when they write while they read.

Take Tests: As much as we may hate tests, the New York Times reports that formal evaluations not only affirm knowledge but enhance it. Consistent testing can help us relearn and recall information, and it pays off when preparing for final exams.

Sleep: A tired mind is a slow mind. Students should take enough sleep and watch the CGPA rise.

Don’t categorize yourself: Students should not categorize themselves as auditory or visual learners or as left brained and right brained thinkers. According to the New York Times, research has shown that these distinctions are largely erroneous. It is more important to figure out which study strategies work for you than to worry about where you lie on the learning spectrum[10].

Go to class: Students should go to class regularly .It is often seen that students usually miss their classes either due to the disinterest in the subject or due to disliking for the instructor. But the research says that students retain 25% of the information they hear.

Manage your time: The only thing worse than having a deadline is missing a deadline. Students should stay organized, cut down on procrastination and their work load will feel much more manageable[10].”

Why This Matters to You:

College is a big transition, and what made you a successful high school student might be different from what will help you succeed in college. These techniques should provide you something you may not have had before: a set of manageable study habits based on evidence.

 

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