Effective study skills must be practiced in order for
you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have
to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to
get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends
on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice
doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an
achiever, take this saying to heart.
The value of a schedule
Before you even begin to think about the process of
studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan
for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable
time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be
a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how to develop a schedule that meets your
needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.
A schedule saves time
All schedules should be made with the idea that they
can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good
schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've
got to want to do it!
Making every hour count
A schedule should take into account every class,
laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There
are givens such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must
focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a
weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments.
Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also
block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time
for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course,
you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.
When to study
The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule
of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested,
alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is
usually a waste of time.
Studying for lecture courses
If your study period is before the lecture class, be
sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't
understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes
you took during class while the information is still fresh.
Studying for recitation courses
For classes that require recitation, such as foreign
language, be sure to schedule a study period just before the class. Use the
time to practice. Sometimes, practice with others can help sharpen your
skills in a before-class study period.
Making and revising a schedule
Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are
really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't
work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you
develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building
becomes easier.
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