- College Life: Studying for Exams - Gnarlycraig
Students making the transition into higher education are often unaware that more is expected of them outside of class time. This includes reading, organising notes, writing essays or assignments, and studying for exams. While there are exceptions, the general rule is that students should be prepared to study 2 hours for every hour spent in class or approximately 25 hours per week (Bauerlien, 2008). This is a lot of extra time to squeeze into the week, so the following tips will help students study more efficiently and with better results.
Avoid Marathon Study Sessions
When possible, study in short sessions. Three two-hour sessions are far more productive for most people than one six-hour session. In a six-hour study marathon the actual time spent on a task can be depressingly small. Faced with a long stretch of studying ahead, it is easy to become distracted and procrastinate. For example, some students find the need to do the dishes or clean the toilet irresistible when faced with a marathon study session! Shorter sessions lead to better concentration and increased productivity.
When studying, try to take a planned break every hour. Focus attention for short periods, and then give the brain a chance to rest. If studying in a large block of time is unavoidable, study the hardest subject first and avoid studying similar subjects back to back. For example, if studying sociology, psychology and computer science, sandwich the computer course between psychology and sociology to break them up and keep the mind active.
Best Time of Day to Study?
Some students are morning people and some are night owls. Students should match tasks to daily rhythms and pay attention to their individual physical state. It is important to tackle the most demanding tasks when the body is at its physical and mental peak. If students put these tasks off until late at night when they are tired from a long day, they will seem even more difficult and intimidating.
A good idea is to experiment with different times of the day and find the period that is most productive and focused. It is up to individual students to determine their best learning time and use it to their advantage. It is also important to remember that student timetables and lifestyles are not necessarily the same, so what works for one student may not work for another. That is why students need to focus on their individual habits and needs to discover what study strategies work best for them.
Where to Study?
If studying at home, it is a good idea to have a regular study place and to study sitting at a desk or table. Studying in the same place takes advantage of psychological and physiological conditioning – the mind and body become used to the idea that a certain place is for study similar to how the brain becomes conditioned to sleeping in a bed or relaxing on a sofa (Heffner, 2001). Sitting up at a desk also encourages note-taking and allows for easy, organized access to texts and other useful materials.
If there is no dedicated study space at home or if it is very noisy, use the library.There are several advantages to studying in the library. First, when people see others studying, it encourages them to keep going – it is a great psychological boost to know there are other students in the same boat. Second, in the library there is easy access to texts, dictionaries and other useful resources, such as old exam papers, which help keep the mind focused on studying.
Finally, in the library students are less vulnerable to the distractions of DVDs, CDs, TVs, families, snacks etc. Libraries are specifically designed for learning; the lighting is perfect, the noise level is low, and a wealth of material is readily available. Entering a library is a signal to the body to quiet the mind and get to work. Most people can get more done in a shorter period of time at a library.
Tips for Handling Interruptions
If studying at home or in a dorm room, it is inevitable that there will be interruptions. Agree with family and friends about study time in advance. Let them see a timetable and weekly plan so that they are aware of when the pressure is on. Make any new rules clear, and stick to them. Ask whether there are certain friends or relatives who consistently interrupt study time. If so, remind them what times are set aside for studying and socialising.
Turn off cell phones and e-mail. The telephone is the perfect interrupter. People who wouldn’t think of distracting someone when they are busy will call at the worst times. It is easy to rationalise interrupting study time for a phone call, therefore, short circuit the whole problem by turning the phone off or studying in the library.
Learn to say no. This is a valuable time saver for students, and a valuable life skill. Many people feel it is rude to refuse a request. Saying no can be done effectively and courteously. Family and friends want students to succeed so saying no will not offend. If all else fails, hang a “do not disturb” sign on the door.
Productive study time is cruicial for success as a student. Setting up a clear schedule and regular study space, taking frequent breaks, avoiding interruptions, and learning to say no will greatly increase concentration and shorten the time needed to study.
Sources
Bauerlein, Mark. "How Much Do Students Study?" The Chronicle of Higher Education (Accessed July 28, 2010).
Heffner, Christopher J. "Classical and Operant Conditioning." Psychology 101 (Accessed July 28, 2010).
Marilyn Michaud - Marilyn Michaud teaches English Literature and writing in Toronto. Her research interests include American history and culture, Gothic ...
