Co-author: Ricole Tay
Have you ever studied so hard for your examinations but still failed to achieve the grades you had hoped for? Such experiences are disheartening and discouraging. There are several reasons for this outcome, your studying methods could potentially be one significant factor. In a world where education and qualifications are often stressed upon, it is common for individuals to view academic results as the only determining element that governs their future. In this article, we hope to give insights into some studying techniques which may help to enhance your understanding and retention of your study materials.
What is your learning style?
There have been a variety of methods that have been known to make your studying sessions more productive. Firstly, everyone has their own learning styles, and it is vital to find yours. Some well-established categories of learners include: visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic. For visual learners, seeing the information helps one learn it. Seeing can come in many forms, such as photographic memory, spatial awareness, and colour/tone, to name a few. Powerpoints and colored highlighters are great tools for visual learners as it allows one to see and categorise the information which can aid learning and retention. Auditory learners learn most effectively through hearing and listening. They retain information when it is delivered through speech better as compared to the written form. Discussions and reading-aloud are excellent methods to absorb information. Naturally, classrooms are a good place for auditory and visual learners to learn. Reading and writing learners find it easier to understand the content by rewriting or creating their notes. After writing the notes, one should read it multiple times to remember them. However, as writing can be rather time-consuming, reading and writing learners should be consistent with note-taking. Lastly, kinesthetic learners comprehend better when they are given hands-on experience to personally interact with the subject. Science experiments in the laboratory are one example that will benefit kinesthetic learners the most.
Tips to review information
There are a number of established step-by-step guides like the SQR3, PQR4, and THIEVES that help one approach information. The steps to SQR3 method are as follows:
Skim through the first chapter. Take note of any headings, subheadings, images, or elements that stood out to you.
Question. Generate questions from what you have briefly grasped in the first step, such as what this abstract is about and what prior knowledge you already have of this topic.
Read. Actively read the whole passage and search for the answers to the questions you formulated earlier.
Recite. After reading the entire passage, you will likely get a clearer picture of the content. Therefore, you can summarise what you picked out from the passage in your own words and try recalling the crucial points you noted earlier.
Review. It is necessary to review the content to understand and remember it more distinctly. To test if you have successfully memorised or learned anything, quiz yourself and reread any portions if you cannot recall the material.
As we digest information, creating mnemonic devices (memory tricks) has proven useful for memorising. Mnemonic devices can come in the forms of acronyms or phrases. Mnemonic devices allow you to add information to existing networks and form personal meanings to it. This, in turn, is easier for you to remember them as it adds additional cues for retrieval to enhance memory. For example, using acronyms like ROY G BIV to remember the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
Curating your surroundings
Finding a dedicated conducive study environment. Find a place that makes you feel comfortable and motivated. For instance, some individuals may prefer studying in cafes, schools, or libraries, while others may favour studying in the comfort of their homes.
Music choice. For some, lyrical music may affect their attention while for others, instrumental or classical music could make them feel sleepy. Thus, experimenting with instrumental and lyrical music can help you figure out which works best for you.
Putting away your electronics. Individuals can unknowingly reach out for their mobile phones every five to ten minutes to check their messages or to scroll social media. By turning on silent or do not disturb mode, it can lower one’s need to check their phone as it would not light up when they get a notification. Switching off the television will prevent you from turning away from your books to glance at what is currently showing on the television.
What works for one may not work for another, as studying techniques are subjective to everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to studying, and it is discovered mainly by trial and error. Therefore, do not be afraid to experiment with the different techniques; you will eventually find what works best for you. Study at your own pace and remember that being consistent is key. Have an end in mind (achievable goals) and work towards it. We hope you find this article helpful in giving you some tips to improve your studying patterns and reiterating the importance of environmental factors.
Interesting reads
https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/