How To Study Effectively

how to study effectively

Tomorrow is the deadline of my project in Filipino! I still have to write a 500-word composition for my English! And my research paper is due on the next day! I also have to finish my requirements in Science! We have a quiz on Math tomorrow! Our finals will be next week! And I didn’t even make or started one last weekend! Oh what a stressful week this is! Oooops! Got the same situation? Then, you must improve your study habits on how to study effectively.

Last term, my professor in Basic Communication and Study Skills shared what she had read in a college orientation handbook. In the article that we read entitled “The Time Message”, Chapman discusses what he calls the number one problem of college students – time management. Here’s Chapman’s messages that you might need to apply for more efficient management of your time and to serve as your guide to study effectively.

 

1. Time is valuable. Control it from the beginning.

Do it now. Sometimes later becomes never. Therefore today is the time, not tomorrow or next week. Start your plan at the beginning of the term and readjust it with each new project. Thus, you can spread your work time around a little.

2. Get the notebook habit.

Keep a pocket-size appointment notebook at all times. Use it to schedule your study time each day and to note important dates such as announced exams or deadlines, appointments, addresses and contact numbers. Also, note taking while the teacher is discussing might be helpful for you.

3. Prepare a weekly study schedule.

Every weekend, make up your schedule for the following week. Write your class schedule, then, add your work and study hours. Once it prepared, follow the same pattern every week with minor adjustments.

4. Be realistic.

When you plan time for studying effectively, reviewing, making requirements and homework, be realistic. Don’t underestimate. Overestimate, if possible, so that if uncertainties comes, it will not hang you up. Otherwise, you’ll have sleepless days and nights cramming.

5. Make study time fit the course.

Some say three hours of study a day is sufficient. Others say two hours. But honestly, it depends on four factors – your ability, the difficulty of the class, the grades you hope to achieve and how well you use your study time. Decide for yourself. But, be sure to allot a minimum of one hour of study a day.

schedule

6. Keep your schedule flexible.

To keep a degree of flexibility, it is vital that your re-plan your schedule on a weekly basis. Let’s take Chapman’s example. When a research project is assigned or exams are coming, you will want to provide an additional block of time to squeeze it in. How? Adjust your schedule as you deem necessary. Do not become a slave of inflexible pattern.

7. Use the 20-20-20 formula to study effectively.

This means you will be in class approximately 20 hours each week, you will work for 20 hours a week and you will study a minimum of 20 hours. The 20-20-20 formula makes sense, right?

8. Study first, fun later.

This is what I do on how to study effectively when I was high school, but not anymore, because I don’t have this ‘espiritu ng kasipagan’ anymore. Well, I recommend this technique to you. You will enjoy your fun time more after you have completed your study responsibilities.

9. Study some each class day.

Some students prefer to allot an hour or two a day for studying lessons for it to be fresh in mind every day. This will not only keep the study habit alive but also, keep you up to date on your class assignments and projects.

10. Free on Saturday, study on Sunday.

And my last tip on how to study effectively. Most students choose Saturday to relax and not to think any word related to their lessons. On the other hand, they choose Sunday for studying and recalling time. It gives them a benefit of warming you up for getting back into the weekday swing. Give it a thought. It may be best for you, too.

© spinsucks.com
© spinsucks.com

 

© The Time Message