Transitioning from high school to college studies can be overwhelming for students. Effective study methods involve engaging multiple learning methods. Jessie Schwab, a psychologist and preceptor at Harvard College Writing Program, emphasizes that reciting memorized information doesn’t guarantee retention, as we often misjudg ourselves.
Cognitive science research reveals that learners often make poor judgments of their own learning, as they may not fully process information for later retention. Students who want to succeed in college need to be proactive and look for help. This blog offers study techniques and advice to help students get through their first college course and succeed.
1. Avoid cramming!
Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that cramming for exams doesn’t improve long-term learning. Even while they could do well on exams after studying, they may not have actually understood the content. Instead, studies suggest studying for long-term retention is best for overall learning.
2. Establish and maintain a plan!
A study plan with set goals can help students feel prepared and provide a roadmap for the university-level course load transition. Procrastination is a common mistake, especially for students used to less intensive workloads in high school. Rather, make a study plan and follow it.
3. Get Help
In college, students often struggle with difficult material and often seek extra support. To succeed in biology, be proactive and seek assistance immediately. Resources like professors, tutors, and classmates can help. Harvard’s Academic Resource Center offers academic coaching, workshops, peer tutoring, and accountability hours to keep students on track.
4. Make use of the network of friends
Form a study group with classmates to discuss material, brainstorm, and support each other through challenges. This allows for explanations, quizzes, and building a network that can be relied on throughout the class and beyond.
5. Assess Your Type of Learning
Choosing the best study methods can be challenging, but Schwab suggests using metacognition to test knowledge beyond traditional methods. By reviewing your existing knowledge and expectations, taking notes on new information, and asking questions, you can identify the most effective study methods. This process can be practiced by reviewing chapters or lectures, taking notes on related topics, and summarizing what you’ve learned. This approach can help you find the most effective study methods for your needs.
6. Take intervals
Research indicates that taking breaks between study sessions can enhance retention and improve the brain’s ability to compress and consolidate memories of new skills. Wakeful rest is equally important as practice in learning a new skill, as it allows the brain to be refreshed and ready to accept new information. Ensuring adequate time, relaxation, and sleep between study sessions is crucial.
7. Establish a productive environment
Studying location is crucial, as it should be distraction-free and equipped with necessary materials and supplies. Consuming a snack and keeping a water bottle nearby ensures proper hydration for your study session.
8. Give yourself a treat
Studying can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, and maintaining stamina can be challenging. Studies show that small rewards during the process can increase enjoyment and interest in a task. Instead of saving motivation until the end, consider rewarding yourself with ice cream or a favorite show after a challenging study session.
9. Go over everything again and again
Researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork suggest that challenging tasks, such as testing yourself with flashcards, can enhance learning and lead to better long-term retention. They compare this to weightlifting, where exercising muscles is essential to strengthening memories, comparing it to the process of weightlifting.
10. Establish clear objectives
Setting specific goals throughout your studying journey can demonstrate progress. Psychology Today suggests using the SMART method, which includes specific, measurable, realistic, and time-specific goals. To prevent discouragement, specific goals should be attainable, quantifiable, and realistic. Measurable goals should be set to study a certain number of hours or increase exam scores by a certain percentage. Time-specific goals should be consistent with your academic calendar and other responsibilities. These study tips can help you maximize the material in your classes and prepare you for success in your academic career and beyond.
