How to Study—Getting Started
To be a student is to study. Sounds simple right? But studying is a learned skill. It requires commitment, an understanding of the course expectations, time and materials. Most of al, successful learning takes practice, that means showing up everyday and viewing the act of studying as an integral part of student life.
Education is an investment in your self. A healthy approach to any academic endeavor is to first realize that anything worth your time is worth doing to the best of your ability. Your academic success is directly proportional to the effort you put into your work. Nobody can do it for you. Like any large-scale project, it is important to have clear goals and a plan.
Before you can create an effective study plan it is essential to understand what it is you are expected to learn. Some important things to think about are the amount of work required to prepare for an exam and the time frame you have to work in. What kind of test are you preparing for? There are generally two types of tests, the aptitude test (such as an ACT, SAT or LSAT) that measures your ability to learn, and the achievement test, which tests your knowledge of a subject. Regardless of the format it is important to know what will be expected on the test. In the case of aptitude testing there are study guides and practice tests available that give examples of skills that you will be expected to know and to be able to apply. For achievement tests a good place to start is with the course syllabus, which should outline the objectives of the class. It is equally important to understand your instructor’s teaching style. Some rely heavily on the text, or lecture or on-line supplements or any combination of source materials. The point is whatever materials your instructor places importance on should be viewed as valuable resources for your studying.
Once you know what you will be expected to know, you can begin to actively study. Successful learning is a long -term process, and it requires on-going attention. Time is crucial to smart studying. Often finding a consistent schedule for study time is a key to success. For aptitude testing it is recommended that you take a practice test to help identify your strengths and weakness and then create your plan accordingly based on the amount of time before the exam. For achievement tests use the course syllabus as a time line for course material. As you plan your study schedule take into consideration that you will want to be fed, rested and sober to function at your highest academic potential. Dedicate time for each individual academic responsibility based on the amount of effort you need to put in to stay on top of the workload. Then use that time for the subject at hand, resisting the urge to attend to other duties. Staying on task improves overall productivity.
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