The answer to this question can be crucial to your success. The most important thing is that you enjoy and believe in your form of studying! If you don't, you won't do it, so if what you're doing is working, don't reinvent the wheel.
To take a quiz to figure out which of these styles best describes you, click the button!
Handwritten flashcards
Organizing the notes into tables/flow charts
Completing the concept map packets
Using the McGraw Hill website
Using visual aids like videos
Drawing pictures
Rewriting parts of the notes from memory
Brain Dumps
Studying in chunks
Quizzing others and having others quiz you
Studying a little bit each day
Teaching concepts to others
Going to office hours
Creating a study group
Recording/relistening to lectures
Asking questions in class or tutoring sessions
Making mnemonic devices
Handwritten flashcards
Organizing the notes into tables/flow charts
Completing the concept map packets
Drawing pictures
Rewriting parts of the notes by memory
Printing out the notes with blanks and using sheet protectors/expo markers to fill them in
Reviewing the notes multiple times
Brain Dumps
Organizing the notes into tables/flow charts
Quizzing others and having others quiz you
Studying a little bit each day
Teaching concepts to others
Going to office hours
Using the McGraw Hill website
Creating a study group
Making nemonic devices
No matter what learning style best describes you, there are good universal habits to create that will help you succeed in any course!
Process your notes.
Try any of the following ways to process your notes before you study them.
Rewrite your notes in your own words.
Translate your notes into concept maps.
Reread the notes before beginning to study.
Use the resources already out there. (This is a great time saver!)
McGraw Hill website
The concept map packets
The review questions/practice tests
Resources on this website: Games we've created, videos we've found, etc.
Tutoring sessions (SI and Walk-In don't require appointments)
Don't procrastinate.
Study a little bit each day! Ideally, you can study the information as it's given in class. Then, you never need to cram, and it will be easier to retain the information long term.
This also means that you have more time to get help as you need it. If you know what concepts you're struggling with, coming to the AARC or going to office hours becomes exponentially more beneficial.
Test yourself.
Whether you have someone quiz you, make a practice test or use our resources (games, review questions, etc), you'll never actually know if you're ready for the test until you practice!
Remember that understanding and memorized are different things.
What is a Brain Dump?
A brain dump is an activity that shows you how much you know about something.
For detailed instructions and an example brain dump, watch this video!
Can I try studying tips for learning styles other than my own?
Absolutely! If there is a studying strategy that appeals to you, then go for it. There are no rules here - they're just tips!
I'm spending a ton of time studying, but I'm still not getting the grade I want.
Generally speaking, this usually means you are spending a lot of time reviewing the information but not committing it to memory.
If you're understanding the notes, try habits like practice tests, handwritten flashcards on details and brain dumps to force you to recall information purely from memory. You're also welcome to come to the AARC during walk-in hours, and we'll quiz you!
If you're studying but the issue is you don't understand what you're studying, come see us or your professor! We're happy to walk you through any concept you're struggling with.
How do I make concept maps?
This can be really hard to master. Watch this video for an example!
I like practice tests, but there aren't enough of them for me.
Make your own! This is a great strategy because it gives you the chance to think like the professor. What information do you think they'll include on the test? What seems the most important? What do you think is tricky?
Here's a video on ways to go about this!
Disclaimer: the videos mentioned here are undergoing revision and will be back up by the end of the week.