Study & Learning Strategies
Office of Student Support
Delaware Valley University
Office of Student Support
Delaware Valley University
Remember to use these important study and learning strategies to meet the following goals:
learn at higher levels (which is expected of you as a college student)
earn good grades
complete your degree (graduate)
Please carefully review this information and let us know if you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss. You can reach us by email - academicsuccess@delval.edu.
Larry Arrington, Associate Dean
Sue McGovern, Assistant Dean
Learning Strategies
Plan to spend about 30 hours per week on learning strategies outside of class.
Remember, succeeding in college requires lots of time and hard work and the benefits of finishing your degree with good grades are worth all your efforts!
We recommend the following learning strategies:
review / rewrite your class notes
read / review materials your instructors post on Canvas
read the textbook chapters your instructors cover in class (and take notes as you read)
answer textbook review questions
practice solving problems (math, Chemistry, Physics, etc.): use relevant textbook practice problems / examples and those provided / assigned by your instructors
make and review flashcards and/or use Quizlet and other online flashcard platforms
organize / join study groups (compare notes, solve practice problems together, etc.)
watch videos on YouTube, Khan Academy, Cengage, MyMathLab, etc.
see a tutor / visit the Writing Center / use online tutoring
visit instructors during office hours (bring a list of questions you want to ask)
In order to have enough time (about 30 hours per week) to spend on the study and learning strategies discussed above, you must make a plan! If you don't make a plan, you will waste valuable time and your grades will suffer! Remember not to spend so much time working on a job or on other activities that you don't have enough time to spend on learning strategies.
We recommend creating a "Master Schedule" of your week: use a spreadsheet or search for and print a free time management grid online. Show the time you spend on the following:
attending classes
eating/meals
required athletic activities (practice, work-outs, games, etc.) and/or club and organization activities
time spent working (on a job on or off campus)
study/learning time blocks: plan at least 30 total hours per week (include weekend time and remember to use time you have available between classes)
Below is an example "Master Schedule". Your schedule will be arranged differently depending on your activities and interests. The example demonstrates that even as a busy college student, you can find 30 hours per week to devote to the important learning strategies listed above.
After you create your "Master Schedule", commit to following the schedule to ensure you spend time on learning strategies regularly. Think of your schedule as a promise to yourself and keep your promise!
---------- IMPORTANT NOTE: Take short breaks when you study! ----------
Remember to take short breaks (about once an hour) during your study time: get up to stretch, get a drink of water and/or a snack, go outside for a few deep breaths of fresh air, and then get back to work. Don't be distracted by your phone, video games, friends, etc....this can lead to longer breaks and less time spent on learning.
Use this blank weekly schedule grid (Microsoft Excel sheet) to create your weekly schedule. Then commit to following the schedule to ensure you are spending enough time on your academic work. -->