Learning Strategies

Take Stock of Your Learning Style(s)

• Determine whether you best absorb certain material through visual methods, listening and taking notes, hands-on practice, verbal discussion, other methods or a blend of these. 

• Knowing your preferred learning style will help tailor your study strategies for optimal results.

Slow Down Your Reading

• When tackling course readings, resist the urge to skim through quickly. 

• Take your time to thoroughly comprehend the material. 

• Adopt active reading techniques such as note-taking, highlighting key passages, and summarizing concepts to reinforce understanding and retention.

Connect Concepts

• Forge meaningful connections between new ideas and your existing knowledge. 

• This not only enhances understanding but also reinforces neural pathways, building on the knowledge scaffolds in your brain. 

• Recognizing these connections can make complex concepts more accessible.

Teach Concepts to Others

• One of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding is to explain what you're learning to your classmates. 

• Teaching concepts to others also helps identify knowledge gaps that may require further review.

Space Out Studying

• Instead of cramming information in a single sitting, adopt a strategy of short, frequent study sessions spaced over time. 

• This promotes better retention and allows your brain to process and consolidate information more effectively.

Mix Up Your Study Format

• Vary your study methods to cater to different learning dimensions. 

• Combine reading notes, listening to lectures, drawing diagrams, creating flashcards, taking practice tests, engaging in verbal review, and any other study approach that aligns with the specific topic. 

• This multifaceted approach enhances your overall understanding and memory recall.

Minimize Multitasking

• While studying, focus on one key task at a time and avoid multitasking. 

• Distractions can divide your attention and hinder effective learning. 

• Create a dedicated and distraction-free study environment to optimize your concentration.

Review After Class

• Allocate time shortly after each class session to review lecture notes, textbook readings, and other course materials. 

• This immediate review helps reinforce newly acquired knowledge and clarifies any uncertainties.

Quiz Yourself

• Incorporate frequent self-testing into your study routine using practice questions, flashcards, or study partners. 

• Retrieving and applying information from memory strengthens your grasp on the material and enhances long-term retention.

Prioritize Difficult Areas

• Identify and prioritize challenging concepts that may require additional attention. 

• Dedicate extra time to review these areas rather than avoiding them. 

• Confronting difficulties head-on is key to mastering complex subjects.