Study Guides
Creating a useful study guide takes time and planning. The key is finding a process that works for your individual learning needs.
Following some key steps can help you craft study tools that truly improve understanding and retention of course material. By beginning early, condensing information strategically, incorporating active practice and self-testing, you can create study guides that truly support your success at Valencia College.
When to Start
Don't wait until right before an exam!
Give yourself adequate time to create, review, and modify your study guide.
Starting at least a week before tests allow for thorough preparation.
Choosing a Format
Consider what study formats align best with your current learning style(s).
Some learners may benefit most from charts, diagrams, and concept maps.
Some learners may prefer condensing information into summaries, flashcards, or lectures to replay.
Capturing Key Concepts
Carefully determine the core concepts, terms, formulas, and details that require the most focus.
Consult course learning objectives, study prompts, and past tests if available.
Note concepts emphasized in class as high priority.
Condense and Simplify
Simplify complex information using summaries, visual aids, acronyms, rhymes, or other creative formats.
Condensing information makes it less overwhelming to digest.
Include Examples
Illustrate concepts with real-world examples or hypothetical problems whenever possible.
Relatable applications help cement understanding.
Use Memory Techniques
These involve linking unfamiliar ideas to familiar cues through songs, rhymes, acronyms, or vivid mental images.
These can aid recall of steps, lists, definitions, etc.
Practice Retrieval
Actively practice recalling important information from memory as you make your guide.
This process of productive struggle strengthens true understanding and retention.
Quiz Your Progress
Periodically self-test your knowledge using practice questions, flashcards, or mock exams.
Identify gaps to refine and expand your study guide.
Review and Revise
Revisit your study guide frequently, updating information that remains unclear even after review.
The more times you engage with the concepts, the better you will retain them.