How to Efficiently Study

Alan Bose

30th August 2023

Introduction

Unlocking the doors to academic success starts with the art of effective studying. A studentโ€™s journey to achieving success is not a topic to be taken lightly as youโ€™re often presented with a vast array of knowledge with a limited amount of time to digest it all. As students, you will have different goals โ€“ whether that is to better your understanding of complex subject matters, boost overall grades or even improve your overall learning experience. Being able to master the most effective studying techniques can be both academically rewarding as well as fun. This blog is designed to help uncover strategies, tips and mindset shifts to help any student study smarter and more effectively.

Step 1 - Timing

Studying is one of the most difficult tasks to master, however it is crucial for academic success. The first and most important step is to start early and to become organised. Having revision timetables and sticking with it is vital for solid progress to be made. Allowing yourself to start early can allow you to tackle your tasks and projects at the right angle. Putting tasks off can build up more workload which eventually can become extremely overwhelming as time passes closer to deadlines or exams. Start early and break down tasks into more manageable chunks. Remember, it is never too late to start.

Step 2 - Environment

The vital step to take when trying to study effectively is to fix your studying environment. A clean workspace can provide a clear mindset for work. Start by organising your desk; only keep what is essential and throw away any distractions that can hinder your progress. Sometimes, adding certain items can also improve the overall studying mood and put you in a better mindset to really work hard such as adding plants or LED lights. Get rid of any dust that could be around, organise your files, textbooks, laptop, tablet and get ready for work.

When studying, many students have shared that listening to music can help with their productivity. The type of music being played is different for every person, for instance, most people like to listen to lo-fi music and beats to help keep them in a calm and relaxed environment useful for productivity. Furthermore, certain studies have shown that listening to binaural beats can help with anxiety and boost concentration. Binaural beats in the alpha frequencies (8 to 13 Hz) are thought to encourage relaxation, promote positivity, and decrease anxiety. Binaural beats in the lower beta frequencies (14 to 30 Hz) have been linked to increased concentration and alertness, problem-solving, and improved memory.

Step 3 - Actually Studying

This part is the most disputed part of studying because there is no right answer when asked โ€œWhat is the best and most effective way to study?โ€. Instead, it is seen that different methods work for different people. However certain methods have been seen to be clinically more effective than others. For example, sitting down and reading a textbook for hours is extremely ineffective as its knowledge retention is very poor. However, active recall methods (such as using flashcards) are proven to have much better knowledge retention in comparison and can help much more with long-term memory. By actively participating with our tutors at Trilogy Tutors, not only uncover your weaknesses but also discover the most effective ways to overcome them. Feel free to have a conversation with us or your tutor to determine the best approach for your progress (click here to contact us). 

Your success is our priority, and we are here to help you navigate the path to achieve it. The important thing is to find the technique that is best for you! Here are some examples for you to look into:

  • Pomodoro technique โ€“ breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks to prevent
    burning out. E.g. Three sets of studying for 45 minutes with a 15-minute break.
  •  Active recall (flashcards) โ€“ arguably one of, if not the best ways to memorise and retain
    information when done right. Conducting active recall every day will allow information to be
    stored in long-term memory stores in the brain.
  • Creating mind maps and summarisation โ€“ a creative approach to revision by mapping as
    much information regarding a topic as possible. Allows condensed information to be stored
    in one place and easy to access.
  • Past paper questions โ€“ finding past questions and attempting them will allow you to better
    understand both exam structure and answer structure when marking with the mark scheme. This will minimise all chances for you to lose marks on exams.
  • Condensed notes โ€“ condensing your notes will allow vital information to be easily accessed
    in one place and can lead to more efficient revision.
  • Group study โ€“ a method that has the potential to be extremely effective. Studying in groups is a rewarding experience as it allows for productivity to be achieved with friends. Teaching each other knowledge can improve critical thinking and understanding.
  • Use of mnemonic devices and analogies โ€“ creating memorable phrases or acronyms can aid memory retention for complex matters. Relating complex concepts to simpler, more
    understandable ones.
 

Conclusion

As we conclude this exploration into the realm of effective studying, remember that learning is a lifelong endeavour, and the skills you’ve gained here will serve as your companions on this journey. Embrace the power of consistency, curiosity, and adaptability. Celebrate your progress and small victories along the way, for they are the stepping stones to larger achievements. As you navigate through the academic challenges that lie ahead, keep in mind that studying isn’t just about accumulating knowledge; it is about building a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal growth. Remember that consistency is key and your biggest tool for noticeable progress to be seen. So, go forth with confidence, armed with the tools you’ve discovered, and let your dedication to mastering the art of studying propel you toward a future illuminated by the brilliance of your own potential.

Good Luck!