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Becoming a student again after a long time can be a daunting process. However, it need not be as hard as you think – with a little preparation, and the use of effective study techniques, you may even enjoy it. This article outlines some key skills and tips to help you with your studies.
Before You Start…
It is vital to be prepared. Being organized from the outset will help you manage your time effectively especially when dealing with contingencies. Use a diary or an online calendar to schedule your studies. Put in deadlines for assignments, work and other commitments. Tick these off as you go along so that you can keep track of your progress. Stock up on folders, dividers, paper, pens and highlighters. Keeping your research and notes organized from the beginning will help immensely when it comes to revision.
Time Management
Effective time management is a vital study skill. If you don’t manage your time properly, you may feel that you have no time for studying, or that you have no time for your work or social life. The key is to prioritize your commitments and to follow these up without letting other people or things distract you. A good, well-thought-out schedule that can be revised if necessary will save you valuable time and allow you to meet all of your commitments, so develop a schedule that suits you and stick to it.
Determine the times and places where you are most productive and schedule your study program accordingly. If you are not sure, experiment with a variety of times and places in order to find a comfortable place to study where you feel you can be most focused and productive.
Libraries
Consider registering for a library card (if you don’t already have one). Libraries can save you lots of money, as you won’t need to buy items on reading lists. In libraries, books tend to be organized by subject. Most libraries have a computerized catalog system allowing you to search for books by title, subject or author. Don’t just rely on the catalog though – browse the bookshelves for your subject, or ask a librarian for assistance. Catalog searches are fast but you could miss related books by using the wrong search terms. A library will save you considerable time and money, so use it to your advantage.
Reading
Before you begin reading, ensure you understand what your aim or purpose is, then read accordingly. Understanding the main idea is key to effective studying as you need to form your own interpretation of the author's central idea.
Skim-read books quickly to see if they're relevant: look at headings, sub headings and chapter summaries. Once you have selected the most useful ones, read them in more depth, taking notes as you go. Ask yourself if you have understood what you have read – if not, re-read it.
Keep a record of where you found useful information – a journal, book or website – so you can easily go back to it when you are revising.
Note Taking
When listening to speakers or lecturers, try not to write down every word – concentrate on names, dates and key words, then fill in the gaps later. If you feel that you are a slow note taker, use a dictaphone to record what is being said, then transcribe later. If you are taking notes from your own textbooks or photocopies, use a highlighter pen to pick out the main points. Don’t worry about making your notes neat – you can write them up afterwards.
It may sound tedious, but it is always a good idea to write up your notes, and come revision time, you’ll be glad you did. Use a looseleaf notebook to record your notes, with large margins for your annotations and questions, and dividers for separate subjects. Date the notes, use your own words to enhance your understanding, keep them brief and set them out using key words so you can easily find the information you need.
SQ3R
The SQ3R method is an excellent way to develop your study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review.
- Survey. Get an overall picture of what you're going to study before you look at it in detail. Survey the information: scan contents, introduction, chapter introductions and chapter summaries to establish an overview of the text. Use this to decide if it will be of any use.
- Question. Make a note of any questions that come to mind, particularly after your survey. Ask yourself questions as you scan the material again. As you answer them, you will make sense of the information and remember it more easily because the answers will help you structure the information in your own mind.
- Read. Read actively, in order to answer questions you have asked yourself. Pay particular attention to bold or italicized print. Read useful sections in detail and be careful to understand all relevant points. Ensure you read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often graphics can convey an idea more powerfully than text.
- Recall. Once you have read the information, run through it in your mind several times. Isolate the key facts or concepts, and then see how other information fits around them. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what any graphs, charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop your own interpretation of what you have read.
- Review. Review by re-reading the information, by clarifying your notes, or by discussing the material with others. A particularly effective method of reviewing information is to explain it to someone else. Re-read with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the process. During review, go over any notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand.
The Internet
Searching the internet is a quick and easy way to get a topic overview. However, it is best used as a starting point for more specific research – if you are new to a topic, it can be difficult to establish which websites are useful and which are shallow, complex or out of date. Use search engines such as Google and type in specific search terms. Ask other people for recommended websites and generally browse around. It is always a good idea to save the websites that you find most useful into your Favorites folder. They can be your first port of call when checking out something new. A word of warning though: you can find yourself browsing the web for hours without finding anything useful, so tailor your searches, skim-read sites and be selective in what you choose to read.
