There is no magic bullet when it comes to developing good study habits. Not everyone learns the same way. So, not everyone will study the same way. Some people need absolute silence to review textbooks, lecture notes, and handouts to prepare for an exam. Others study better in a group bouncing ideas off one another. The study skills you develop will be based heavily on your learning style.
What’s Your Learning Style?
Studying does not have to be a difficult process. The biggest mistake people make is developing a study plan that is different from the way they learn best. Not only are they trying to learn new information, but they are trying to adapt to a new way to learn that information too! Make it easy on yourself. Ask yourself a simple question: Are you a visual (see), auditory (hear), or kinesthetic (hands-on) learner?
What if you aren’t sure what category of learning you fall into? Well, think back to all those classes you have taken throughout your academic career. There were forms of learning that came much easier to you than other forms. There’s your learning style. Develop study skills that are tailored to your unique style of learning to achieve more productive results.
How to Successfully Study
It does not matter what you are studying for, in our case usually anatomy and physiology or nutrition. There are a few key elements every successful student needs to include in a study plan.
1. Time-Management – It is not the amount of time you spend studying that matters. It’s what you can accomplish during that time. Spending 40 hours to prepare for an exam and only earning a C clearly was a waste of your time. Develop a study plan and learn how to manage your time effectively to maximize your results.
2. Motivation – If you are not motivated and have a poor attitude, your study session will not be very productive. Pick a time of day where you can get motivated to prepare for tests and write case studies. If it helps, exercise before you begin to study as exercise is proven to stimulate the brain.
3. Concentration – The ability to concentrate is one of the more important study skills you need to develop. You won’t always be able to study in absolute silence or be able to spend as much time as you would like on a particular project. Learn how to overcome distractions so you can focus all your attention on your studies. Eating and sleeping well will help. Brain super foods include; avocado, blueberries, broccoli, chia, nuts, raw cacao, quinoa, spinach, sunflower seeds, tomatoes and rosemary.
4. When in doubt, ask – If you aren’t sure about a particular topic, don’t be shy. Ask your tutor, family, or friends for help. It is important to address the problem area as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will end up having to spend even more time studying to catch up.
Remember you are learning a new subject or skill and that we all learn at different paces. Never compare yourself to anyone else and be proud of all achievements, no matter how seemingly small! Most of all, enjoy it and never stop learning!
REFERENCES:
www.studytips.org
www.sunwarrior.com
www.reviseonline.co.nz