How to spread your learning out over time

In the last blog I discussed how your learning has to spaced out over time. Well how do you do that?  Here are some ideas:

·       Review your notes after every class and start to learn them with various strategies, especially self-testing.

·       Go to any out-of-class help available such as tutoring, Supplemental Instruction or professor-led sessions.

·       Make study cards and carry them with you.  If you have a few extra minutes, go through several cards.

·       If there is a subject you are really struggling with, take about 15 extra minutes every day (above and beyond your regular studying) and work with study cards.

·       Start to prepare for an exam about one week before the date.  Gather all of your material, divide into sections and study one section in-depth every day.  Also review the previous sections you studied the previous days.

·       Go to every class – that goes without saying but it has to be mentioned!!

Next week I will tell you about some of my students’ struggles and suggestions.   Keep working!

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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies  and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.