Study Smarter, Not Longer: Blog 2 of 7 - Use a Variety of Strategies

A common study strategy is to “review” or “reread” lecture notes over and over.  This does not work!  At best you will memorize the information in the exact words you wrote and in the exact order, but you will not understand the information or be able to work with it on an exam.  You need to work with the information is a variety of ways to fully learn.  Here are some ideas from my Learning Strategies classes:

Visually:

• Rework the information into study guides (concept maps, review charts, outlines, time lines, study cards) whatever format suits the information.
• Add visuals.  Many students draw pictures or paste computer print-outs on their notecards.
• If appropriate, look at videos related to the material.
• Go to Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org) and watch someone else explain the information.
• Color code your notes, or highlight different information with different colors.
• Create your own Power Point slides

 Aurally (hearing):

• Obviously go to class so that you hear the professor explain the material.
• Read your notes out loud.  I have had some students sing their notes to a song beat.
• Join a study group and talk about the information with others.  Perhaps take turns either explaining the information or quizzing each other.
• Go to peer tutoring sessions.
• Record yourself explaining the information or reading the notes and listen while driving or exercising (combines hearing and muscle movement)

 Muscle movement:

• Create study guides (see Visual – you are using small muscles)
• Reserve a Library study room or classroom and write the material on the white or chalk boards
• Study in a different location.
• After creating a portable study guide, review it while exercising.   Stationary bikes work better than treadmills!  On the treadmill listen to your recorded notes (see Aural).

You can see there is a lot of overlap.  Try a variety of strategies depending on what you like and the material you have to learn.  It makes learning easier and more enjoyable!

The next blog will look at one of my students’ favorite strategies: chunking!  Come back next week to see what that is!

*****

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.