Your college years are especially important, as they build the basis for your future skills and knowledge. This is why you need to spend them most productively, especially in terms of studying.
When speaking about productivity, we think about the ability to get more done in less time. It can be difficult to achieve, especially as a student, but there are plenty of ways you can study productively. Read on to learn about these ways, and be sure to use them for your own success.
Set Realistic and Time-bound Goals.
Studying productively is a lot easier if you set clear goals. Whether you want to get a better grade, train yourself to be a better expository essay writer, or complete your qualification, setting goals is key to studying productively. You can do this by listing the things you want to achieve in your studies.
Your goals should be meaningful and align with your values. They should also be attainable and realistic. Make sure your goals are time-bound, giving you a realistic time frame for achieving them. Being able to track your progress and modify your goals on the go will also help you maintain motivation. You should also not forget to reward yourself with something small and pleasant for reaching goals and milestones in-between them. Even if it is a cup of delicious coffee or a walk in the park with friends, a reward will keep you going even further and make you more interested in your studies.
Eliminate Distractions.
Distractions are a major reason for poor productivity and concentration. This is why you need to do your best to minimize their influence on your study process. Doing this successfully can increase your focus and help you do more.
While it’s impossible to eliminate every distraction, you can still try to minimize their influence in your life by building a schedule around the time when you are less distracted.
If you can, try to study in a room that’s designed exclusively for studying, like the library or your own bedroom. This will help you avoid any external irritators, like noise from other people or the television. You should also make sure you’re not distracted by other people, like other classmates who drop in unexpectedly or family members who visit your study room. Be sure to draw out your boundaries and tell the others about your study schedule to make sure they leave you alone in specific time periods.
Take Frequent Breaks.
Taking breaks is a crucial part of successful studies. It can help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of studying. It can also help you stay productive in your study sessions, especially if you’re working on a task requiring high concentration levels. It’s essential to plan your breaks carefully and make them count.
Take regular short breaks throughout the day that you can stick to. This will allow you to rest and refresh your mind and body to work more efficiently. You should set a specific time for your breaks and stick to it! This will help you become more organized and keep you constantly on track.
Taking time away from studies can be difficult, but you must do so if you want to keep up your balance between college and personal life. If you do it effectively, you will find that studying becomes more manageable, and your work will be more effective. And you will also be able to build a foundation for your work-life balance skills in the future.
Make a To-do List.
Whether you’re studying for exams, working on an assignment, or just trying to improve your grades, making a to-do list can help you stay on track and study productively. A good to-do list aims to be achievable, not overwhelming. All tasks on the list should include details and deadlines and be easy to check off as completed. You can also try to make it aesthetically pleasing by using a piece of paper, a planner, or even a sleek digital document.
When making your to-do list, rank each subject in importance to prioritize which ones get the best time slots and the most attention. This will help you keep your study schedule organized and avoid wasting valuable time on low-priority classes.
Take Notes.
Productive study sessions require a lot of attention to detail. In particular, you should pay close attention to your notes since they may be the source of many future questions and insights. Take notes in a variety of formats, including note cards and notebooks. You can also use sticky notes and post-its to jot down important points.
One of the easiest ways to take notes is the Cornell method – a linear system that’s popular among many people, developed at Cornell University in the 1950s.
The Cornell method divides a sheet of paper into two columns, the first for questions or ideas and the second for the main note-taking section. Then, write a summary section at the bottom of your page, either directly after class or later when you review your notes.
Listen actively for cues during the lecture, such as phrases that a professor often uses to emphasize points. These will help you remember bigger ideas that were covered during class.
Final Words
While there is no universal time-management technique to fit every student best, a well-planned schedule will help you achieve several goals at once. This is especially true for students, who often have multiple projects to complete. The key is to choose the right time blocks for each project and then stick to them.
A good way to ensure you don’t miss anything is by dividing your study sessions into short time blocks. Each block should be a dedicated task, such as writing essays, taking notes, or studying for an exam. You can also use a timer to time your studies and take a break between each block.
If possible, make sure to choose a quiet place that is free of distractions and set aside enough time to study. This can include shutting off your phone and putting your computer away.
Eliminate distractions that may be affecting your productivity, like texting or taking calls. Take note of their impact, and then tune them out whenever they come up during your study session.
You will be much more productive if you eliminate distractions from your studies! It is also a good idea to schedule breaks during your study sessions. These short periods of activity can refresh your mind and allow you to return to your studies with fresh eyes.
