Study tips for success

While still in grammar school, most students were taught the “right” way to study: Dedicate yourself. Memorize. Lock yourself in a quiet room and don’t leave until you know the material. Recently, however, in their article, Better Ways to Learn, The New York Times reported many of these habits are actually scientifically unsound, and that some strategies that seem counter-intuitive are quite effective. Below I have captured some study tips discussed in the Times article.

Alternate Study Spaces.

Although many still swear by the library, cognitive scientists suggest that alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information. Memory is colored by location, and changing your study locales increases the likelihood of remembering what you’ve learned.

Study and Homework Groups.

Never underestimate the power of your peers, especially when working through a difficult problem set or reading assignment. Dividing and conquering is an effective way to reduce your workload — and to make sure you understand the material.

Take Tests.

As much as we may hate tests, the Times article reports that formal evaluations not only affirm knowledge but enhance it. Consistent testing can help us relearn and recall information, and it pays off when preparing for final exams.

Make Flash Cards.

Sometimes the best habits are the ones we’ve used forever. Flash cards are oldies but goodies –- writing notes and definitions more than once will help imprint information in your memory, and the cards are a great way to develop and use mnemonic devices and associative phrases.

Don’t Categorize Yourself.

Students often categorize themselves as visual or auditory learners, or as being left-brained or right-brained thinkers. According to the New York Times, research has shown that these distinctions are largely erroneous. It is more important to figure out which study strategies work for you than to worry about where you lie on the learning spectrum.

Don’t Drown Yourself in Subject Material.

In keeping with the age-old proverb that values quality over quantity, scientists have found that immersion is not an effective method of study. Rather than sticking to one subject and spending hours attempting to master it, you should switch between a few (related) topics. It’s less boring — and you’ll learn more.

Manage Your Time.

The only thing worse than having a deadline is missing a deadline. Stay organized, cut down on procrastination and your work load will feel much more manageable.