Effective Study Skills

In order to succeed at your chosen course, it will benefit you vastly if you know how to study properly.  There are many effective ways to learn information and it is important to know what works for you.  By a process of trial and error you can figure out what type of studying suits you best, what time of day you are most efficient and what type of environment is most productive to study in.

Studying for Success

Create a Studying Environment: Plan to study at specific times each week and use a calendar. Break up periods of study as much as possible, perhaps an hour at a time with a break in between. Choose a location where you can concentrate - loud music or any TV reduces effectiveness.
 
Prioritise and Plan: Decide your most important tasks, and give them the appropriate time and attention. Colour code your timetable and tick off tasks as you complete them to create a sense of achievement.
 
Generate a Positive Attitude: Ask questions to be an active learner and generate interest. Make the subject meaningful to you in some way. Reward yourself after each study segment – use breaks, walks, music or a trip to the cinema.

Manage your Time

> Keep a balance between studying and socialising.  Remember the importance of rewards and treats.

> Prioritise and Plan - decide your most important tasks, and give them the appropriate time and attention.

> Colour code you timetable and place them somewhere obvious to remind you.  It will keep you motivated to tick off tasks as you complete them and create a sense of achievement.

> Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks – then focus on one area at a time.

> Remain flexible, real life often means you cannot plan for everything.  Being too rigid may induce stress when plans have to change.

Know your Subject

• Plan well in advance of your tests
• Look at your course material and list the topics to revise for each subject
• Draw up a revision timetable
• Break up the day to help boost your concentration span
• Condense your notes into brief summaries of the main points
• Make your revision active – ask questions
• Set up a card system on which to condense your notes