Special Report

20 Power Study Tactics

What You Don't Know Can Hurt You!

Have you ever heard these comments from students?

“I read it. I understand it. But I just can’t get it to sink in.”

“This stuff is so boring that I can’t even stay awake to read it.”

“I’ve studied for hours but I don’t remember a thing.”

Not only have you heard them but also you’ve probably said them yourself a
few times. It is not just important to study, but it is important to study
“effectively.” Studying effectively means that as a result of your studying you
have increased your comprehension of the material.

The following are 20 study tactics that will help your study session become
more effective. The list is in no particular order.

Tip # 1: Use a “study session plan” – A study session plan outlines what
you’re going to study during each particular study session. Take a moment to
develop a study session plan before you throw yourself into the work. Mark
off every study task as you finish it. Your productivity will leap as you get
more done in less time.

Tip # 2: Break your assignments into small chunks - Take a good look at
your schedule and list of assignments and start to break each down into
smaller chunks that can be completed in 30-40 minute timeframes.

Tip # 3: Choose the right study location – Study in the same place every
day. Your surroundings will become familiar and you will be able to get to
work faster and get more done working in the same location every day.
Choose a location that is free from all distractions and that has good lighting.
I know of no better place than the library. In college I had a chair deep in the
back of the library with my name on it. It was my study haven.

Tip # 4: Make your study location a personal productivity center – A

personal productivity center is your own portable mini-office where you have
everything you need to stay productive. The following is a list of things you
should consider having in your study location: laptop computer, computer bag,
backpack, calculator, personal organizer (PDA, Planner), mini-dictionary and
thesaurus, notebooks, Ink pens, mechanical pencils and highlighters, pencil
erasers, paper and folders, portable printer, tape recorder, three hole punch,
stapler / stapler remover / paper clips, tape, tape recorder and earplugs. This
may sound like a lot, but actually, many of these things are offered in mini-
sizes that are perfect for you mini-office.

Tip # 5: Study at the same time everyday – Make your school work an 8am
– 6pm j-o-b. One of the best habits a student can learn is to study in the
same place and at the same time every day. Know you internal clock and the
best times to study for you. With that said, some experts say that studying
during the day is more effective than studying in the evening or at night.

Tip # 6: Study in groups - Study for exams with a study partner at pre-
determined times. Studies have shown that students who study in groups to
prepare for tests are more likely to score higher grades than studying by
themselves.

Tip # 7: Start with difficult subjects first - Use the “reverse logic” rule when
studying. Attack the most difficult studies first…the ones that really take a lot
of mental-mind bending. Then do your least difficult, more enjoyable
homework. If you work from your most difficult and distasteful homework to
your most enjoyable and least difficult homework, you’ll complete your
homework faster and you’ll be able to study longer!

Tip # 8: Re-write you class notes - Rewrite your notes the same day of
class. If you don’t want to write your notes out, try typing them up on a
computer in outline format. Consider re-writing your notes as flashcards.
They’ll be more accessible to review and when test time rolls around your
flashcards will already be done!

Tip # 9: Record and playback your notes - Although I don’t recommend

tape recording your notes in class, the tape recorder does have its place. Try
this little trick: after you have re-written your notes, review them out loud into a
tape recorder as though you were teaching someone else. When you are
driving, listen to the tape. Sounds corny…it works!

Tip # 10: Take frequent study breaks - Studies have shown that students
have a higher recollection of information presented in the first and last 15
minutes of a one hour class. This is because the mind cannot effectively
concentrate for long periods of time. It needs breaks. Consider using the 30-
5-30 rule. Study for 30 minutes, take a five minute break, and study for
another 30 minutes.

Tip # 11: Skim the text before studying - Studies have shown that if you
skim the text to get a high-level understanding of what you are about to read,
before you read it, you will have a much higher comprehension of the
material. When you skim, read the opening chapter, the first and last lines of
each paragraph, illustrations, words and phrases in bold, conclusions and the
summary paragraph.
Tip # 12: Take notes as you read – Instead of concentrating on underlining
and marking up a textbook, try taking notes as you read. Put your notes in
outline format. This will significantly increase your comprehension and also
stop your mind from wandering (a common student experience.) In your
notes, remember to include words in the text that are bolded and italicized.
Pay special attention to graphics and exhibits. Try not to copy information
directly from the textbook into your notes. Instead, summarize the information
in your own words. This will help you to concentrate and learn.

Tip # 13: Convert your notes to test questions – After taking notes as you
read you should consider converting them into potential test questions. Write
the test questions directly on 3 x 5 cards so that you end up with a set of
flashcards to study for the test. Studies have found that students who convert
their reading into test questions come with 75% of the test questions that
eventually end up on the test!

Tip # 14: Use rewards for completing study tasks - Use a rewards system.
For example, “allow” yourself a snack break once you get the first twenty
math homework problems done. Plan a bigger reward activity after the
completion of all you homework, like playing basketball or bike riding. This is
called “micro-goal setting,” and it works!

Tip # 15: Use motivational tools - Bring a motivational placard with you to
study. When you sit down, set it up in front of you. Sounds silly but it works.
You can find some great motivational desk displays at
www.successories.com.

Tip # 16: Eat crunchy foods - Bring crunchy health foods to munch on like
celery or carrots. Don’t eat pizza or heavy foods. They can be worse than
sleeping pills!

Tips # 17: Take catnaps - Now this one might sound ridiculous but I do it
often. If you’re sleepy and just can’t study anymore (I often get this way right
after lunch), lay your head down and take a “cat-nap.” When you wake up, go
wash your face and get back to work.

Tip # 18: Use study tools and resources – Take full advantage of the study
tools and resources available. Use flashcards to memorize important
information (you can find great flashcard software on the Internet). Use the
Internet for research but beware that you don’t get sucked into camping on
the net and surfing frivolously. Use campus labs, tutors, videos or computer
programs. Attend orientation session for the campus library and computer
facilities and certainly get to know your professors.

Tip # 19: Schedule time between classes – Don’t schedule back-to-back

classes. The best times to study are right before and after class. With back-
to-back classes you’ll skip the best times to study, in addition, to wearing
yourself out with lecture overload.
Tip # 20: Use memorization techniques – If you want to lock-in important
facts, figures and information, use common memorization techniques.
Memorization techniques are especially useful for storing and recalling lists of
information.