Study habits Effective studying is a skill. As such, it’s possible to break down your habits into ineffective study habits versus effective study habits. In an effort to optimize my academic performance, I’ve created a list of bad study habits of college students so as to avoid them.
Number one all-time favourite is cramming. Cramming goes hand-in-hand with procrastination. If you wait until the last minute to study for a test, then you’ll likely find yourself memorizing facts and information without understanding them. While this could work in the short term, you have to keep in mind that most subject matter is cumulative and builds upon what you’ve previously learned. So, in the long run, you’re doing yourself a disservice by memorizing information at the last minute because what goes in quickly is also likely to be forgotten quickly. Instead, start by studying a bit every night after class. This way, you can absorb information over time and actually remember what you learn better.
If you’re a crammer, then chances are high that you’ve pulled an all-nighter. As the term implies, it means you stay up all night to study. This is a lose-lose because not only are you stuck with memorizing over understanding, but you are also lacking sleep, while sleep is crucial for the brain’s functioning and ability to recall information.
The next thing that does more harm than good is multitasking. While multitasking might seem like a good idea because you feel like you can get several things done in less time, the truth is that you aren’t actually focused. People who focus on one thing at a time absorb more information and are more productive. When your brain is constantly switching between tasks, you are less likely to recall information. You can also wear yourself out more quickly. To avoid multitasking, make a plan and prioritize what you will do, and study first. Only once you’ve finished the first thing on your list should you move on to the next.
Studying takes time, so you have to make time to do it. As such, you’ll want to understand time management to allocate the right amount of time to study each subject. Some time management tips include prioritizing tasks, setting a schedule, breaking up big tasks, creating rewards, and waking up earlier to give yourself more time in a day.
And finally, I can’t but mention missing classes. Attending will end up boosting what you learn. Since you study the material that is first introduced to you during class, you will already have the foundational knowledge you need to understand the material deeply. When you miss a class, you’ll also have to spend a lot of time making up for what you missed by copying notes or asking your peers about what you missed. The time you spend doing that could be better spent studying and reviewing what you’ve already learned.
The only way to avoid missing class is to go to class! Make note of your schedule in advance so that you can fit in everything around your class schedule. And, if you choose to learn at an online institution, then the great news is you can be more flexible with your schedule. This is especially true if you enroll at an institution where classes are recorded, so you can choose when and where you want to study and learn.
Studying is integral to academic life. And doing it effectively is essential for one’s success because often, just earning a degree isn’t enough. Over time, you’ll start to recognize what works for you and what doesn’t. I shared these examples so you can assess whether or not you take part in them. If you do, it’s time to drop them so that you can earn better results from your studying efforts! |