Effective Study Habits in Higher Education

Introduction

Effective study habit in higher education is very critical for success in college. Therefore, students need to make their studies effective to excel. Unfortunately, most people imagine that studying for long hours is the best path to being a model and a successful student. However, Van Blerkom (2011) states that highly successful students spend less time studying than peers since they study more effectively. Similarly, studies have indicated that psychologists and educators reveal that students who master the art of note-taking, improve time management, and use mind map skills become successful in their studies (Van Blerkom, 2011). For those seeking additional support, psychology dissertation help can provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance these skills.

Master the art of note-taking. Though most of the time, people think that they remember everything, we often forget critical issues. Therefore, it is critical to familiarize yourself with note-taking strategies and finding strategies that best fit you. Some of the notes taking critical strategies include paying attention to boldface heading and words, being attentive to captions, reworking main ideas into concepts. Therefore, students should use graphs, highlighters, diagrams, sticky notes, index cards, and ensuring that the notes are taken to answer the objectives that accompany every lesson. Similarly, taking good notes involves dating every entry and keeping notes for various classes separate from each other. Also, an individual must write essential aspects that the lecturer or instructor writes and speak. Similarly, it is critical to consider what the instructor emphasized or considers it essential. Finally, it is critical to consider that the study or notes idea should be organized, which is a critical step in learning for the final exam.

Fig.1. notes taking (TheBestColleges.org, 2021).

Use mind maps. A mind map refers to a framework that enables students to visualize, organize and summarize lessons and learning. This strategy enables a student to store information on one page. Moreover, mind maps enable the learner to study and revise easier and more meaningfully. Mind Mapping is a robust tool in highlighting essential facts and also show the overall structure of a subject. It enables learners to think creatively and make new connections between ideas. Also, enable learners to understand these new ideas better and conveys hierarchy and the big picture. Nilson (2016) suggests that, allows the user to create and share visual representations of things and is helpful for a wide variety of tasks. Therefore, this study can be used by a student to study any subject of interest. Fortunately, it is easy to make since it can be made by a unique computer program or by hand and used effectively to take notes in class and revise for the exam.

Fig.2. mind map (Leyden, 2021).

Improving time management skills. Most learners have busy schedules and often feel that time is managing them. Most students are torn between attending work, classes, and sometimes traffic. Sometimes, scheduled becomes overwhelming and can turn people to be less successful and productive in college. However, excellent time management includes planning to saves time, energy and becomes less worried. Time management involved prioritizing tasks and deciding which task is critical than others and what needs to be completed first. Conley (2010) states that effective time management allows learners to complete more in less time. Therefore it is the best strategy for learners to enable them to read less time and cover more. For example, effective use of time also reduces stress and enables learners to tick off items from their to-do list and complete schoolwork and assignments on time. This skill enables a learner to be more confident and learn more effectively, thus making an individual successful.

Fig.3. time management (Assignmenthelp4me, 2021).

Listen to music and relax. Learning can be tedious; thus, individuals need to relax. Some experts argue that playing certain music forms like "obscure eighteenth century composers," can assist the learner in engaging part of their brain and making a prediction or paying attention (Colwell & Fonder, 2017). Also, the study reveals that listening to music enables a learner to improve their moods and change the whole outlook about learning in general. Stress is among the limitation of learning and generates hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormones that disrupt memory storage (Colwell & Fonder, 2017). Similarly, it is critical to take a break and relax after a certain studying period. A break is critical in preventing fatigue and making individuals focused. Similarly, it improves creativity and helps one maintain attention and regain motivation.

Fig 4. Relaxing (TheBestColleges.org, 2021).

After taking notes, it is critical to review the notes every day and alternate study locations. After class, it is proven to be critical to spend about 30 minutes going over notes from each class (Rocca, 2010). The study also reveals that reviewing new material within 24 hours promotes individual retention ability, thus promoting learning. Similarly, reviewing material before attending the next class enables a student to identify points of confusion and also enables the learner to prepare questions that can be asked in the next class. Also, it is critical to change study locations as this would improve and the likelihood of remembering what you learned (Rocca, 2010).

Fig.5. reviewing notes (TheBestColleges.org, 2021).

Other than relaxing, sleeping is also critical to learning. When one is tired, students learn more slowly, thus making studies less effective. Therefore, learners retain less information. Ong et al. (2012) state that a learner must get enough sleep as it plays a critical role in the consolidation of memory. Also, the study reveals that there is a significant relationship between sleep and memory, and good night sleep has been revealed to be critical in energizing our brain and making us alert.

Fig.6. sleeping

Conclusion

Effective study habit in higher education is very critical for the success of learners. However, most learners do not practice learning habits and think that studying for long hours is the best path to success. Some effective studying strategies include taking notes, using mind maps, improving time management skills, listening to music, and relaxing. Moreover, students need to revise their notes and get enough sleep.

Study timetable

Weekly timetable

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References

Assignmenthelp4me, 2021. A comprehensive essay on time management and tips for all. Assignment Help 4 Me. Available at: https://assignmenthelp4me.com/essay/comprehensive-essay-time-management.html [Accessed June 10, 2021].

Colwell, R.J., Hewitt, M.P. and Fonder, M., 2017. The teaching of instrumental music. Routledge.

Conley, D.T., 2010. College and career ready: Helping all students succeed beyond high school. John Wiley & Sons.

Leyden, A., 2021. Top 5 Ways to Use Mind Maps for E-Learning. eLearning Industry. Available at: https://elearningindustry.com/top-5-ways-to-use-mind-maps-for-e-learning [Accessed June 10, 2021].

Nilson, L.B., 2016. Teaching at its best: A research-based resource for college instructors. John Wiley & Sons.

Ong, J. C., Ulmer, C. S., & Manber, R. (2012). Improving sleep with mindfulness and acceptance: a metacognitive model of insomnia. Behaviour research and therapy, 50(11), 651-660.

TheBestColleges.org, 2021. 17 Scientifically Proven Ways to Study Better This Year. TheBestColleges.org. Available at: https://www.thebestcolleges.org/17-scientifically-proven-ways-to-study-better-this-year/.

Rocca, K.A., 2010. Student participation in the college classroom: An extended multidisciplinary literature review. Communication education, 59(2), pp.185-213.

Van Blerkom, D.L., 2011. College study skills: Becoming a strategic learner. Cengage Learning.