UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions
Office of Student Services
Academic Success
How Can I Develop Good Study Habits?
Design a Personal Study Schedule
Design a Study Space Organize Time Management Skills Develop a Productive Study Group Design a Personal Study Schedule When Designing a Personal Study Schedule….
• Know your peak times.
Identify your best time to study which at times will include the need to concentrate, comprehend, and memorize. It does not matter if you’re a morning or late night person just identify the peak time you are most energized. • Remain consistent.
Consistency conditions your mind and body to develop a routine behavior of studying. • Conduct a friend and family meeting.
If you are sharing a living environment with others, it is important for them to know your scheduled study time. Hopefully that time will be respected and noise levels (e.g. TV, radio, telephone, etc.) will be monitored. Remember: consistency is crucial if you really want to gain the respect of others. Actions speak louder than words. • Break large assignments into smaller tasks.
For example, research papers can be scheduled into several parts such as; an outline, literature search, rough draft, edited version, and final paper. • Study difficult subjects first.
Tackle the most challenging subjects when you can give them your full attention and energy.
• Review all Syllabi
Review each syllabi and insert every assignment due date on your calendar, blackberry, computer etc.
Design a Study Space
Where you study is not as important as whether you are able to concentrate on studying when you are there. • Consistency is the key.
Use that designated space for nothing else but studying. For example, if you get sleepy while studying, don’t nap at your desk. Move from that area, rest, and then return. Let that area be associated with nothing else but studying. • Good lighting.
Too much studying in too little light causes eyestrain. Studying in a well-lighted place is crucial in addition to occasionally resting your eyes by looking off in the distance without focusing for a few seconds. • Furniture.
Do not underestimate the importance of a comfortable chair that provides good support for your back. Utilize a desk that supports your elbows and wrists as you type. • Immediate access to supplies.
Keep your supplies handy and replenished. Do not allow yourself additional reasons to stop the flow of studying, especially if you are challenged with procrastination. All a “procrastinator” needs is an excuse to leave the study area. • Minimize distractions.
If possible, design your study space away from televisions, CD players, video games, etc. You may even limit the amount of personal photos hung in this area. At times photos can initiate daydreaming, reminiscing thoughts of past events, which could impact your ability to stay focused.
Tips on Time Management Creating and implementing time management skills is challenging. Most importantly we must realize that “we don’t manage or control time, we manage and control ourselves in the time allotted.” If time management has always been a problem for you let us first identify what is considered your “time stealers”. • Lack of planning
• Procrastination
• Stress and fatigue
• Unclear communication (e.g. directions, goals)
• Inability to say “no”
• Burn out
• Personal disorganization As a student in an intense science or medical education you cannot afford to lose track of or waste time. The best way to start is to: Develop and Maintain a Schedule
1. Determine and evaluate how you are presently spending your time. Be honest and detailed. (How do I spend my time?) 2. Evaluate where it was used efficiently and where it was
wasted.
3. Develop an Effective Schedule
| a.
| Be specific in making the schedule (e.g. don’t just say
" I’m going to study biology”, be specific and say “I
will read chapters 3 & 4). | | b.
| Estimate how long each assignment will take, then
allocate the time on the schedule. | | c.
| Attempt to load your most demanding subjects toward
the beginning of the week. You tend to be more energetic and you become better prepared for lectures. | | d. | Revise or confirm your schedule weekly. | | e.
| Make your time schedule realistic. (e.g. don’t forget
to include travel, class, meal, and sleep time). |
To take control of your time, you must be aggressive. Your role as a student requires scheduled time for studying and studying means more than simply doing your homework. It includes reading, reviewing notes, preparing for exams, presentations, and writing papers. You must have the disciple to stick to your schedule. The moment you fail to follow your schedule, the benefits of time management disappear. However, always try to schedule yourself some free time, particularly use it as an award when successfully sticking to the schedule.
How To Form and Utilize a Study Group Unfortunately, many student’s first reaction to participating in a study group is negative often times based on a history of unproductive experiences. However if formed properly and utilized for specific tasks, study groups can supplement and enhance your learning experience. How to Form a Study Group:
• Find people who share your academic goals.
• Meet informally to discuss group goals, meeting times, and location. • Limit group size to 4 or 5 people.
• Do not meet with friends.
• Have an agenda planned for each meeting. For example our next meeting will cover a review of chapter five. • Meet on a regular basis. (It is best to start at the beginning of the semester and not just at exam time.) • Schedule a time limit. This is the most important component. When group members know the exact timeframe the study session will be, it allows members to structure that day’s commitments.
What is the best use of study groups?
• Review and comparing lecture notes. This does not mean to be used as a resource for obtaining notes because the student decided not to go to class.
• Review Readings.
• Brainstorm possible test questions.
• Test each other by asking questions.
• Practice “teaching” your
peers on course content. This is particularly
helpful during test preparation.
• Provides a mutual support system.
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