When it comes to studying, time is precious and you need to maximise the time available to consolidate and apply course content. As much as most students would like a quick and easy way to study effectively, there is no quick fix, but many ways to make the most of your study time.
There are many different ways to gain a reputable, high quality and sought after qualification. Practical courses in areas such as business, community services and IT & multimedia are offered by providers such as Evocca College, and equip graduates with knowledge, skills and experiences that appeal to employers and guarantee their effectiveness in the workplace.
To achieve such a qualification, effective study skills must be applied and the time available for study must be used wisely. So, what can you do to make the most of you study time?
1. Ensure that you take good notes (whether taking notes in class or studying online)
It’s critical that you record all of the main points and add as much detail to these points as you can in the time allowed. If you are taking notes by hand, ensure that your writing is legible and be sure to include examples, case studies and particular information that will support your understanding of the information covered.
2. Seek clarification
If there are areas that you are confused or unsure about, do not leave them to be ‘worked out’ later. Your efforts to ‘work it out’ may be futile and see you waste considerable time trying to find out information which could have been more quickly provided by your teacher, trainer or lecturer. Seek clarification as quickly as possible.
3. Study in the right spot and with the right conditions
In order to study effectively and concentrate well, the place in which you study needs to be quiet, have adequate light, be free from clutter and without distractions such as the television or social media. Work out what is right and most helpful to you – for some people, studying on an individual basis is by far the most effective, while others prefer to study in a group situation.
4. You must take breaks
Keep in mind that taking breaks while you study is absolutely necessary. With this said, you need to be realistic about the frequency of your breaks and the time allowed for each break period; some people find that the ratio of one hour’s study to fifteen minutes break works well. When taking a break, be sure to do something that helps your brain to relax and something that is as different as possible to studying itself. Taking in some fresh air and sunshine is beneficial and will help to refresh your brain.
5. Put your learning into context
While you will learn quite a lot from re-reading information and making new notes, one of the most important things that you can do is practise recalling the information and applying it in the same context that you will use for your assessment (for example, an exam). Do the task under exam conditions and then reflect on the areas in which you need further revision.
There are many ways to make good use of your study time. Study time is a precious commodity and wasting it can be de-motivating and contribute to increased stress. Learn how to study well and apply these tips to ensure that you make the most effective use of your study time.