How to Have Better Study Habits

Studying is one of the most valuable obligations that a college student has to make. I can admit that at times, it can be hard to stay focused while studying. It is especially hard when you have to pull an all night study session. Do you have a hard time with your study habits? Are you looking for better study habits to improve your class grades? If so, you have stumbled across the right article. The following tips will ensure that you develop good study habits and make the grades that you strive for.

Tip #1: Take notes during class

I am currently a college student and I constantly notice that many people do not take notes in class. You cannot expect to remember much of what the professor says if you do not write anything down. If you type faster than you write, ask the professor if you can bring your laptop to class and type notes. If your professor agrees, make sure that you actually stay focused and type notes. Do not get on random websites during class (which I notice so many people doing). Believe it or not, Facebook and Twitter can wait until class is over. Another way to remember lectures is to record it with a voice recorder. Make sure you contact your professor about this first because some do not allow voice recorders in the class.

Tip #2: Review your notes

Taking notes in class, whatever the method, has a purpose. Do not allow your notes to pile up and then try to cram right before a big exam. Review your notes on a daily basis. If you do, you will begin to memorize the notes. This is essential during an exam or quiz. You must rely on your memory to select the correct answer.

Tip #3: Develop a specific time for studying

If you are able to develop a specific time each day to studying, you will eventually begin to fall into the habit of doing it. It may seem like a challenge at first, but the more you do it the easier it becomes. Remember to devote at least an hour to your studies daily. Most of all, remember to stick to the plan.

Tip #4: DO NOT CRAM

Some students say that cramming is more helpful to them than studying weeks prior to the exam. I personally do not use this philosophy in my studies. If you know that you have a large amount of material that needs to be covered, do not try to cram it all in your brain the night before. More than likely, you will not be able to cover everything that needs to be covered. Allow weeks prior to the exam for studying. If you do, you will be able to fly through the exam within a few minutes (but make sure you go over your answers if this is the case).

Tip #5: Remember the SQ3R Method!

When I was in high school, I learned about the SQ3R Method and I still use it to this day. SQ3R stands for survey, question, read, recite, and review. Survey means that you get the overall picture of what you study before you study it. Question means that you ask yourself questions while you read or study. These questions can be what, when, where, why, how, and who is the most important in your content. The "3 R's" consist of reading, reciting, and reviewing. Reading means that you read actively and highlight important concepts. Reciting means that after a period of reading you should stop and try to summarize everything. Try to spot the overall concept and connect those ideas. Lastly, review means that you reread what you have studied and go over any notes. If you use the SQ3R Method, chances are that you will remember exactly what you need for that important examination.

Developing better study habits can be a challenge if you are not used to doing it. It takes time and practice to actually become a "study master". With these tips that I have given you, I hope that you will be able to have better study habits and improve your overall grades.