Studying in College: Quality over Quantity
Have you ever been frustrated because your excessive studies did not generate a rewarding test score? As college students, we often fall into the trap of equating academic success with the amount of time spent studying. However, we can make a distinction between the quantity of studying and the quality of studying. Last semester, I saw my grades improve because I adopted new study methods. Let me introduce some of the methods I used!
Study Methods
As students transition into college, they may need to adopt new study methods and habits to succeed. I am eager to share study methods I think would benefit students, along with methods that have aided me.
Most study methods adhere to active engagement. Instead of reading over notes and rewatching lectures, active studying allows students to learn effectively and efficiently.
Feynman Technique
I have adopted the Feynman Technique as part of my study routine. This technique helps translate complicated material into simpler terms, making it easier to understand. Imagine yourself as a teacher that is simplifying a concept such that students could comprehend.
How do I use The Feynman Technique?
Identify what concept you want to practice.
In your own basic words, write down all of the material without referencing any notes.
After you have written everything, refer to your notes and check for correctness and fix any mistakes.
Lastly, improve upon areas where you could have simplified complex language.
Then, pretend you are learning the material for the first time, and determine if it is understandable from what you have written.
Distributed Practice
Additionally, distributed practice is helpful for learning dense content over time. It encourages students to cram less and space out their studying among several days. Research has shown that those who use distributed practice perform better on tests than those who procrastinate. The research also noted that the student’s attitudes were more positive when they used distributed practice.
Leitner System
Lastly, the Leitner System effectively helps with memorization. The system utilizes flashcards and three categories in which you ‘rank’ how well you know the material on the flashcards. Therefore, each category determines how much you will study the cards from that category. The creators of the digital study app, Quizlet, based it on the Leitner System.
Study Environment
Study Locations
Contrary to popular belief, varying study spots have become more beneficial than a single study space. A study suggests that performance on memory-based tests result in higher scores after you have studied in multiple locations. In the experiment, participants either studied in the same place twice or in different locations before taking a memory-based test. The study concluded that those who studied in different locations performed better on the test. This evidence supports contextual variation: "the recollection of information is due to the presence of cues when the information was studied."
Study Groups
Collaborating with friends when you study allows for greater retention of information. Ideally, study groups should consist of 3-6 peers in order to follow the C.A.A.S. guidelines.
Community: Everyone works towards a common goal.
Accountability: You will be more prepared and focused since your group relies on your knowledge.
Active Studying: When studying in groups, active study methods can incorporate group members.
Support: Struggling on a concept? Your group will be there to assist.
Hi Ethan! I found this article really informative and helpful. I definitely am a "crammer" in terms of studying, so I will start considering these methods to apply to my studying. I also like to use flashcards; I never even thought to sort them into piles according to my understanding. I think it's so interesting that Quizlet came from the Leitner System! I also have a hard time veering away from my usual study space (in my dorm room), but I want to start trying to study in a library or public setting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Abbey. Like you, I studied in my dorm last year more than at the library. Although this year I realized that I am more productive and less distracted when I am at the library. I highly suggest trying the library, especially the 4th floor cubical spots!
DeleteHi Ethan! I think you article does a good job at simplifying and grouping studying methods! I have tried the Leitner method, by using Quizlet. I have found this beneficial in areas where topics are less concept based. I struggle to veer from my normal study spot which is my dorm room. I would like to get out more though and try studying in different places on campus.
ReplyDeleteHello Normah, thank you for your response! As you said, the Leitner method (AKA Quizlet) works better for memory based content (like psychology, history, etc.). Last year as a freshman, I studied in my dorm a lot. But this year, I found the library to be more beneficial because it simulates a focused learning environment. On the other hand, you are more prone to distractions studying in your dorm - at least I was.
DeleteHi Ethan! As a freshman, I find your post to be very helpful as I continue to transition into college. I've found that sometimes I spend too much time passively studying and I end up not fully understanding the concepts. I aim to improve my study skills so that I can be more efficient with my time. You described several helpful techniques, and I would like to try the Feyman Technique and the Leitner System.
ReplyDeleteHey Jonah! I can relate to your experiences with passive studying. Most of the time, passive studying was a result of disinterest and losing focus. I have learned to retain information much easier when I switched my study methods. I hope I have encouraged you to do the same!
DeleteHi Ethan! I found your blog very timely for me, as I have multiple exams soon. I have been searching for better study methods to help me retain the information rather than cramming. The Feyman technique would be particularly helpful for me and in the future, I hope to implement it into my exam preparation! Similar to you, I also study in one place, my dorm room. The research that has proven improved recall of information by studying in different locations may convince me to vary my study spots. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my blog, Courtney. I, too, procrastinate studying for exams. As a result, I stress myself out. When I first learn content, I make sure I thoroughly understand it, so I do not have to spend too much time reviewing before an exam. I find that the library, especially the third and fourth floors, are a very beneficial study environment. I tend to be more focused and less distracted. I hope your exams go well!
DeleteHi Ethan! I really enjoyed reading your blog, and it explains the study methods very well! I have been struggling with studying in college, and I could not find a technique that works for me. I found myself studying for hours before an exam, and I would still feel like I did not know much material by the end of the study session. I have tried the Leitner method before. I used Quizlet for that method. I want to try the Feyman Technique. I also have a difficult time steering away from my usual study space. However, I find that I get more work done when I switch up the study spaces often.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Harshini! I shared the same experiences you have. I would study for hours on end and still not get the grade I wanted. I learned that shorter, more focused study sessions are better for me (distributed practice). I would suggest using Quizlet for memory based studies, and using the Feynman technique for qualitative/quantitative reasoning studies. I hope the rest of your semester goes smoothly!
DeleteHi Ethan! I think you did a good job to introduce some decent study methods. I think you distributed the resources in your blog well. The images were really helpful to visualize the information that you explained, and the links were informative. I would like to the Feynman Technique when I prepare for my exams! My favorite study place is on the 3 floors of William Pitt Union. Come and try to see if you like it!
ReplyDeleteHi Ethan, thank you for sharing your insights on the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to studying, and for providing helpful study methods such as the Feynman Technique, distributed practice, and the Leitner System. I completely agree with you that where and with whom you study are also crucial factors to consider. It's interesting to know that varying study spots and collaborating with peers can improve information retention and performance on tests.
ReplyDelete