Is your current study strategy rereading a textbook in the hopes that something may stick? If so, do you get frustrated because you can’t memorize a large amount of knowledge in a short amount of time?
It’s critical to acquire good time management and study skills as a graduate student in order to retain the most information. In graduate school, cramming the night before is no longer an option. Try one of the study techniques listed below to start the New Year off right.
Top 5 Study Methods That Actually Work
1. The SQ3R Approach
The SQ3R method is a reading comprehension approach that aids students in recognizing key facts and retaining material from their textbook. The term SQ3R (or SQRRR) stands for the five steps in the reading comprehension process. For a more efficient and successful study session, follow these steps:
- Survey: Rather than reading the full book, skim the first chapter and make notes on any headings, subheadings, illustrations, or other notable aspects such as charts.
- Create questions based on the chapter’s content, such as “What is the purpose of this chapter?” What do I know about this topic already?
- Read: Start by reading the entire chapter, looking for solutions to the questions you posed.
- Recite: After reading a section, explain what you’ve just read in your own words.
- Review: After you’ve finished the chapter, go through it again to make sure you understand everything.
2. Retrieval Practice
The concept of retrieval practice is founded on the concept of recalling something afterwards. Looking for an answer in your textbook is less effective than recalling an answer to a question.
You will be more likely to remember the information if you practice retrieval. The retrieval process can be integrated into your study habit in a variety of ways.
- Make use of practice tests: Without consulting your book or notes, use practice exams or questions to quiz yourself.
- Create your own set of questions: Create your own test questions by acting as your own teacher.
- Make use of flashcards: Make flashcards, but make sure you practice retrieving them. Instead than flipping a card over too soon, write down the answer and then double-check.
3. Spaced Practice
Instead of cramming the night before, spaced practice (also known as “distributed practice”) encourages pupils to study over a longer period of time. When our brains are on the verge of forgetting something, they work harder to remember it. Allowing your mind to form connections between ideas and build upon knowledge that can be easily recalled later assists you to space out your studies.
To try this strategy, study your content at regular intervals, as shown below:
- Day 1: In class, learn the content.
- Day 2: Go over everything again and review everything.
- Day 3: Go over everything again
- Revisit and review after one week.
- Revisit and review after two weeks.
4. The PQ4R Method
This method uses an active learning strategy to improve memorization and comprehension of the material. PQ4R is an acronym that stands for the six steps in the procedure, similar to the SQ3R approach above.
- Preview: Before you begin reading, look over the information to gain a sense of the topic matter. Only read the headers, subheadings, and highlighted language after skimming the material.
Ask yourself questions about the subject, such as, “What do I anticipate to learn?” What do I know about this subject already? - Read: Take it one portion at a time and try to come up with answers to your queries as you go.
Consider whether you’ve answered all of your inquiries. If you don’t know the answer, go back and look it up. - Recite: Summarize the facts you just read in your own words, either orally or in writing.
Review the content once more and respond to any questions that have not been addressed - Revisit and review after one week.
- Revisit and review after two weeks.
5. Mind Mapping
If you’re a visual learner, try mind mapping, a technique that allows you to Try mind mapping, a technique that allows you to visually organize information in a diagram, if you’re a visual learner. You begin by writing a single word in the center of a blank page. Then you write main concepts and keywords that are directly related to the fundamental notion. Other similar concepts will continue to develop
So, how do you go about doing it?
- Fill in the center of a blank sheet of paper (or use an online tool) with your research topic, such as “child development.”
- Connect one of your primary concepts to the main topic, such as “developmental stages,” by using a chapter of your book or notes.
- Connect your primary branch to sub-branches with supporting concepts. This is the concept of thought association. “Sensorimotor,” “Preoperational,” “Concrete operational,” and “Formal operational” are only a few examples.
- TIP: For each branch, use different colors and, if necessary, draw illustrations.
Key Takeaway
Nobody wants to study for longer than is necessary. Learning good study techniques will ensure that you are properly prepared for your tests and will help you overcome any test anxiety that may be lurking around the corner. Hopefully, by using the tactics outlined above, you will be able to avoid cramming the night before and maximize your study time.
