Learning How to Study: 5 Essential Tips

Learning How to Study: 5 Essential Tips

Last update: 13 April, 2020

Albert Einstein once penned the words: “Never consider studies an obligation, but rather an opportunity to penetrate the beautiful and marvelous world of knowledge”. If we paid attention to his advice, studying could become something natural in our lives. But you need good habits to achieve what he says. Good study habits. Is it possible? Of course it is! That’s why we decided to share 5 tips that will show you how to study better.

Studying is a way of growing intellectually. Unfortunately, it’s usually seen as a tedious obligation, and this undermines one’s motivation. This, in turn, only increases the likelihood of the studying causing anxiety and frustration.

Studying needs a positive approach

Therefore, if we consider studying an obligation, it’s likely that we won’t get our desired long-term results. We’ll need more and more time to study the same things, and most of the information will only stay in our heads for a day or two…

Learning how to study requires discipline

On the other hand, if we learn how to study correctly, then we’ll save time and effort, and avoid anxiety and frustration. We’ll also be much more likely to achieve our objectives. How about if we start off by analyzing your situation? Ask yourself the following questions: Am I studying well? Could I do it better? You can answer these questions by looking at the following keys. You’ll soon be learning how to study better.

“Learning is like rowing against the current. You go backwards, as soon as you stop.”

-Edward Benjamin Britten-

5 keys to learning how to study better to get good results

Therefore, in order for everything to work correctly in your mind, you’ll need to be perseverant and apply these tips throughout your studies.

1. Divide your time into shorter periods

It has been proven that we don’t have a very long attention span when studying. That’s why it’s more beneficial to spend no longer than 30 minutes at a time studying. Our brains are designed to work better and assimilate more information more quickly. You get better results from your brain by studying for short repeated periods, rather than for long stretches.

Also, try not to sleep less. That’s a big mistake. If you don’t sleep the hours you need, then your brain won’t work at 100% capacity.

2. Establish a study routine

Creating a study schedule and following it on a continuous basis has great benefits. The better organized you are, the easier it is to approach the subject. You won’t have to spend a lot of time studying the same things. This way, you’ll avoid having to study so much at night and in the early hours of the morning. That’s when tiredness sets in due to lack of sleep, and our concentration falters, meaning that we’ll need three times longer to retain the same information.

Following a routine favors concentration and helps us perform better.

3. Study daily and try to evaluate how you’re getting on

Those who go to the gym every day are fitter than those who go once a week, right? Well, the same thing happens with studying. If you learn how to study on a daily basis, then you’ll retain the most important information without the need for “binge studying”. It’ll be less work for you because you’re already used to this study habit.

To prove this, test yourself on what you’ve studied and you’ll see your progress. In addition to this, you’ll be able to detect your mistakes and correct them.

Boy studying

4. Create tabs with summaries

Making short summaries on separate sheets helps us better retain  and understand what we’re studying. In this way, we not only memorize it but also learn it. As a result, we’re less likely to forget it and can present or explain it easier if needed.

5. Kick distractions to the curb

The time devoted to studying should be only for studying. For this reason, the best thing to do is get rid of all possible distractions from your surroundings when you’re getting ready to study.

These include your mobile phone, television, other people etc. The best thing is to stay away from these things. Remind yourself that it’s only for a short time, so it shouldn’t be difficult. You can reward yourself with 5 minutes on your phone after each session if you like.

It’s quite possible to change your concept of what study actually is by using these keys. It’s not only possible but also highly beneficial, as you learn how to study better and more effectively. Why don’t you try it for yourself? You’ll see that studying can become an enjoyable and stimulating time.

“The intelligence consists not only in the knowledge but also in the skill to apply the knowledge into practice.”

-Aristotle-


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.