By: Anna Wysoka, Adithi Jaikumar, Bridget Kavannah, Keree Bhalodia, Arnav Amruth
You know what is a very relatable thing among students? Imagine this…You find yourself sitting at your desk trying to re-read the page that you’ve been stuck on for almost an hour; and you wonder to yourself why isn’t this information clicking? Or, you might be sitting in lecture and the professor hands you your exam back and it’s covered in red pen marks; even though you have studied for hours at a time. Developing the proper studying method for yourself can help you not only succeed in class, but also take good care of your mental health while undergoing academic rigor.
Section 1: Finding what your learning style is
I recall these random moments in my freshman year of college, where I struggled to find a study method that worked best for me. It seemed as though my methods from HS were not working, regardless of how intensely I studied. At one point, I was trying to study like my friends studied. One of my close friends would rewrite the assigned chapter by hand. Another friend would only read the textbook and make flash cards. It wasn’t till my sophomore year, where I decided to take matters into serious consideration and try to develop a method that worked for me. This took time, but it taught me what type of learner I am. In the following paragraphs, we will be discussing two methods that I myself and many other students use. Remember, not two people are alike. We all process information differently, and it is important to find what works best for us .
Section 2: Pomodoro effect
Some believe it is beneficial to study multiple hours at a time with no breaks. However, science has shown us that our brains need breaks in between studying. This helps us further “digest” the information we are taking in. A method that helps us do this is referred to as the Pomodoro effect. This method is essentially a well-known productivity interval in which you have an interval of 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. After 4 work intervals, there is a 15-minute break. It is a very useful time management technique and has definitely helped me avoid procrastination. This method is also wonderful to use for increasing productivity time and improving your focus.
Section 3: Space repetition
Space repetition is a technique of memorization to ensure that the information that you absorb is retained over a long-term period. The essence of this concept is that you space out periods of learning and practicing concepts so that even when you gain proficiency of the subject matter, you still quiz yourself after time in order to ensure that you are remembering the information that you put in your memory. An easy technique to do this is by using a flashcard software, such as Quizlet or Anki, and completing a set of flashcards every week. Or, you can have a random timer generator, which will notify you to complete the set of flashcards at random points throughout the week so that you remember to complete a set of flashcards. This will help you both on standardized tests and tests for your classes.
Section 4: Mixing your media
Oftentimes, students believe they strictly need to study from the textbook to do well in a class. And I believe we speak for everyone when I say that textbooks are very dry and not too exciting to read; sometimes it feels like we are glossing over important information that might be tested later on in the class. Mixing media helps you take a break from the textbook and still find ways to learn the information. Whether this is through watching youtube videos from your favorite study channel, drawing out structures and graphs, or even meeting with a study group. There are excellent ways to switch up the source you are getting your information from, and it can make your studying more enjoyable.
Section 5: Burn out
Burn-out is a term defined as “is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.” This can occur when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. This can happen in any setting to anyone; whether you are a student or a working professional in the field. The symptoms of burnout can become very detrimental to one’s mental health and academic/work life. So how do we prevent it or “treat” it?
Ways to prevent this feeling is by developing good time management and finding time for yourself to wind down. Sometimes we feel as though there is a lot of work to be done, and that we need to tend to it for hours on end; taking breaks will help you get reorganized and reoriented for your next plans for the day. For me personally, I enjoy going on long walks or planting in between studying. Another thing that can help prevent burn-out is being in a setting with like minded people who want to achieve the same goal as you.
Medical Wonders 