What studying techniques are the most effective?

I completely agree with Austin, it really depends on how you learn best. For me, I would make outlines of my class notes as a way of rewriting what had been gone over since that is how I learn best and would then use my outlines to study. The combination of rewriting the notes plus reviewing the outlines was great for me, but I know that it would not work for some of my friends. Another recommendation I have to complete all review sheets and questions/practice test provided by your professors. This is a great way to see what areas you need more work on and what areas you know really well. Finally, I recommend going to office hours as much as necessary. Professors make themselves available to answer questions and in my opinion, they really enjoy when students come prepared with good questions that show they are interested in learning and doing well.

Good luck!

Anued, good question. College is definitely different than high school so it is good to hear that you are wanting to develop better study habits in college. Your question is a hard one given that people learn in different ways; no two people learn in the exact same way. I learn by writing things down and hearing things, other people learn best off of visuals and diagrams, while other people learn best by reading. To develop the best study habit and technique you need to ask yourself how you learn best. Is there a class that is taught in a way that you really seem to grasp? Is there a professor that you learn best from? Is there a class/professor that you find really difficult, if so why? You should ask yourself both what works and what does not work as through this you will discover the best way for you to learn. Once you do this, then you will be better equipped to devise your own method of studying.

Furthermore, approach studying not as long blocs of time, but more manageable smaller chunks. Study for 30 minutes and then take a 5-7 minute break. If you try and just chug through 5 hours of studying not only will you fry your brain, but you will also end up wasting time and be inefficient in your studying. There is no way that you will be able to retain information after 5 hours of studying and you will just end up having wasted that time. Divide and conquer your studying, manage your time, and devise your own tailored approach.

Best,

Austin