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What are some useful study strategies? Did you listen to music while studying?
I'm in high school hoping to go into either a health or law profession after college. I am currently undecided about which university I want to go to and what my major will be.
#study #college
15 answers
Updated
Ross’s Answer
First, since you're headed for college, you likely have already developed pretty decent study skills in high school. Once you're in college, keep doing whatever it is that got you there. Your workload in college will be much greater, and the hours you put in on studying will go way up, but the way you get through it all won't be much different. This rule holds true whether you're moving from high school to college, from college to graduate school, med school or law school, or from school out into the job world.
Second, once you get there, folks may say to you, 'How can you study here? It's too [quiet] [loud] [crowded] [empty] [whatever]!' Ignore them. Once you settle on a place and a method that works, stick with it. I confess I was terrible at studying in college. When I'm in a quiet place, my mind wants to wander hither and yon and I can't focus at all. I concentrate best when I'm surrounded by lots of noise and crowds, and can put the wandering part of my mind to work blocking out the chatter. I did my most efficient studying in the college cafeteria during lunch and dinner. But I had a hard time explaining why this worked for me and brushing it off when folks ribbed me about it. As a result, I wasted a good amount of time trying to study in ways that were not very productive, simply because that's how other folks told me I should do it. So when people say 'Our study group is really helping us all out with this class' or 'That place is great for studying', if you know their suggestion doesn't fit the way you study best, politely say thank you and keep on doing it your way.
Second, once you get there, folks may say to you, 'How can you study here? It's too [quiet] [loud] [crowded] [empty] [whatever]!' Ignore them. Once you settle on a place and a method that works, stick with it. I confess I was terrible at studying in college. When I'm in a quiet place, my mind wants to wander hither and yon and I can't focus at all. I concentrate best when I'm surrounded by lots of noise and crowds, and can put the wandering part of my mind to work blocking out the chatter. I did my most efficient studying in the college cafeteria during lunch and dinner. But I had a hard time explaining why this worked for me and brushing it off when folks ribbed me about it. As a result, I wasted a good amount of time trying to study in ways that were not very productive, simply because that's how other folks told me I should do it. So when people say 'Our study group is really helping us all out with this class' or 'That place is great for studying', if you know their suggestion doesn't fit the way you study best, politely say thank you and keep on doing it your way.
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Vicki’s Answer
Whether or not listening to music helps you study really depends on you, your mood during that study session, the subject your studying and so many other factors. In terms of general study habits, the fewer interruptions/distractions the better if your solo studying.
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Riley’s Answer
When I was in high school I used to listen to classical music while studying, but during college I preferred silence. I really think that is just a preference thing and you should try both to see what works for you! A lot of people say that chewing the same flavor of gum while you study as when you take a test will help you remember because taste and smell are associated with memory, but I've never tried that trick.
For me, the most helpful techniques I have learned are taking breaks and quizzing myself. When I am tasked with a full day of studying or homework ahead of me, I will take a 5-minute break to do something else after every 30 minutes of working. This helps me stay focused for longer as well as retain the information better. Furthermore, when I am preparing for a test I will always have a friend quiz me when I feel that I am prepared. This is a great way to see where your weaknesses lie so that you can work on them.
For me, the most helpful techniques I have learned are taking breaks and quizzing myself. When I am tasked with a full day of studying or homework ahead of me, I will take a 5-minute break to do something else after every 30 minutes of working. This helps me stay focused for longer as well as retain the information better. Furthermore, when I am preparing for a test I will always have a friend quiz me when I feel that I am prepared. This is a great way to see where your weaknesses lie so that you can work on them.
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Prentice’s Answer
I recommend trying out different methods and you will naturally know which feels the most comfortable to study. For me, I tried the traditional study with headphones on inside a study room. Didn’t suit me too well. After many different studying methods I learned that complete silence was best for me. No music and no talking. This put me in the best shape to study the best I can. Whenever I was able to escape to an actual silent area, I usually did much better on tests.
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Jad’s Answer
I do listen to background music when studying (usually movie soundtracks) but there’s a lot of ways to find better ways of studying:
-Check your class website to see if your professor includes any additional study references, examples, or other materials.
-Look up YouTube videos to explain some topics that you need a refresher on.
-Create study groups and connect with classmates afterwards.
-Keep study areas distraction free and make sure you are not cramming all nighters, study a bit throughout the entire week
-Check your class website to see if your professor includes any additional study references, examples, or other materials.
-Look up YouTube videos to explain some topics that you need a refresher on.
-Create study groups and connect with classmates afterwards.
-Keep study areas distraction free and make sure you are not cramming all nighters, study a bit throughout the entire week
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Zainee’s Answer
Studying requires mindfulness and focus. Approach it first thinking about potential distractions, ie, phone, emails, texts, environment etc.
Make some commitments on removing these distractions prior to your studying.
It also helps to go into your study session with reduced "brain chatter". Try a meditation - even if it's only a few minutes to reset and focus.
There are lots of free guided meditation that you can find online.
What works for some may not work for others so create an optimal studying environment that works for you.
I did like listening to background music when I was studying and have continued to do so in when in my work - however, I typically listen to music with no lyrics so it doesn't end up being a distraction!
Make some commitments on removing these distractions prior to your studying.
It also helps to go into your study session with reduced "brain chatter". Try a meditation - even if it's only a few minutes to reset and focus.
There are lots of free guided meditation that you can find online.
What works for some may not work for others so create an optimal studying environment that works for you.
I did like listening to background music when I was studying and have continued to do so in when in my work - however, I typically listen to music with no lyrics so it doesn't end up being a distraction!
Courtney Fee
Accountant - Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory
2
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Courtney’s Answer
After transitioning from high school to college, you'll find yourself with a lot more free time (e.g., you probably won't be in classes from 7am - 3pm 5 days a week). Someone advised me to think of attending college as a full-time job (aka expect to dedicate about 8 hours / day to classes and studying). Of course your schedule can be much less structured than a straight 8-hour day, but going into the semester with the goal to set aside that much time for studies helped me stay on top of things versus putting it off until exam time!
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Simeon’s Answer
I love listening to LoFi music while studying, something calm with a good rhythm so it's calming, but not fall-asleep calming. There are a lot of study shortcuts, but my favorite has been the free app Quizlet, which has flashcards on your smartphone for almost any course you can think of. You can design and share your own flashcards and study materials as well. I like the freedom of being able to be on a bus or waiting in an office and being able to use that time to study. Plus, studying is more effective when you're able to get lots of short bursts of studying rather than waiting for one very long cram session last minute. Studying with friends/groups is a bit of a double edged sword. It can be very helpful/relaxing, but there is also a strong chance that you will waste hours cutting up and making jokes instead of studying. It's better to ask friends/groups for advice, notes, and study materials, but I would recommend avoiding group study sessions if you're actually wanting to study effectively. I have also heard a lot of people recommend having a space in your room where you only go to for studying to help you focus when you are in that area. Lastly, find out what resources are available in your local library, from computers to study rooms. I've been surprised by many of the offerings I've found in college libraries. They've gotten very high tech these days.
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Bronwyn’s Answer
I agree with the comments above, focus and get yourself in a space where you can do your work easily and without distraction. Everyone is different with music - some find it a distraction, others don't. It may depend on the nature of what you are studying or what you are doing (reading vs. memorizing). One thing that I had to really work at as a study habit was time management - get work (quality work) done when you can, even if you are not in the mood. If you "knock it out" sooner rather than later, then you have the rest of the night/weekend to do what you want. I learned the hard way (as did my daughter, who is now a college freshman), that if I sacrificed a bit up front (maybe sometimes choosing to do my work from 5 - 8p on a Friday night or 11a - 2pm on a Saturday), then I didn't have to deny myself time with my friends further into the day or weekend.
Also with the virtual learning and working everyone is doing now, keep your patterns as consistent as possible. My daughter was doing her work on her laptop in bed for the first two weeks and then started complaining of back pain. Now she forces herself to sit at a desk and it keeps her much more focused and less sore!
Also with the virtual learning and working everyone is doing now, keep your patterns as consistent as possible. My daughter was doing her work on her laptop in bed for the first two weeks and then started complaining of back pain. Now she forces herself to sit at a desk and it keeps her much more focused and less sore!
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Jamie’s Answer
Study strategies differ from person to person. Try them to find out which one is the most comfortable for you and which one helps you retain more information. Some study strategies that were applicable to me are as follows:
- Quick read all materials an hour before the exam (some people prefer a clear mind before exams, but I tend to forget a lot so refreshing them all before exams help me remember details).
- Study in a quiet environment (even music distracts me)
- No one in my line of sight and no other things that can make me lose my focus
- Study time is before going to sleep (actually, I'm not sure if I studied until I fall sleep or studying makes me sleepy but I often find myself sleeping on top of my notes. Nonetheless, I do best when this happens.
- Connect/relate things, make acronyms, keep notes, do other things that makes it easier to retain the information you want
These are just some and I actually enumerated the weird ones to show how we totally could have different study strategies! Hoping you'll find one that suits you.
- Quick read all materials an hour before the exam (some people prefer a clear mind before exams, but I tend to forget a lot so refreshing them all before exams help me remember details).
- Study in a quiet environment (even music distracts me)
- No one in my line of sight and no other things that can make me lose my focus
- Study time is before going to sleep (actually, I'm not sure if I studied until I fall sleep or studying makes me sleepy but I often find myself sleeping on top of my notes. Nonetheless, I do best when this happens.
- Connect/relate things, make acronyms, keep notes, do other things that makes it easier to retain the information you want
These are just some and I actually enumerated the weird ones to show how we totally could have different study strategies! Hoping you'll find one that suits you.
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Devin’s Answer
Studying for me was always about limiting visual and immediate distractions. That would mean leaving my dorm room, where I could play video games or take a nap, and finding a study room. Listening to music tends lessen nearby distractions if you can't find your own quiet place. I never found studying with other people to be very productive for me, but many people experience the opposite. I used flashcards a lot and would encourage you to rewrite your notes before starting to study, as this will help you figure out what you need to brush up on more. Try your best to get out of your dorm room and work earlier rather than late. Good luck!
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Alena’s Answer
Everyone provided great advice so far, so I won't reiterate. I've always listened to music while studying and still listen to music during most of the work day. I found listening to video game soundtracks to be helpful while studying during college because it provides background noise but doesn't take your focus away from studying
a couple interesting articles on this topic:
https://desktime.com/blog/why-you-should-listen-to-video-game-soundtracks-at-work/
https://vocal.media/education/why-you-should-listen-to-gaming-soundtracks-while-studying
a couple interesting articles on this topic:
https://desktime.com/blog/why-you-should-listen-to-video-game-soundtracks-at-work/
https://vocal.media/education/why-you-should-listen-to-gaming-soundtracks-while-studying
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Van’s Answer
What has helped me personally....was classical music playing while I am studying. This helped my mind stay focus and was soothing. My best study method to learn materials is to write short hand notes and than go back and review my notes and add visuals or create flash cards. If I can write it down and see it and relate it to some kind of visual it is more ingrained in my mind. Definitely set aside time to go over your material to ensure you understand and not just memorize. Hope this helps and good luck!
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David’s Answer
Each person has their personal way to study, some uses music, some use quiets areas, some do as group study, some do a home, coffee shop, and etc. This question you have to ask yourself and see your study habit in order to determine what is the best study strategies. Music, Phone, Video Games, Television, Computer and etc. are somewhat consider as distraction but some are consider useful due to they are use to it or they needed that sense of distraction or belonging to help them stay in what they want to do. For myself, everything I listed are also my way to study depend on what I am studying for and the amount of time I have spend on it. But always set an alarm when studying because you always want to give your brain, eyes, body, and etc. some rest in between so you feel more refresh and down time which will help you do better.
Hi David, your advice is awesome! I agree with almost everything you mentioned because I tend to focus very well when studying. Distractions doesn't bother me as much; I just keep plowing at it.
Sheila Jordan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Harry:
Good study habits include finding a quiet location to study, taking breaks, settings goals, and taking practice tests. As others have already shared some great advice, here are some additional items for your consideration.
FIND A QUIET PLACE
• Finding a good location to study is one of the most important elements of studying well. Look for a quiet place with minimal distractions - someplace where you’ll be able to focus, and won’t be interrupted by loud sounds or people who constantly want your attention.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS
• Picking a good location to study can be the first step in keeping yourself focused on your work. But there are many types of distractions that can reach you no matter where you choose to work.
TAKE BREAKS
• Taking intentional breaks has been linked to better retention, increased attention, and boosts in energy.
SPACE OUT YOUR STUDYING
• Instead of saving your studying for before a test, briefly review material you learned once a week. If you are studying for an exam, space out your studying up to several weeks (or even months, depending on the test) leading up to the exam day. This can help you retain the information long term.
SET STUDY GOALS FOR EACH SESSION
• Set study goals for each session of studying you have. These can be time-based or content-based. For example, you might aim to study for two hours, or review three chapters of your textbook—or both.
STUDY WITH A GROUP
• There are several benefits to forming a study group. Group members can help one another work through difficult problems, provide encouragement, hold each other accountable to studying goals, provide different perspectives, and make studying more enjoyable. Even explaining difficult concepts to others can help with comprehension and retention.
TAKE PRACTICE TESTS
• Tests and practice tests have been long seen as useful tools to help students learn and retain information. Besides revealing gaps in knowledge and reducing exam anxiety, being tested makes us retrieve information from memory—a powerful, study-backed way of holding onto information we’ve learned .
REWARD YOURSELF
• Rewarding yourself with treats—“bribing” yourself—has been linked to better self-control, and can be helpful in forming good habits
USE YOUR OWN WORDS
• Expressing an idea in your own words increases your understanding of a subject and helps your brain hang on to information. After you read a section of text, summarize important points by paraphrasing.
ASK FOR HELP
• You might find yourself stuck on a problem or unable to understand the explanation in a textbook. Somebody who is able to walk through the issue with you might provide the fresh explanation you need. Approach your teacher or professor, teaching assistant, friend, or study group member for new ways to understand what you’re stuck on. Feel like you can benefit from being coached through a subject? Consider looking for a tutor.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
• At the end of the day, your brain is an organ in your body—take care of it by taking care of yourself. Get regular exercise, eat well, don’t overdrink, get good sleep, and take care of your mental well-being.
Best of luck to you! 📚
~ Sheila
How to Develop Good Study Habits • https://www.coursera.org/articles/study-habits
Good study habits include finding a quiet location to study, taking breaks, settings goals, and taking practice tests. As others have already shared some great advice, here are some additional items for your consideration.
FIND A QUIET PLACE
• Finding a good location to study is one of the most important elements of studying well. Look for a quiet place with minimal distractions - someplace where you’ll be able to focus, and won’t be interrupted by loud sounds or people who constantly want your attention.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS
• Picking a good location to study can be the first step in keeping yourself focused on your work. But there are many types of distractions that can reach you no matter where you choose to work.
TAKE BREAKS
• Taking intentional breaks has been linked to better retention, increased attention, and boosts in energy.
SPACE OUT YOUR STUDYING
• Instead of saving your studying for before a test, briefly review material you learned once a week. If you are studying for an exam, space out your studying up to several weeks (or even months, depending on the test) leading up to the exam day. This can help you retain the information long term.
SET STUDY GOALS FOR EACH SESSION
• Set study goals for each session of studying you have. These can be time-based or content-based. For example, you might aim to study for two hours, or review three chapters of your textbook—or both.
STUDY WITH A GROUP
• There are several benefits to forming a study group. Group members can help one another work through difficult problems, provide encouragement, hold each other accountable to studying goals, provide different perspectives, and make studying more enjoyable. Even explaining difficult concepts to others can help with comprehension and retention.
TAKE PRACTICE TESTS
• Tests and practice tests have been long seen as useful tools to help students learn and retain information. Besides revealing gaps in knowledge and reducing exam anxiety, being tested makes us retrieve information from memory—a powerful, study-backed way of holding onto information we’ve learned .
REWARD YOURSELF
• Rewarding yourself with treats—“bribing” yourself—has been linked to better self-control, and can be helpful in forming good habits
USE YOUR OWN WORDS
• Expressing an idea in your own words increases your understanding of a subject and helps your brain hang on to information. After you read a section of text, summarize important points by paraphrasing.
ASK FOR HELP
• You might find yourself stuck on a problem or unable to understand the explanation in a textbook. Somebody who is able to walk through the issue with you might provide the fresh explanation you need. Approach your teacher or professor, teaching assistant, friend, or study group member for new ways to understand what you’re stuck on. Feel like you can benefit from being coached through a subject? Consider looking for a tutor.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
• At the end of the day, your brain is an organ in your body—take care of it by taking care of yourself. Get regular exercise, eat well, don’t overdrink, get good sleep, and take care of your mental well-being.
Best of luck to you! 📚
~ Sheila
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