Creating Better Study Habits
You've paid your money to buy textbooks that contain some of the most boring and uninspiring writings - so how do you get the most out of them? It just takes a little planning to get around the hours of monotonously endless reading. To start off, set yourself some goals. Don't set unrealistic goals so that you're tempted to skim over material just to get to the end faster. This will do little more than result in large gaps in your comprehension of the subject. Instead, under-set your goals, then once you complete one it will serve to motivate you to do more. Compile a list of reading and tasks that you need to have done every week, and then break it down into daily priorities. Once the week has ended with all your goals met, be sure to reward yourself - after all, this is no easy task!
Reading is a major part of studying but is not the only task. Your brain needs to output information as well as input it, be sure to devote as much of your time to reading as you do to other tasks such as taking notes, creating vocabulary lists, and writing quizzes for reviewing later. Practice doing things that your prof has indicated will be part of the final exam. Try making a checklist of things you wish to accomplish during a particular study session - perhaps topics not fully understood during a lecture, or questions that may come up between your peers. When each goal is completed, check it off the list for a boost of motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Look over the entire section of the material you are about to read when you start. Look for key terms and topics and the focus of each chapter. By taking a minute to preview you will know what to expect and your mind will be prepared for learning. While scanning the new material, think of mental queries that you will expect to be answered as you read. For example, why is it significant, how did this happen, where/when did it occur, what/who was involved. You will find your mind is much more engaged as you are studying when you are actually thinking about the subject.
Memorizing specific phrases, dates or formulas is much more difficult than trying to understand general concepts. When more concise things need to be retained, reading aloud from the textbook will aid in cementing the information into your memory. Repeat the information again, and if appropriate, use your own words to bring even clearer understanding. Find some way to relate the information to things in your life like family or activities.
The majority of students tend to highlight or underline key points in their textbooks. The University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada has developed a comprehensive set of study tips on their website, most of which specifically instruct students to avoid underlying and highlighting. The theory that this University puts forth is based on this: when students highlight information they are not actually retaining that fact, they are simply marking the book for later reading. For successful and efficient studying the subject matter needs to be learned the first time, through recitation practical use in familiar ways as discussed above. This theory is logical, and when practiced correctly can be very beneficial.
With the increase in textbook prices over the last few years, students have begun renting or reselling their textbooks to offset their costs. If a text is covered with markings most resellers will not accept them and new students may find the highlighted items distracting. Best practice - leave the highlighter at home and learn the material using more effective methods.
Use the resources recommended in the textbook - they are there for a reason. The chapter exercises, recommended readings and case studies provide valuable information that are often used come exam time. It is easy to regard textbooks with a feeling of dread, they can be intimidating especially if the writing is bad. Do your best to look past the scary exterior and see the wealth of information just waiting for you to learn. The faculty chose these textbooks for good reasons, respect their experience and make the book work for you.
