Learn • Anywhere
Rumie logo

Are you struggling to find strategies that work best for you during your studies?

Are your friend's learning strategies not giving you higher grades?

A woman sits frustrated at her desk, biting her pencil while trying to study.Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Don't worry! I got you. When I was studying at university, I found the following steps most effective in building up my own learning strategies. They helped me better understand course material and improved my grades.

Did you know?

"Learning strategies comprise a variety of learning behaviors of learners or students; for example, notetaking, organizing information, time scheduling, concentration capacity, self-motivation, and ways of memorizing information."

Step 1: Get to know yourself better

There were so many new things to get to know, but looking back, understanding my own personality was significant. Knowing yourself better allows you to tailor your approach to match your unique strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, and it's ALWAYS a useful tool.

Zoe Deschanel wearing a striped sweater. She says, ' Big personality over here.'

Consider experimenting with these things:

  • Reflect on yourself by making notes about your likes and dislikes, and the most enjoyable ways for you to memorize new things.

  • 100 student reflection questions can lead to self-discovery. Asking questions like, "What are my strengths and weaknesses?" will help you gather more information about your study needs.

Step 2: Know your GOALS

As I discovered more about my personality during my studies, I felt the need to define both my short-term and long-term academic goals.

In my case, the short-term goals involved achieving better grades in business management. I planned to achieve this by creating flashcards and practicing for 10 minutes every day over the next 3 months.

Check out how to set and achieve SMART goals.

  • Specific

  • Measurable

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Time bound

A diary with goal settings is lying on the table, and a cup of coffee is placed on the diary.Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

Quiz

"Lisa wants to take research notes more precisely ____." Finish this sentence by choosing the elements she needs to create an appropriate SMART goal.

Step 3: Pamper your body and mind

During my preparations for the exams in my second semester, as anxiety set in at the university, I had to realize that taking care of my mind was as important as pampering my body. So I can't emphasize this enough, but you actually NEED:

Flaticon Icon

Flaticon Icon

  • Brain games like crossword puzzles. Regular engagement in activities that challenge memory recall can contribute to better information retention during study sessions.

Flaticon Icon

  • Attendance at cultural events with your classmates like theatre performances, and art exhibits. It helps you recharge, positively impacting both your well-being and academic performance.

Flaticon Icon

  • Mindful meditation: It involves training the mind to focus on the present moment, enhancing concentration and attention, which are crucial for effective studying.

Step 4: Practice more building techniques

Chelsea Handler says, 'I'm learning, I'm learning.'

  • Develop a weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for classes, study sessions, and other commitments. Use a free digital planner app like Google Calendar or ClickUp.

  • Use different resources like attending workshops or joining study groups for inspiration and guidance.

  • Recognize the importance of breaks and adequate sleep. For instance, follow the Pomodoro Technique. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

Did you know?

One of the most effective learning strategies can be having a study buddy. You can take turns being the "teacher" who passes on their knowledge to others while deepening it at the same time.

Take Action

A woman wearing a checked T-shirt jumps up and down and waves her arms while saying, 'Do it!'

Remember, effective learning strategies are often unique to each person. It's crucial to experiment with different techniques and customize your approach based on what works best for YOU.

License:

This Byte has been authored by

AT

Anett Tenke

Learning Designer/ESOL instructor

English

🍪 We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info