The importance of effective learning methods makes many new students realize that the learning patterns they have been applying need to be changed. Start making changes by forming new habits, for example by studying in a quiet place, keeping the study room neat, being positive, and trying to achieve specific learning targets. If you need help, don't be shy about asking. Lecturers and friends are usually ready to help. Form useful new study habits according to the following instructions so that you are able to overcome difficulties that are often experienced by new students.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying Useful Learning
Step 1. Designate a specific place as a study area
Find a quiet place in your dorm or on campus so you can concentrate. Forming a habit of studying in the same place every day will train the brain to associate certain environments with learning activities. This will make you feel more comfortable when you start studying.
Find a quiet, distraction-free study area. Students living in dormitories should study in their own rooms rather than on the ground floor which is often used as a place to socialize
Step 2. Make a study schedule
Getting used to studying at the same time every day puts your brain in a state of readiness to accept lessons when you start learning. Reorganize your schedule of activities and use your free time to study 1-2 hours every day.
- Take the time to study while you wait for the next class or in the evening after class.
- In addition to finding time to study, find out when you feel more energized. If you're often sleepy during the day, do a relaxing activity around 2 p.m. and set aside time after dinner to study.
Step 3. Get in the habit of keeping study equipment neat
Make sure everything you need is in the study area. If you are studying at home, place books, pencils, pens, and other supplies on your desk. If you're studying outside, buy a bag big enough to store your textbooks and necessary supplies.
Buy everything you need at a stationery store, for example: notebooks, pencil cases, and other storage tools so that all study supplies are neatly stored
Step 4. Free yourself from distractions
When choosing the most appropriate place to study, make sure you will not be distracted while studying. Don't use cell phones or other electronic devices that distract you. Use apps to block attention-grabbing websites, Facebook, for example. This way, your mind will stay focused on websites related to the lesson.
- Keep reading that can distract, for example: fashion magazines that have nothing to do with the lesson.
- If you're studying outside a dorm or apartment, don't bring any potentially distracting gear. Do not bring unnecessary study equipment, for example: iPod. For music fans, bring headphones to drown out the sound if you are going to study in a noisy place.
Step 5. Determine the most appropriate learning place through trial
College is an opportunity to experiment. It may take you quite a bit of time to find the best study habits. During the first few weeks of college, experiment with studying in different places and times until you can decide on a more productive time and location to study.
For example: study in the dormitory today then tomorrow, study at the coffee shop. Find a place to study that is more comfortable and makes it easier for you to focus and study there regularly
Method 2 of 3: Applying the Right Learning Method
Step 1. Determine the target to be achieved
The learning process will be very effective if you learn to achieve certain goals. Studying without a clear direction only makes you feel overwhelmed and will be a waste of your time if you don't know where to start. Before learning, first determine the most important topic and then determine the target to be achieved. For example:
- When studying for a math test, focus on studying one concept each day. Learn multiplication today then tomorrow, learn division.
- Set goals by day. Study math and science every Monday and Wednesday. Study psychology every Thursday and Friday.
Step 2. Study the difficult material first
In general, students are more enthusiastic when they are just starting a learning session. Therefore, prioritize the material that is the most difficult to understand. Master the most difficult subjects and topics first so you can get the highest score.
For example: if you have trouble understanding theory while taking philosophy lessons, reread the material you wrote down and read the theory as you start studying. After that, study topics that are easier to understand
Step 3. Write down the material you have already noted down
You need to memorize a lot to achieve maximum learning outcomes, for example by rewriting notes using a different set of words. Read the notes to completion and then write them down again on a new sheet of paper. Thus, you will focus on the material you want to learn. In addition, rewriting it in your own words will make it easier for you to understand and memorize the material.
Step 4. Use memory games
Memory games can help you memorize theories and terms that are difficult to remember, for example by visualizing or making a "donkey bridge" by stringing together a few words to help you memorize theory. This method is very useful when taking exams. For example:
- Use the word "mejikuhibiniu" as a tool to memorize the colors of the rainbow in order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple).
- Use visualizations to memorize historical events about a heroine named R. A. Kartini who fought for emancipation. To make it easier to memorize the name R. A. Kartini, imagine that your aunt named Kartini is crowned a national hero.
Step 5. Take time to rest
Studying several hours non-stop makes you frustrated and very tired. Take short breaks to relax, recharge, and find a new perspective when dealing with problems. Every time you study for 1 hour, take a 5 minute break while doing things you enjoy, for example: accessing social media or sending short messages to friends.
Set a timer so you can stay focused on studying. Study sessions that are too long can frustrate you, but taking too long breaks will distract from your concentration
Step 6. Be positive while studying
You will feel frustrated and tired if you treat learning as an obligation. Instead, try to look on the positive side, namely as a way to improve skills and abilities to achieve the best through education.
Learning activities sometimes trigger stress. Try to overcome and challenge the thoughts that trigger stress. For example: instead of thinking, "I'm such a loser. I won't be able to understand this theory," say to yourself, "I can understand this theory by studying little by little every day."
Step 7. Give yourself a gift
Learning will be easier if there is something you will get after studying. Get in the habit of rewarding yourself so that you are more diligent in studying.
For example: You can buy ice cream or pizza in the cafeteria if you have studied for 3 hours
Method 3 of 3: Leveraging Available Resources
Step 1. Read the syllabus
Work on figuring out what you need to achieve for each subject. Use the syllabus as a guide if you feel overwhelmed or lost. The syllabus contains a brief explanation of the main concepts to be studied, the rules about values, and so on.
For example: You have trouble memorizing the dates of important discoveries throughout the history of science. After reading the syllabus, you know that the goal of taking a science course is to gain a better understanding of scientific theory. So you should focus more on studying scientific theory than memorizing historical dates
Step 2. Form a study group
Invite friends who study hard and excel on campus to study together. Good study groups keep you focused, more motivated, and better understand the material being studied.
- Choose the right study buddy. Study groups that are formed because of friendship easily turn into a place to socialize. So, choose a friend who wants to study seriously.
- Give each other support. If you master a subject that your friend doesn't understand and he masters a subject you don't understand, the two of you will make great study buddies because you can help each other out.
Step 3. See the lecturer if you have any questions
Don't be shy about asking because everyone gets confused sometimes and needs help. If you have questions about a particular theory or topic, email the professor or meet him in person in his office when he's not teaching. Lecturers are usually willing to provide suggestions and tips to deepen understanding of the material you want to ask.
Step 4. Attend additional lessons if applicable
Many lecturers provide additional lessons every week or before exams. Set aside time to attend these sessions regularly because it is very useful to understand the material to be tested in depth. Take this opportunity to ask the teacher questions or do practice questions for the exam.
Step 5. Study with tutor guidance
If there is a tutoring center available on campus for students, take advantage of that facility if you need help. In addition, you can find private tutors online. Learning through face-to-face sessions is very helpful if you need detailed explanations.
