How to study effectively: 10 tips to enhance your study skills

Studying is a skill in itself and it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Master the art of effective studying with our top tips.

Do you sometimes struggle to get started with your studies? It can be a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling multiple subjects and coursework deadlines. At Capital City College (CCC) we understand the importance of strong study skills, whether you’re studying A Levels or completing an apprenticeship. We know that, with the right approach, you can make the most of your study time and successfully achieve your goals.

So here’s our top pick of study tips to help you improve your study skills and make the most of your study sessions.

What is the best method for studying?

There’s no single answer to this question. The best method for you depends on your individual learning style and preferences, so take some time to find out what kind of learner you are. You can do this by thinking about how you take on new information or by completing a learning style quiz.

Some general principles can help you choose the most effective approach for you:

• Active learning: Engage with study materials in a way that involves action on your part.  You can do this by summarising key points, creating flashcards, or relaying the information in a different way i.e. with diagrams.
• Spaced Repetition: When it comes to studying new material, once isn’t enough. You should review things regularly to reinforce learning and improve retention.
• Mind Mapping: Visualising concepts and ideas using mind maps can help you to break down complex topics and identify connections.
• Short and sweet: Limiting study sessions to 25 minutes followed by a short break (also known as the Pomodoro Technique) can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

How can I focus 100% on studying?

It can be hard to maintain complete focus for extended periods. Whether it’s your phone or your friends, distractions are never far away. You can improve your concentration by implementing these strategies:

• Find a study space: Whether you’re at home or in the library, choose a quiet and clutter-free area and make this your study space.
• Minimise Distractions: Put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs on your laptop or tablet, and let others know you want to use this time to study.
• Manage your time: Plan what you want to cover in your study session by making a detailed list, a mind map or by using digitals tools like calendars or time management apps.
• Take breaks: Even the best brains need a break. Factor in time to take a break and go outside for some fresh air to help you stay focussed.
• Practice mindfulness: If you find your focus drifting, try not to get stressed about it. It’s natural for our minds to wander. Try mindfulness activities and deep breathing to help you reduce stress and improve your ability to concentrate.

If you’re preparing for exams, take a look at our top 10 revision tips for exam success.

What is the 1/2/3 method of studying?

The 1/2/3 method is a simple study technique that involves reviewing material at three different intervals:

• 1st review: Immediately after learning the material
• 2nd review: 24 hours later
• 3rd review: One week later

By reviewing information at different intervals, you’re giving yourself more time to digest and retain it.

Our top 10 study tips

1. Prioritise your workload

Take time to get your house in order. Identify the most important areas for you to get your head round and allocate your time based on your own study priorities. Use tools like a to-do list or a study planner to organise your workload.

2. Choose your study environment

You may not always study in the same place but it’s important to look for spaces that are productive for you. Find somewhere where you won’t be easily distracted and have the space to lay out everything you need for your study session. When you sit down, remind yourself that you are there to study and, if possible, put your phone in a place where it won’t distract you.

At CCC, our centres offer a range of study spaces where students can focus on their studies. Make sure you explore your centre and find out where these areas are.

3. Create a realistic study schedule

It’s important to come up with a realistic study schedule that balances the requirements of your course with the other things going on in your life. Be realistic about how many periods of study you can do each day when creating your schedule – it’ll make it much easier for you to stick to your plan and maintain consistency.

You should also aim to set SMART goals, which means defining goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) for your study sessions. SMART goals help you stay motivated and focused.

4. Take regular breaks

Following on from scheduling, it’s essential that your study plan includes regular breaks. Remember that breaks are not an added extra, but an essential part of any study plan. Use the time away from your studies to do something you enjoy, preferably outdoors so that you can also get some fresh air.

Breaks offer the chance for you to rest and reset and can help you from getting overloaded with information and overwhelmed so don’t underestimate their importance.

5. Reward yourself

What you’re doing is no easy feat. You’ve chosen a course of study and are trying your best to learn something new. It’s important to celebrate your achievements along the way and reward yourself to boost motivation and help you keep going. If you’ve finished going over a challenging topic, reward yourself with something that feels like a treat for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a way of recognising and rewarding your hard work – it could be your favourite snack or a relaxing bath. Resist the temptation to reward yourself with scrolling or screen time – this can often lead to overstimulation or contribute to eye strain.

6. Learn how to take notes

Believe it or not, there’s more than one way to take notes. You can read about different note-taking methods here. Spend just a few minutes thinking about which type of note-taking you want to use for the work you’re doing and it will help you make the most out of your study session.

7. Practice active recall

For many students, simply reading and rereading is not an effective way to study. Using active methods to test your knowledge is more effective in helping you learn and retain information.

Active recall activities include:

• Creating or completing quizzes on specific topics for yourself or for a study partner
• Teaching topics to others in a study group
• Explaining concepts out loud
• Making mind maps and diagrams to help illustrate concepts, processes or organise ideas

Active recall strengthens your memory and understanding of concepts by encouraging you to view things from a different perspective.

8. Work with your classmates

You and your classmates are all dealing with the same content, so why not work together? Make time to collaborate and discuss the materials, quiz each other and make the most of your college community. Studying in a group allows you to share resources, stay motivated and makes learning more enjoyable and effective. Having a study partner or group will also allow you to use more of the active recall techniques listed above.

9. Take care of yourself

It’s important to prioritise well-being while you’re studying – and physical and mental well-being are often interlinked. It’s important to get a good amount of sleep, eat and drink well and get regular exercise, both indoors and outside. A healthy routine can improve energy levels and boost your ability to stay focused while you study. For more in-depth information on this and handy practical tips, read our blog on 10 ways to look after your mental health.

10. Ask for help if you need it

Everyone studies differently, but there are certain key skills and techniques that are universally beneficial. Here are our top 10 tips to help you get the most out of your study sessions.

At CCC, your teachers are always ready to support you along with the college’s dedicated Support and Wellbeing team. If you’re approaching exams, then take a look at our blog on 5 effective ways to manage stress during exam season for a reminder of simple but essential techniques for dealing with stress. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to talk to teachers, classmates and support staff if you’re struggling with a particular topic or aspect of your studies.

When you sit down to study, you are taking control of your learning and making the most of your course. If you can incorporate some of these tips and techniques into your study routine, you’ll improve your study skills and increase your chances of reaching your goals.

At CCC, we support students throughout their studies, whether they’re starting college or looking for expert careers opportunities and advice.

If you’re looking for the next step in your academic or professional pathway, take a look at our broad range of courses and apply now!

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