-- study tips!
this'll be a bit of a longer post. during my time working at my learning center, we were taught to help students implement these strategies to have more effective study sessions. below the cut i explain all of them in a little bit more detail so hopefully you all will be able to try some of them out as the school year takes off!
music
how easy is it to remember the lyrics to a catchy song you hear all the time on the radio? even if it's not a song you particularly like, the chorus can wiggle its way into your memory. try transforming the concept you're learning into the lyrics to a song you already know.
visualization
everything happens twice: once in your mind and once in reality. try to visualize the concepts you're learning.
metaphor, analogy, simile
this method can be used to connect the unfamiliar with the familiar. (blank) is like (blank).
reciprocal teaching
this method is my favorite. grab a classmate, friend, family member (anyone that will listen really) and explain the concepts you're learning to them. encourage them to ask you questions to get yourself doing some critical thinking. we remember 90% of what we teach to someone else.
roleplay
motivate yourself to more actively participate in your learning. put yourself in the shoes of your professor and make practice tests, or in the mind of whoever discovered the concepts you're learning.
writing
we remember what we write much more than things that we simply read or even type. writing connects the brain and the body.
story telling
it is easy for the brain to remember stories with a beginning, middle, and end. this method works great for concepts that are processes. turn your concept into a little story.
mnemonic devices
mnemonic devices include acronyms and acrostics. these are great for remembering lists.
visuals
there's a reason textbooks these days have so many pictures! images help the brain remember and connect new information with something you may have seen before.
movement
motion connects the brain and the body. make easy to remember motions to go along with the concepts you're learning.
graphic organizers
graphic organizers are another one of my favorite study methods. mind mapping helps to better organize the concepts you're learning and makes it easier to connect key points.
drawing
drawing and making diagrams helps to further visualize and organize information.
games
games help lower stress and increase retention. things like kahoots, quizlet live, matching games (etc.) can help you enjoy studying a little more.
projects
project based learning is a very active learning strategy. think of things like science fair projects. when professors assign projects try your best to put your all into it.
field trips
field trips are another way to lower stress and increase retention. visiting museums dedicated to what you're learning is a great way to boost your interest and morale.
work study
getting more intimately involved in your field of study greatly increases your critical thinking skills surrounding it. for many fields this looks like getting involved in research, TA'ing, or becoming a tutor.
humor
what's more memorable than a good joke?
discussion
this method is a lot like reciprocal teaching. find a classmate, or someone else how has about the same level of understanding and talk about the concepts you're leaning.
manipulatives
there's a strong connection between what our hands hold and brains comprehend. manipulatives includes anything that can be touched and handled, like science models or interactive kits.
technology
using technology can look like a million different things, such as using apps to facilitate learning (like quizlet or duolingo).
i hope someone can find even one of these things useful as they continue with their academic journey. feel free to leave me any questions comments or concerns!


















