Study Strategies and Tips
Having well-developed study skills in college can help you retain more information, study more efficiently, and spend less time reviewing your material. To help you develop these skills, we’ve provided a few resources below on taking notes, reading textbooks, and preparing for exams.
General Study Strategies and Tips
Spaced Repetition
This is a process in which you add more time between study sessions as you start to learn the material. It allows you to focus more time on unknown material and can help speed up the learning process.
The Feynman Technique
According to Richard Feynman, you truly know something when you’re able to explain it easily and simply to others. To learn more about this technique and how to use it, watch the video below.
Study Techniques
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had photographic memories? Since most of us don’t, below is a link to some helpful memory strategies from Dartmouth College.
The Study Cycle
Studying can be a hard skill to learn. Check out this study cycle from the University of Texas at Austin for some help understanding the process!
Avoiding Study Traps
At some point everyone hits a studying road block. This article provides some helpful tips on how to overcome many of the road blocks you might hit.
Where Are You Studying?
Have you ever wondered whether you’re studying in the right place? Is it distracting? Take this short quiz from Oregon State University to find out.
Note-Taking Strategies and Tips
Cornell Method + Sketchnoting
Sketchnoting is a method of creating a visual story while listening to a speaker or reading a text. Combined with the Cornell method, it can be a very power note-taking skill. Check out this video below for a great demonstration.
5 Note-Taking Methods
This video discusses the five methods of note-taking determined to be most effective: outline, Cornell, mind map, flow and write on the slides methods. Each method is described and provides strategies and tips for its usage.
The Mapping Method
This method is great when a visual representation of your notes would be beneficial. It can be used on its own or with the outline or Cornell methods.
The Cornell Method
This method of taking notes can be extremely helpful in retention of information. It provides a great study guide and keeps your notes organized.
The Outline Method
This is a commonly used method of note-taking, but is it being used to its full advantage? Take a look at the attached guide for some tips on it.
Textbook Guidance and Advice
Reading a Textbook for True Understanding
On this webpage, Cornell provides basic tips on textbook reading and a different strategy to reading for true understanding through the P2R strategy.
Reading Textbooks Using the SQ4R Method
This method was designed to help process and increase retention of written information. Below is a description of the process and a worksheet to help you get started.
Test Preparation
How to Create a Study Schedule for Your Final Exams
In this blog post, Thomas Frank gives viewers great advice on how to make a study schedule during finals. You can watch his video below.
How Should I Prepare for Tests and Final Exams?
Take a look at St. Lawrence University’s full circle approach to test preparation with “pre-game,” “game-day” and “post-game” advice. Quite a few helpful tips can be found here!
How To Survive Exams
Need a little comedic relief during finals? This video is both funny and informative, providing real tips for finals yet making you smile at the same time.
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