Study Smarter, Not Harder

"I've been studying the same way for a long time and to be honest, it's really boring me. This semester, I need a change. How can I study differently?"

Expert tip: Keep in mind, no one uses all of these active study strategies for every class. If you want to make a change, think about the courses that you're taking and select one or two strategies that you think will work best.

1. I've been passively studying by reading my notes over and over again when studying. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like making a concept map to help me focus on making connections among all of the material in the course. The pay-off will be that concept maps help me think about the course material in a non-linear and more creative way.

2. I've been passively studying by highlighting my textbook. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like writing my notes in my own words. The pay-off will be that using my own words and writing by hand help me remember and understand course content better.

3. I've been passively studying by rewriting my notes word-by-word. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like creating a condensed study guide that focuses on the main themes and concepts. The pay-off will be when I'm making the study guide, I'm thinking about how the course is organized and figuring out which topics are most important for me to focus on.

4. I've been passively studying by using cue cards to test myself on definitions. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like constructing a practice quiz for each chapter. The pay-off will be when creating quiz question forces me to think critically about the course material, and answering the questions helps me check what I remember.

5. I've been passively studying by studying last minute. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like setting aside a little time each week to review my notes. The pay-off will be when reviewing my notes on a regular basis helps me memorize things more easily and decreases my stress at exam time.

6. I've been passively studying by studying on my own. Now I'm going to try these active study strategies like studying with classmates so we can quiz each other. brainstorm exam questions, and explain concepts. I'm going to go to SLGs for some of my classes. The pay-off will be that I can come up with more ideas about how and what to study in a group rather than on my own. When I can explain ideas to my classmates, I know that I really understand the material.

Expert Tip: It's easy to study passively just by reading and memorizing, but it's much more effective to study actively.  Try creating concept maps, study guides, practice quizzes, joining a study group, or coming up with your own study strategies. At the end of the semester, you'll be surprised by how much you've learned. All of these active study ideas can help you study smarter, not harder.