When it comes to studying, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. You’re either tied up in classes, doing sports or having fun, or spending some much needed downtime after a long day. So when it’s time to study, it’s vital you get the most out of the time you have, and study smarter. Here are 5 quick ways of speeding up the process of learning a new subject quickly.
1. Have a toolbox of learning methods
It’s easy to fall in to the trap of reading textbook after textbook after textbook, but at some point – probably early on – you’ll begin to switch off. Instead, think about using a variety of learning methods, such as:
- Taking and reviewing your notes from class. Make sure you understand what each note means, and feel free to expand on it after.
- Take some time to teach a friend or family member what you’re studying. We find it much easier to retain information which we ‘say’ and ‘do’ rather than just ‘read’.
- Think outside of the box. What about an extra summer course or some online learning?
2. Plan your study time
Put together a study schedule which requires you to review a certain subject for a limited amount of time – usually 30 – 45 minutes – followed by a break. This will help to keep you motivated and prevent you from burning out or becoming uninterested.
If you want to learn a particular subject faster than usual, create a dedicated study plan for this subject, perhaps over a 2 – 3 day period, spending a couple of hours a day studying.
3. Work with others
Working with other students to study is a tried and tested approach which works. Having someone else working on the same study plan can help to keep you motivated. A study partner can also be used to sound ideas off and help with those more difficult to take in topics.
Set aside some time after school or college and keep it consistent. Set goals for each other for each study session and review what you’ve achieved and what needs more focus.
Even if you can’t be in the same room as your study partner, there are lots of apps which you can both sign up for and upload your study schedules, plan and materials and keep each other going via the cloud.
