Publish on April 4, 2024

Phone Hacks: 3 Steps to Set You Up For a Productive Morning

Kristen Michaelides

The path of education is a constant journey of learning, with lots to do in very little time. Whether you’re a student just starting, a lifelong learner, or a seasoned professional advancing your skills, efficient study practices are key to keeping you on track.

It’s essential to develop a consistent and effective study routine. Here are 10 expert tips to help you ace your studies and excel in any course.

1. Set clear and achievable goals

Setting clear study objectives is your first step to learning. Understand what you want to achieve by establishing SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Whether it’s acing an exam, mastering a specific skill, or understanding complex theories, define your desired outcomes. This clarity won’t only direct your efforts but also help keep you motivated during your study sessions.

2. Create a dedicated study space

Your environment plays a crucial role in determining your ability to focus effectively. It’s highly beneficial to designate a specific, quiet, clutter-free area dedicated solely to studying.

This designated study space should be intentionally designed to minimise distractions, ensuring it remains free from any temptations that could divert your attention, such as a gaming console or that ever-growing pile of neglected laundry.

To create a soothing atmosphere that enhances both comfort and concentration, consider personalising this space with:

• study aids
• indoor plants for a touch of nature
• incorporating calming colours

By establishing a consistent and well-tailored study environment, you provide your brain with clear cues that it’s time to engage in focused work, ultimately facilitating a smoother transition into study mode.

3. Use active learning strategies

Embrace active learning strategies that engage your mind, body, and senses.

Significantly boost engagement, retention, and understanding with techniques such as:

• note taking
• explaining the material to someone else
• participating in group discussions
• creating mind maps

By actively involving yourself in your educational journey, you’ll notice that complex concepts become easier to grasp, and the knowledge retained tends to be more profound and enduring.

4. Manage your time wisely

Time is key to learning, manage yourself well to get the most out of your studies. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, typically 25–50 minutes long, with 5–10 minute breaks in between. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and deadline, and make sure to allocate sufficient time for challenging subjects.

Time management apps and techniques like the Pomodoro method can be your guardians against procrastination.

5. Take regular breaks

Brains, like muscles, need rest to perform at their peak. Schedule regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain focus. During these breaks, engage in activities that relax your mind, such as a short walk, listening to music, or practising a mindfulness exercise. Remember, the objective of a break is to rejuvenate, not side-track you for hours on social media.

6. Utilise various learning resources

Don’t limit yourself to the materials provided by your course. Supplement your learning with a variety of sources, including:

• textbooks
• articles
• videos
• podcasts

Each resource offers a unique perspective and can help reinforce difficult concepts. Additionally, seek out specialised forums, where you can discuss topics with like-minded learners and experts, gaining insights that elevate your grasp of the subject matter.

7. Stay organised with a study schedule

Embrace active learning strategies that engage your mind, body, and senses.

8. Join or form a study group

Form or join a study group of peers who share your educational objectives. Discussions within the group can clarify doubts and offer new insights. Teaching others is also a powerful learning technique that resonates well in group settings. However, ensure that your study group remains focused and doesn’t turn into a social gathering.

9. Practice regular self-assessment

Regularly checking your understanding of a topic can reveal gaps in your knowledge.

Self-assessment can be invaluable in gauging your progress, consider:

• quizzes
• flashcards
• mock exams

Online platforms offer a wealth of tools for self-assessment, providing instant feedback and guiding your further studying. Remember, knowing what you know (and what you don’t) is the first step to comprehensive learning.

10. Stay motivated and consistent

The final tip, and perhaps the most important, is to stay motivated and consistent. Understand that learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency in your study plan, even on days when the material seems dry or life is busy, builds the habits that’ll carry you through your academic voyage. Keep your motivation high by reviewing your progress, rewarding yourself for milestones achieved, and visualising your success.

Each tip presented here is a building block that, when combined, will help you succeed in studying your course. By setting goals, optimising your environment, using active learning strategies, managing time wisely, collaborating when beneficial, and understanding the rhythm of rest and work, you create good study habits.

While these tips steer you in the right direction, part of the adventure is discovering the techniques that resonate with your unique learning style. Stay curious, be adaptable, and above all, keep learning. With the knowledge and habits you cultivate today, you pave the way for a more accomplished, skilled, and knowledgeable self tomorrow.