With so many online courses, educational apps, and other fantastic resources, we have more access than ever to various methods of learning. Whether you’re in the middle of a semester or teaching yourself something just for fun, it’s important to know how to study effectively so you can make the most of your newfound knowledge. Here are three ways you can improve your study habits to continue learning and growing throughout your entire life.
Pace Yourself
If you’ve ever crammed last-minute for a stressful test, you know that it’s not as effective as we want it to be. Studying too hard too quickly leads to burnout and often turns us away from learning. Pace yourself instead of trying to learn everything at once. Devote a small but routine amount of time in your schedule to learning and studying. This will help you retain more information and keep your passion for the subject.
Learn with Others
Part of the joy of learning is getting to share your knowledge with others. This is why study groups are one of the best ways you can improve your study habits. Not only can your peers hold you accountable, but you also get to share notes, resources, and ideas. Even if you’re not taking a formal class, try to connect with people who share your interest in the subject. You never know what they can teach you.
Take Good Notes
Everyone learns differently, so everyone takes notes differently. Make sure you take the time to find your best note-taking method. Do you work well with outlines, or do you prefer in-depth summaries? Are you more of a visual learner who focuses on diagrams in your notes? Do you prefer notebooks or laptops to keep your notes? Don’t be afraid to try a few different techniques—or mix and match different methods—to find the perfect system for you and your learning style.