There are small changes you can make that will help improve your study habits. Flexibility is essential for achieving better results.
Recent research suggests that one of the best ways to learn something is to imagine how you would teach it to someone else. Over the years, the idea that students should be aware of the learning strategies that work best for them has gained traction. Since the 1980s, learning styles have become popular, with theorists like Honey and Mumford identifying four types of learners:
- Active learners: Learn by doing.
- Theoretical learners: Prefer concepts and facts.
- Pragmatic learners: Experiment with ideas to understand how they work.
- Reflective learners: Observe and think before acting.
Many variations of these concepts have been adopted by educators, but more modern approaches are now replacing them. Simon Gamble, an academic at the University of Bristol, states: “They are no longer in fashion. The focus is now on what we are trying to achieve and the best way to get there.”
The University of Bristol has created tutorials and individual workshops to support postgraduate learning. Students are encouraged to create a schedule not only for academic work but also for their personal and professional lives. “Many postgraduate courses underestimate the life experience of students and the value it can bring to their studies,” says Gamble. “However, students may have families or part-time jobs, and it’s crucial to understand how to balance all these needs.”
Taking Regular Breaks is Important
Kelly Louise Preece, a researcher at the University of Exeter Doctoral College, believes that good study habits involve basic practical rules, such as finding the right study environment or going for a walk to boost creativity. Taking breaks is also highly beneficial. “The amount of time spent working is not always equal to being productive,” she explains. Quality breaks help maximise the effectiveness of revision.
Aaron Hynds, a trainee teacher at Hertfordshire, enjoys working hard but acknowledges the importance of regular breaks. “Long study hours can be counterproductive because there comes a point when you’re no longer absorbing information. I play football a few times a week—it keeps me sane and really helps with deadlines.”
6 Essential Strategies to Improve Your Studies
1. Create a To-Do List:Divide tasks into those that need immediate attention and those that can be dealt with later.
2. Personalise Your Revision:Focus on your strengths and weaknesses to identify the obstacles preventing you from learning effectively.
3. Be Realistic with Your Time:To avoid overwhelming yourself, plan ahead by noting concerns and deadlines in advance.
4. Improve Focus:It’s better to concentrate fully for 20 minutes than to spend an hour distracted. Quality over quantity.
5. Test Your Knowledge:Ask yourself questions and try answering them without looking at your notes.
6. Study in Groups:Recent research suggests that one of the most effective ways to learn is to imagine teaching the subject to someone else. Studying in a group provides an opportunity to put this into practice in a real-life setting.
Source: Universia, 09/07/2018