To help students succeed in the new school year, Wright State University tutors Adam Wilson, a grad student majoring in school counseling, and Noah Berner, a junior majoring in biology, share favorite study tips and methods.
Start now
“Don’t wait until after your first exam to realize you need to study,” said Berner.
Berner suggests studying material ahead of time and not waiting until right before, or after, the first big test. Students should set aside time every day to study for each class, for as short as five minutes, and review information they already know or are struggling with.
Learn what your professor expects of you
“Get familiar with your instructor’s expectations, because they will probably be different than high school,” said Wilson.
Each professor sets different standards for students. Students knowing what is expected of them on tests and assignments ensures that they study the right information.
Find a location that work
When deciding where to study, students should pick a place that generates an efficient study session. Students should consider if their location feels comfortable.
Limit distractions
“You can focus on what you need to do and push everything else to the side,” said Wilson.
When deciding on when and where to study, students should ensure that they are free from distractions. A distraction-free environment allows for full immersion in the material.
Prioritize assignments
“If you start with the big [assignments] and go to the little [assignments] you’ll have less and less to do and it’ll make you feel like you’ve accomplished more,” said Berner.
Make a list of upcoming assignments and what to study; start with the biggest concept and work down to easier ones. Doing this allows most energy for bigger assignments.
Study important information
“Try to outline the chapter and focus on the biggest points,” said Wilson.
When studying a specific chapter or module, reading the entire thing is less effective than covering big topics. Outline the big topics and determine the important information for each.
Focus on one task at a time
Wilson and Berner recommend students focus on one subject until they feel confident in it before moving on to the next to reduce stress.
Remember that classes are only one semester long
“Everything is a lot more condensed and fast-paced,” said Wilson.
Because college courses move quicker than high school classes, Wright State offers several resources to assist students in the studying process. Tutoring services are held in the Student Success Center and some classes have their own Supplemental Instruction. Students are encouraged and welcomed to take part in these programs.
