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Study Strategies for Stellar Grades

November 24, 2022

With the midterm season coming to a close, I find that this is the perfect time to reflect on my study habits. Below are some study strategies that help me understand the course material and achieve good grades as a 3rd-year Health Science student.

Listen and Read Carefully

My study routine begins in the classroom and with my textbook. I pay close attention when I'm in class or doing readings. I actively participate when the professor asks questions or when there are group discussions and activities, and I ask questions if I am unsure of a concept. This is useful because when taking a test, I will often remember something the professor said in class that may not have been on the lecture slides or the textbook. When reading, I do not move on until I thoroughly understand the ideas presented. I don't have to cram on the exam if I know the material well. I mainly review what I have already learned rather than trying to figure out the material at the last minute.

Use Diagrams

Walls of text can be confusing, which is probably why diagrams are included in textbooks. Looking at a diagram while reading about a concept helps me visualize what is happening. I like covering up diagrams' labels while studying to test my knowledge.

Focus on Key Information

I find it difficult to remember every detail I have learned in a course, so understanding the main ideas is useful. When reading the textbook, I like to read a paragraph and then go back and highlight the key points. I can review the important points I highlighted when studying for the test.

Quiz Yourself

Active recall is a word you've probably heard millions of times, but I find it helpful to test myself before an exam. After watching a lecture or reading a textbook chapter, I like to format my notes in question-and-answer format and cover up the answers while studying. You could make your questions and answers with flashcards too. Testing myself helps me recognize areas I grasp well and concepts I may need more practice with. Switching up the order in which I practice answering my questions is also helpful to ensure I understand the material instead of just memorizing the order of responses. 

Different strategies work depending on the person and the course, so I encourage you to explore these tools when preparing for future tests and evaluate if any of them work for you. Happy studying, and best of luck with the rest of your semester! 

By Victoria Matheou