Study tactics 1

1. Be comfortable but alert. For me, this can be anywhere from my dining room table to my couch to a coffee shop to a quiet library. I have learned that when I put myself in an environment with too much commotion, I become easily distracted and frustrated.


2. Remove temptation. Otherwise stated, close Google Reader, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Email, TV, etc. This can also mean pop in headphones and turn up the iPod just loud enough to muffle the chatter around.


3. Review what you need to learn. The schedule usually identifies this. If not, the chapter should provide some guidance of the objectives.


4. Be realistic about what you can accomplish then push yourself one step further. I usually have in mind how much time I can devote at any given session. I try to optimize every moment I can when studying to prevent disappointment.


5. Read the required materials and make notes. I am a fan of writing out what I think is important. I used to highlight my texts but found this didn't work too well for me. Now, in addition to my hand notes, I also flag the textbook with the must-know materials, charts, exhibits, and such.


6. Listen to the audios and make shorter notes. I have a great resource that comes with handouts. I follow along with the handout to keep focus and also scratch out tips and emphasized info. Chances are if it has been mentioned in any detail numerous times, I need to know it.


7. Study the lesson notes and highlight what jumps out. This is where the highlighter gets its attention. After all, isn't picking out the perfect highlighter part of the whole new course excitement?


8. Work through the problems. The hardest part for me. In my experience, if I don't try doing questions directly related to the materials I'm studying, I'm not going to remember much.


9. Identify where you get stumped. How many times do I succumb to the temptation of clicking ahead to see the answers? That is my surefire sign that I don't know the topic well enough to move on.


10. Go back to the materials (text, notes, audios, etc.) and review what stumped you. What is causing the struggle?


11. Try the problems again. If at first you don't succeed...


12. Master the topic. Determination, perseverance and a whole lot of work rings this one true.