What works for me.

Studying is such an individualized habit. What works for some people, does not work for others. As an undergrad, I would often feel lost in the studying game, and looked to other's for inspiration. I would trial and error new methods until I found something that clicked for me. 

That being said, this is what is working for me. I like to incorporate all types of media for learning whether that be reading, drawing, watching or listening. I try to evolve my study techniques, so this is a snap shot in time because it will change. My methods may not be the best fit for how you learn, but if you feel like you are stuck in your study game, here is my process!!

Step One: Preview the lecture the night/morning before. //  My slides are posted before lecture. Most professors post the day before their lecture! (some post an hour before...) But, take a look at the slides, so you are not blind sided during lecture. Also, I take some time to organize my notes, and use the lecture objectives or summary to guide this. 

Step Two: Lecture.  //  Go to lecture!! All of my lectures are recorded, but sometimes there are technical difficulties, so have come to not totally trust the system. Be attentive and present during lecture, take good notes, and get your questions from your preview answered. 

Step Three: Take the objectives outlined, and use them to construct your own notes. //  After lecture, re-listen to it if you need to, and re-organize/write/type up your notes. Based on the objectives or lecture summaries, decide what the important concepts and details from each lecture. I use Google docs for my outlines/notes. It works well so I can work from any device by signing into Google. 

Step Four: Review, review, review! //  Review is key, and staying ahead of the game helps. I take each week as a new section, and make sure to feel comfortable with each lecture before going onto the next week. I review my notes, and do practice problems. It is important to do practice problems well ahead of the exam date, so you know what to expect. I also use every resource I can to help synthesize the information like text books, Google, etc. I am in biomedical science so sites like SketchyMedical are so so helpful!

Step Five: Figure out where your weaknesses are with the material. //  Hand write things you always forget. Make flash cards. Make tables, lists, diagrams. Create your own practice questions, and think how each fact could be turned into an exam question. Do anything that helps you remember and understand the concepts. If you are still struggling, do not be afraid to ask your professor (the person that makes the test) for advice on how to study for a particular subject. 

Repeat with each lecture until exam time. Then, rock the exam!

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As always,

#dontforgetyourpearls

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