Intense Study Guide- Part 2: Q and A

I am here with Part 2 of my study tips/guide -here is Part 1 if you missed it. This post is the Q + A! You guys asked questions about studying and learning on my Instagram, and I picked some common ones to answer! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out because I would love to help answer and guide you in your studying! Also, you do not need to be a student to want to study better! 😉

1. How do you retain all of the information?

From my experience, this comes best by getting multiple passes at the information. Such as when you preview lecture, and then go to lecture, add to your preview, and make study sheets. That is four times of seeing the information, so something is bound to stick in your brain! Repetition also helps. I find that some topics need flashcards, and going through the flashcards multiple times is a great way to learn the info, and retain because you are looking at it many times. 

2. Help with color coding!!

I think I kind of touched on this in my guide, but I really do not have a specific system in color coding. I simply switch colors when I switch topics or concepts while studying! I do, however, color code in my planner: I pick one color pen per class, activity, or what ever. For example, I use green for physiology, blue for embryology, pink for blog things, and purple for most other things like plans, travel, etc. Color is a good way to compartmentalize topics and details in your brain. You may remember something better if you remember that it was in

3. How to stay focused?

This can be HARD for me. I am sooo tempted by my phone some days. So I will put it on do not disturb mode, so I do not hear the notifications nor hear the vibrations. If that is not cutting it, I will put it in my desk drawer to be out of sight, out of mind. I will also set goals for studying in a day, and if I am not close to my goal because of my wandering mind, this will motivate me to stay focused, and get the tasks done. 

4. How to best time your study sessions, and add in breaks?

I *try* to study by a rule of 45-50 minutes of uninterrupted study time, and then 10-15 minutes of break time every hour. I find myself loosing focus fast if I try to power through for hours without letting myself take a break. This does work for me well. If I am nearing the 45 minute mark of study time, and I feel in the zone, and do not want to ruin the flow, then I will extend the study and break time. During breaks, I will grab a snack, responds to messages/emails/Instagram notifications, or do something physical. Resting your brain periodically throughout the day can help with retaining info!

5. Time management help!!
I think I am getting good at this. I LOVE a good to-do list, and the planner I have has a spot for a list on every day (my planner). I also know how long it takes me to do certain things, so I can a lot for this during my days. If I feel like I am behind in studying, then I need to adjust and make cuts to the daily to-do list. I am dabbling in time blocking, but do not want to set anything in stone because I am figuring out a more concrete routine. Routines are actually another way to better manage your time. If this is something that works for you, then I encourage you to sit down, and think about your daily routines, and figure out timing and scheduling from that!

I hope these answers are helpful!! Again, I would love to answer questions, and help you hone in on your study routine and habits!


As always,

#dontforgetyourpearls