Studying For Dummies Cheat Sheet

All too often, students are sent home to tackle difficult homework assignments or prepare for challenging tests with little instruction on how to independently study. Imagine trying to build a table without an instruction booklet or learn to play golf without a coach. It sounds nearly impossible. When it comes to studying, most students need guidance.

This cheat sheet is a great starting point to discover how to study. It covers the most important elements of studying and helps you create better study habits and build study skills. It can make studying easier and more enjoyable, and you should see the positive impact on your grades.

Understanding how you learn — four learning preferences

To become a better studier, you first must reflect on your personal characteristics, preferences, and learning abilities. If you know yourself, you’ll be better equipped to find and develop study habits that are effective for you as a unique individual.  

One way to think about how you learn is to try and identify your learning preferences. The VARK model (an acronym for Visual, Auditory, Read/write, and Kinesthetic) provides one helpful way to think about learning preferences.

Here is an explanation of the four VARK categories:

• Visual learners process material by sight. They respond when information is presented visually through drawings or images, and they find it easier to recall images from memory.
• ‍Auditory learners process material by hearing. These learners love things like discussions, conversations, lectures, audiobooks, and music.
• ‍Read/write learners process material through the act of reading or writing. This type of learner responds to words and text. They have strong reading comprehension skills and may be adept writers.
• ‍Kinesthetic learners process material through movement. They prefer acting, physical activities, tactile activities, demonstrations, and role playing.

For a more practical alternative, think about your own personal academic experiences and consider what it implies about your learning preferences. For example, a student who does well in English class or on writing research papers might identify more strongly as a read/write learner. Or a student who excels in a foreign language may identify more strongly as an auditory learner.  

The VARK model is just one way to reflect on how you learn, but don’t feel limited by it. The labels aren’t really that important. The important part is to reflect on how you learn most effectively and to use that information later to inform your study choices.

Focusing on preparation essentials

Studying isn’t just about getting right to work and immediately trying to start assignments. Preparation is an important aspect of the study process, and strong preparation will set you up for successful study outcomes.  

Here are the critical steps to prepare effectively:

• Set a study schedule. A good study schedule lists the exact dates and times that you plan to study. A set schedule holds you accountable and manages your time.
• ‍Break assignments into manageable pieces. Don’t try and tackle the entire assignment in one go. By breaking up the assignment, you make it less intimidating and easier to start.
• ‍Pick a study space location. Don’t wander around school or the library looking for a place to study. Decide and know where to want to go. Ensure the location has all the necessary features to help you study (for example, desk, Wi-Fi, outlets, and so on).
• ‍Make a checklist to review before leaving the house. Ensure the checklist includes items you need to study like laptop, chargers, class materials, textbooks, and critical items like your keys, your wallet, a water bottle and snack, and your cellphone.
• ‍Prepare your mind and body to study. You can’t study if you’re tired or not feeling well. Take care of yourself by eating well, sleeping well, and focusing on positive mental health.

Identifying your study strategy

No one can tell you exactly which study strategy is the best. Everyone learns a bit differently, and what may work for one person might be ineffective for another. Instead, you need to experiment with some of the strategies on the list below and find the strategies that are effective for you individually.

The following study strategies represent some of the most popular and common strategies (attempt some of these strategies and implement them in your study routine):

• If you respond to visuals, look at these strategies: mind mapping, creating graphics and flow charts, or using flashcards
• If you prefer to use your sense of hearing, you may find these strategies effective: creating mnemonic devices or jingles, holding discussions, or explaining topics to a partner.
• If you favor reading and writing, you may want to use the following strategies: writing notes, creating flashcards, outlining, or describing topics in essay form.
• If you’re a kinesthetic person, you may benefit from these strategies: acting out examples, working on a large whiteboard, or using a tactile study aid like flashcards.

To add structure to your study session try these strategies:

• ‍Pomodoro method: A time management tool that divides studying into a timed cycle of short sessions and breaks
• ‍Chunking: A memory strategy the involves breaking information into smaller pieces or grouping similar information
• ‍Spaced repetition: A method that recommends deliberately spreading out studying over time to improve your retention
• ‍Interleaving: An approach where you switch or alternative between topics as you study to keep your mind fresh
• ‍SMART method: A goal setting and planning tool that provides recommendations on how to set clear, measurable, and actionable goals
• ‍Freyman technique: A four-step technique that encourages you to explain a topic from memory to yourself or another person
• ‍Leitner system: A technique used to prioritize and organize the material you study particularly when using flashcards
• ‍Study cycle method: An approach that organizes studying into a clear routine with five steps: preview, attend, review, study, and check

For help with reading and notetaking try some of these strategies:  

• SQ4R method: A reading strategy that outlines several steps to encourage active and engaged reading
• ‍P2R method: A three-step reading technique to use that can improve memory and retention
• ‍Cornell notetaking method: A way to organize your notepaper to take better and more efficient notes