Study Smarter, Not Harder

Study Smarter, Not Harder: What to focus on

What's covered on the exam?

Good courses build their assessments (assignments, quizzes, exams, projects) on lesson and course objectives.

Lesson objectives should support course objectives, and assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, etc., should align with lesson and course objectives.

Read the objectives to make sure you know what the assessments will cover. By engaging with the content and asking yourself questions as you read and study, the material will more likely stick in your brain:

• Do I understand what I am reading? Can I put it in my own words?
• How does what I am reading relate to the lesson objectives?
• How can I relate what I am reading to stuff I already know?
• How would I describe what I'm reading to someone else?
• Can I illustrate this material in a visual way - like a chart, a drawing, a table or diagram?
• What questions do I have that would help me understand the material better?

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Practice time

When should I start studying?

Do study soon after initial learning, though not immediately after class -- take a break (maybe 24 hours)before reviewing. Study again after another break and before the test. Do not wait for a long time (several days, or weeks) after initial learning to begin reviewing and then taking a test. Basically, Practice soon after class and don't wait too long before reviewing again.

Plan a Schedule for study and practice, just like you would for meal or gym workouts. Then stick to it!

Practice Take a practice test, use flashcards, pair up with a friend. Help each other or quiz yourself.

Take a Break Review information from each class, and get a good night's sleep before you review.

Mix it up! Studying more than one topic per study session helps you retain knowledge.

Make your Brain Work! Don't just re-read your notes - this won't stick! Instead, practice retrieving important concepts from memory. Go back and review material you can't remember or have questions about and repeat.

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Note taking for better learning

What is the best way to take notes?

Course content (books, web material, video instruction, lectures, etc.) plus active note-taking equals durable learning.

Taking good notes will improve your recall and deepen your understanding of any topic. Try dividing your note-taking space into sections: in a large area, record main ideas and important concepts in your own words. In a smaller space, capture keywords, questions, and vocabulary. In another space, summarize your notes at a later time.

Mind the Gaps When reviewing or revising your notes, identify gaps and work to clarify concepts. Ask questions, search the content, and check with others.

Create VisualsBuild tables to compare concepts, Map processes, Create a concept map, Draw diagrams, Construct timelines, Draw what you know from memory.