THE 7 STAG STUDY STRATEGIES
Assignment & Grade Tracker template included!
Study Strategies Post
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This Fall 2020 semester will certainly be one for the books, and when it comes to hitting the books it’s a whole new game. Between hybrid learning and limited study spaces, having a unique study style is more crucial than ever. To help navigate these new circumstances, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you step up your study strategies and grades.
1. Keep Track With a Dash
Keeping track of each assignment for every class can get overwhelming very quickly. Plans change, due dates move, and those semester-long projects never seem to end. Luckily, your workload doesn’t have to be so intimidating.
With an assignment dashboard, you can reference your assignments all in one place. You can even add a section to record your grades and track progress. This can be done through Excel/Google Sheets, a planner, Apple “stickies”, and so much more. It’s all about finding what works best for you. This can even be a combination of different templates such as a spreadsheet to keep track of all assignments with a different sheet for each class along with “stickies” on your laptop desktop to record weekly assignments and miscellaneous tasks.
Here you can find a spreadsheet template to keep track of your assignment and grades for each class. Feel free to make a copy of the template and personalize it to your liking!
2. Routine Review
Building a routine review schedule for yourself takes the edge off last-minute cramming for exams. A great habit to get into is reviewing the course material for 15 minutes before and after each class. This helps you go to class prepared and leave with a better understanding.
This not only helps develop strong study skills, but it is a great way to practice self-discipline. Once review becomes a part of your academic routine, studying becomes a breeze, and raising your hand in class will be much easier.
3. Set the Mood
Creating a study-friendly environment is necessary for a successful review session. Everyone is different! Some people find it best to study within the comfort of their room, while others appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the library. There is no right or wrong! There is only what is right for you.
We recommend testing out each environment to see where you feel most comfortable. You’d be surprised at how influential your preferred study location really is.
Beyond your physical environment, it’s important to get into the study mindset. This means eliminating distractions, such as a phone or TV. Sometimes you may even need to leave the presence of friends in order to focus more. If something makes it easier to concentrate, keep it. If something makes it difficult to concentrate, try to eliminate it.
One of our personal favorite ways to get into the study mood is to listen to a study playlist!
4. Buddy Up
Accountability partners! What an amazing way to stay motivated. If you find it difficult to hold yourself accountable, your friend can help you stay on track while you support them too.
Set up a weekly study date at the library, quiz each other before exams, or even swap each other’s phones. There are so many ways study buddies can work together to stay on top of work and get ahead.
5. How Do You Learn?
Did you know everyone has a unique learning style? Sometimes there are special tricks we can use to help our minds absorb information better in a way that aligns with our specific learning style. Take this quiz to see what your learning style is and how you can use this to your advantage!
6. Communicate
Communication is key! This means clearly communicating with your professors, peers, and even yourself.
Professors are there to help you and want to see you succeed. They know more about their class than anyone else, so be sure to use them as a high-profile resource. Introduce yourself at the beginning of classes, ask questions, update them on where you are in the class, and attend office hours. They’re there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Your peers in class can also help. They can explain material in a relatable way, make great study buddies, and answer questions. We recommend exchanging email addresses or phone numbers with at least three peers in each class.
You are also an important point of communication. Be sure to check in with yourself as to what you know, how you feel, and where you are. Set reachable and measurable goals to strive for. Check in on these goals and hold yourself accountable! Keep your standards high and you’ll see those grades rise.
7. Let’s Talk Roomies
Mutual respect between roommates is crucial to one another’s academic success. A healthy roommate relationship can decrease stress, improve sleep, and create a positive environment for both studying and relaxing.
Setting some ground rules and having open communication helps establish respectful relationships. One of our favorite ways to work well with our roommates is to set up a study hour. This way you can both focus on schoolwork/studying at the same time so distractions are at a minimum and you can motivate one another.
We wish you the best of luck on upcoming finals, projects, and essays. Study hard and end strong!
Stags Up & Out,
FUSA Blog
By: Danielle Mank