STUDYING EFFECTIVELY: 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID
Each student has their own study method to ensure the best results in the next exam session.
Regardless of which strategy suits your tastes, however, there are some rather common mistakes that are worthy of attention.
Let’s break them together!
Mistake 1 – Not having a plan and not following a method
The first mistake to avoid is studying without a learning plan. This is one of the most damaging behaviours that all students, whether freshmen or not, tend to repeat while still confident they can handle any exam program.
Planning is the key
The solution to this mistake is quite simple: since studying without a strategy is not recommended, setting up milestones in preparation for your exam is the best answer.
In their plan, students will need to write down what they’ll do, how and how long it’s going to take. The aim is to establish precise goals, choosing the methods and setting deadlines: a sort of small, handy guide to prepare for exams properly and on time, avoiding last-minute rushes.
Mistake 2 – Relying on sensations and not testing your preparation
The second very common mistake students make is relying on gut feelings instead of testing their actual preparation objectively.
The risk is indulging into comfortably believing to be ready and, therefore, not effectively realize how actually prepared one is.
“Read and repeat” doesn’t work: Here’s how to do an effective check
A check of one’s knowledge is necessary and must be carried out wisely. Methods such as “read and repeat” aren’t advised.
The best recommendation is to do exercises time and time again: for instance, creating a question grid to work on when you’ve finished studying a subject is very useful.
This effective test is advised to all students and, in case you get some questions wrong, it’s an opportunity to review specific topics closely.
Error 3 – Not Attending
The third mistake that needs to be mentioned is not attending classes, wrongly assuming that a good preparation can also be achieved without the support of teachers and other students sharing the same experience.
Passing an exam without attending classes is clearly possible but, if you have the chance, going to class is highly suggested.
Attending classes as much as possible is an advantage
Attending lectures will allow you to gain some lasting benefits over time. Not only will you be able to acquire in-depth knowledge that’s hard to find on your own or in textbooks, but participation in class will give you a stronger preparation that’s vital both for the upcoming exam and for subsequent sessions.
Pay attention to the lessons and absorb everything
In the light of the above, it’s clear that attending classes alone is not enough: it’s in fact important to pay attention to take in all the information shared by the teacher.
Take notes and create question grids to verify preparation
Attending lessons is a great opportunity to take notes that can support the teaching material, in view of a grid of questions that will be a useful exercise to assess one’s preparation.
What are the best study methods?
In addition to these little tips, a fundamental question still stands: what are the best study methods you can rely on?
To find out more and learn the answer, take a look at our take on the best study techniques for off-site students.
