Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming, but good study habits can boost your confidence and success.
Focus on understanding, not just memorizing, and the key could be a technique Harvard students use called “spacing.”
Plan several small study sessions spaced out -- even if that’s just 30 minutes on one subject.
Try this Harvard-approved method:
- Before you dive into a new chapter or lecture, review what you already know and ask yourself: What do you expect to learn?
- Then, as you read or listen, jot down new info, connections to other topics, and any questions that come up.
- Afterward, summarize what you’ve learned and look for answers to your questions.
It is also important to take breaks and reward yourself to stay motivated.
The next time you finish a particularly challenging study session, treat yourself to an ice cream or an episode of your favorite show.
Finally, set specific, realistic goals, like “I will study every day between 2 and 4 p.m. at the library.”
Where you study also matters. The goal is to find a distraction-free space that has all the materials and supplies you need to be successful.