A successful study session requires some effort from you, the student, and a few essential tools. The most important thing is to have a focused session and work in a way that will help you remember information, specifically for exams, or to take out information to form an argument/discussion in your assignment.
This is my list but it's not limited to these things:
- Pen and paper
- I take notes on paper from my textbook or online resources.This is also how I plan out the structure of my assignments by mind mapping and creating comparison tables. I enjoy using coloured pens to colour code and highlight key words and phrases.
- Sticky notes
- I use sticky notes to annotate my textbook, specifically because they're small so you can only take out short phrases to quote and reference. I also never wrote in my textbooks so this was a good way to mark them. I also use tabs to mark pages that I might want to go back to or that I want to reference in my bibliography later. I tend to write my bibliography as I go because it is the most tedious task and/or I'll forget to do it at the end before I submit the assignment!
- Laptop/Desktop
- I use a MacBook Pro and I am saving for an iMac because I like using the Apple system. You don't need a high priced laptop/desktop if you are only using it for studying - you just need Office software like Word or Pages, you can even use the online Google Docs system if you prefer. Google Docs means that you can access your work from any computer with a WiFi connection which saves you from forgetting your memory stick!
- Pin board
- I have a pin board above my desk and a wall calendar to one side. The pin board has random sticky notes and photos. I also use it to plan out assignments like this one. My wall calendar has all my assignment deadlines and important dates on it. This keeps me accountable because I can work out how long I have to work on each assignment.
- Technology
- Make use of your phone, tablet etc to download apps such as Memrise for learning languages, Pomodoro for timing study sessions, iBooks for reading and annotating on the electronic versions of your textbooks/external resources. The Open University has an online library which most brick-built universities also have, this means you have access to texts about your assignment subject as well as textbooks and set readings that you have already been given. This can also be used for personal research if you find a particular topic really interesting but cannot go into a lot of depth in the time given for the assignment.
- Snacks/Drinks
- When you use your brain for an intense/long study session, you need fuel to keep it from burning it out. I usually cut up apple slices and have a handful of grapes on my desk. Sometimes I will have a biscuit or two with a cup of tea but the sugar will only give you a short burst of energy. Bananas are good for slow releasing energy that will last throughout the day. I also have a bottle of water or a homemade smoothie on my desk, especially during the summer because these keep you hydrated and again give you more energy than a short burst from caffeine. If you don't have a large desk, make sure you have access to the kitchen so that you can get up for snacks and drinks during your breaks, stretching your legs by going to the kitchen will also refresh your brain.
- Study Buddy
- This can be through a Facebook group for your course/module or it can be your kittens! (or dog, rabbit, etc) I use the Facebook group to share ideas and concerns, although the Open University doesn't allow us to be too specific, unless we're on their Forums. Milo and Lola, as you can see below, like to help by playing with my pens and sitting on my notes so I have to give my attention to them rather than my assignment!
- Breaks
- One of the most important parts of my study sessions is to have breaks. I like to study for 30-40 minutes and have a 5 minute break. I use the Pomodoro method so that I can time myself. Timing your sessions will also help you to work under pressure, similar to exam conditions. Luckily, I have chosen modules that don't have exams!
That's it for now,
Kazia x
