When to study
The second step to studying effectively is knowing when you study best and how to manage your time.
The Study Times
It’s important to schedule your study to when you’re most awake and energetic. This will not only save you time but also allow you to learn faster and more naturally as you will not be fighting resistance, fatigue, and discomfort.
However, it’s impossible to give a rule that will work for everyone, as study time varies for each student, depending on their daily routine. Some students are 'early birds' and like to study early in the morning whilst others prefer studying late at night. There are both positives and negatives associated with each time:
However, it’s impossible to give a rule that will work for everyone, as study time varies for each student, depending on their daily routine. Some students are 'early birds' and like to study early in the morning whilst others prefer studying late at night. There are both positives and negatives associated with each time:
For an insightful read about why you study at a particular time visit: The Biological Reason You're A Night Owl Or An Early Bird.
Finding your best study time
To find YOUR best study time, become sensitive and consciously aware of your energy levels, concentration and mood. Keep in mind that humans are by nature diurnal, not nocturnal animals, so physiologically working after midnight may not be the best idea. Experiment with different studying times. You might find that once you have made the effort to get out of bed, you actually work really well in the mornings!
If you are struggling to find a time when optimum study will be achieved, the Peak Learning Time by Ron Gross, will help you determine when you are most mentally alert.
If you are struggling to find a time when optimum study will be achieved, the Peak Learning Time by Ron Gross, will help you determine when you are most mentally alert.
Study Timetable
Once you have established when you work best, its essential to then organise your routines around these times. A study timetable, the key to successful time management, will allow you to balance studying with other demands and avoid procrastination.
A study timetable should include:
This timetable will allow you to visualise exams/study that you have coming up and thus prepare adequately for them. One more thing: Make sure to use all of your time effectively, including those 'odd bits of time' i.e. bus journeys. If you do a small amount of learning on each journey, you may well find that it "sticks" rather well, as your brain is more receptive. |