There have been so many study theories and techniques drilled into students in elementary and high school, that by the time students enter college, there's so many study strategies clashing in their heads that they end up developing poor study habits overtime. There have been many misconceptions of what the "right" way to study actually is. In fact, there may not be a right way at all. Since everyone is different, every individual learns material in his/her own way and pace; however, it doesn't hurt to get some suggestions on helpful study habits with some pros and cons in there as well.
Study in the Library
PROS
Studying in the library can be very helpful because being in the midst of other students studying can really motivate you. Not only that, but there's an opportunity to get some peace and quiet when the dorm room feels a little too cramped and noisy. The TV will not be there to distract you and most importantly, your bed will be nowhere in sight.
CONS
The library only seems like the obvious solution because it appears as though everyone studies there. Alternating study spaces is a more effective way to retain information, according to the New York Times. So, although it's good to study in the library, changing it up once in a while is helpful too. Study at your desk in your room... next time try out the student lounge in your dormitory... and then next time (when it's really nice outside) you can spread out your books on the grass outside.
Study/Homework Groups
PROS
As was previously stated, being amongst other students whose noses are in their books can be a huge motivator. Studying in groups will allow you to gain even more information than you may even have in your own class notes. Your group members might even give you an insight on how you can remember certain vocab words or information. There might be a creative person in your group who has a fun, easy way of remembering biology terminology or there might be a singer in the group whose song lyrics about the periodic table makes everything so much simpler.
CONS
Group studying can be 50 percent helpful and 50 percent distracting, each side bearing more influence depending on group members and location. When studying in a group, it's always tricky studying with friends because it's so easy to change the subject to a non-academic one.
Create Flash Cards
PROS
This seemed like the number one study strategy in grade school. This method still exists as a helpful way to study for exams. If you're studying from your notebook, you can cover the answer with your hand, but it can be tempting to uncover the answer before giving yourself enough time to think. If you need someone to test your knowledge, flash cards are a great way to so with anyone, no matter how little they know about the subject matter--because the answer is right on the back!
CONS
Far too many students get caught up with robotically writing down the questions and then flipping the card over to input the lengthy answer that is directly from the textbook. By the time you've completed a possible 50 index cards, you're exhausted and perhaps remember only 3% of what you wrote down, because your transferring of answers to cards was so mechanical.
Find your study strategy
PROS
Not everyone grasps information the same way, or as quickly. Some people are auditory learners, where recording a lecture might be the most beneficial means of studying, and others are visual learners, where images play a big role in memory, and there are those who are somewhere in between. Once you find out what works for you, it will be easier to apply that strategy consecutively.
CONS
Students sometimes spend a little too much time categorizing themselves as visual or auditory learners, or as being left-brained or right-brained thinkers. As stated in the New York Times, research has shown that these distinctions are largely erroneous. It's definitely more important to figure out which study methods work for you than to worry about where you lie on the learning scale.
Sleep
PROS
In order to retain the memory of the material needed for you to pass the test, your brain needs rest in order to function normally. All-nighters should never take precedence over sleep either, no matter what the project or exam is. Although going to bed
CONS
A tired mind is a slow mind. There are NO cons. Sleep is good!
It can't be stressed enough: Everyone is different. The purpose of study strategies is to be a guide for students to figure out what works best for them. College can be stressful, but good time management and sleep can alleviate the anxiety.
