Study skills may come easy for some students. However, for those students that struggle to keep up with term papers, discussions, projects, and all other tasks during a study abroad program is overwhelming. Perhaps, you have tried a system of study skills. Does the feeling of achievement leave you empty? It might be time to evaluate your study skills method. What new strategies help you take action to build concise study skills?
Study time is just as valuable as performing well on an exam. So, take time to plan your day and week based on your study abroad program. By merely considering a few steps to schedule a conference or tour, it can save you time in the long run. Most schools display activity programs and events in advance. Take advantage of those times to schedule your classes, extracurricular activities, and healthy habits.
Do digital reminders work better than paper planners? Then, go ahead and jot down those ideas as soon as you come across those events. By keeping track of events and classes, you work around those times to schedule in study times. Although multitasking is counterproductive to your productivity, you might want to organize those time-consuming habits for downtime.
Does the notion of repeatedly checking social media and emails deplete your time? When you are serious about your study time, you need to make choices that are good for you. Besides, those notifications about your friends and family will still be there.
Learning occurs best with minimal distractions. Of course, you do not want a noisy room to disrupt your concentration. Take a moment to evaluate your surroundings. Does your study area offer you a calm environment to focus on your studies? Whether electronic devices are too loud or people persistently interrupting, you need to take control.
Are you not convinced that distractions are costing you brain power? In recent neuroscience research, a team of scientists determined the effect of interruptions potentially lead to a comfortable setting in your brain. When someone has a noisy electronic device next to you as you are studying, your mind will eventually tune out those sounds. However, those noises create a perceived mechanism in your brain. Otherwise, your brain exhausts its power in adjusting to external noises and focusing on what you are learning.
Take time to focus on your studies the first time in a serene place than assimilating to outside noises.
While individual studying creates a one-way method of learning, most students benefit when they group with other serious-minded people. Likewise, creating a study group generates life-long friendships and strong networking connections. Realizing your strengths and weaknesses is a vital step in identifying those unique relationships for your study group.
Of course, when seeking a study partner or team, you want accountability, reliability, and integrity. Most students consider a study group as a social past-time. Be aware of those individuals that are not serious. Consider those students in your class serious about making a positive impact on their lives in a study abroad program.
Are there any methods that work for you that are not listed here? Mention them in the comment section. I would love to read them.