There are several methods that a learner may employ to enhance the efficiency of his/her studying efforts and thus increase productivity. Depending on what a person plans to accomplish in studying, certain actions should be taken to maximize effectiveness and minimize wasted effort.
Creating a Conducive Study Environment
In order to achieve maximum results, one needs to make sure that the studying environment he/she is going to work in promotes productivity. First, learners need to set aside a special place for studying. It would be desirable if that place was comfortable, free of unnecessary distractions, and convenient for performing studying activities.
If it is possible to arrange a conducive study environment at home, then there will be no problems with achieving success in the studying process. However, those learners who study in college dorms might face some difficulties in providing themselves with a suitable studying place. In this case, there are still things they can do.
First, learners could buy a comfortable chair and a desk for studying purposes. Next, there is a possibility to invest in a noise-canceling headset, a white noise generator, or some nice background music.
In choosing the studying place, it would be wise to take into account such factors as natural light, accessibility, ventilation of the premises, and other factors that could influence one’s mood during studying.
Setting a Study Schedule
Creating a productive studying schedule helps a person to organize his or her time, to plan and prioritize tasks, as well as to develop proper time-management skills. Learners need to design a proper studying plan in accordance with their needs. They should set specific times for studying, reviewing the material, and resting.
As a rule, it is necessary to make a study schedule realistically and to be prepared for possible changes in it. This means that students should consider such unexpected events as getting sick or something else that could interfere with the planned studying process.
One more recommendation concerning improving the studying schedule includes using the help of a calendar, an electronic planner or an application for setting and managing appointments. It might be helpful to divide large tasks into small fragments and set specific times for completing each fragment.
Minimizing Distractions
Learners’ ability to concentrate on studying might be disrupted by numerous distractions. There are several actions that should be taken to eliminate those distractions. For example, one could follow the Pomodoro technique and spend only 25 minutes on doing work with five minutes for a brief break during which relaxation activities are recommended.
Another efficient means to eliminate distractions is turning off all notifications on one’s phone, laptop, computer or other devices while studying. One could also use the website-blocking feature for blocking websites and applications that cause distractions. It might be useful to disable the access to social media, messengers, emails, and other potentially distractive websites.
Using Active Learning Techniques
The traditional approach to learning is often associated with just reading and listening to lectures. As a result, learners get bored easily while trying to learn something. To avoid this problem and improve retention and memory, people should implement active learning techniques in their learning activities.
For example, one could make concept maps, prepare flash cards, summarize what one has learned recently or simply test oneself for understanding the material.
Using Technology Effectively
As it is known, technology is both beneficial and distractive to the learning process. The former type of influence can be obtained by making reasonable use of technological resources. It is recommended to find digital products that enhance productivity in studying, such as online lessons provided by Khan Academy, Duolingo, or Quizlet.
Apart from using technology properly, one should also control one’s screen time. For this purpose, there are various applications that could be used to track one’s screen time and productivity. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to apply a blue light filter in order to decrease the level of stress.
Reviewing and Reflecting
Reviewing and reflecting on personal study progress is quite important because it helps to see what needs to be done to become even more successful in one’s studies. To review and reflect on one’s learning process, it is recommended to set aside regular periods of time devoted to reflection. At such moments, learners should think about their current achievements and analyze their weaknesses.
It might be very helpful to discuss the issues related to studying with the instructor, classmates or mentors. There are special approaches to reviewing progress that help in identifying problems. For example, one can use the SOAR approach (Situation, Observation, Analysis, Recommendation).
Staying Motivated
Finally, it is rather important to remain motivated throughout the whole studying process. It is essential to set up appropriate goals, and celebrate minor achievements on the way towards reaching those goals. In order to motivate oneself, one needs to divide the major goal into smaller tasks.
What concerns staying motivated, another useful technique is studying together with someone else. Working in a group of students is rather beneficial because it encourages exchange of views and knowledge and motivates learners to participate in discussion and peer review.
Conclusion
All in all, it is clear that the above-mentioned tips could prove to be effective means for increasing productivity in studying. In order to maximize productivity, learners need to create an appropriate studying environment, design a study schedule, eliminate distractions, implement active learning techniques, utilize technology wisely, review and reflect on one’s progress, and stay motivated.