How to Improve Self-Study Skills

Set up a suitable learning environment. You need a place with minimal noise, good lighting, cleanliness, and convenient furniture. Choose a quiet spot to study if you don’t want to be disturbed. This is very important and requires careful attention.

Prepare all necessary items before sitting down to study, such as: pens, pencils, notebooks, lined paper, books, etc., to avoid interruptions during your study session.

Avoid distractions. If family members distract you, kindly ask them to move elsewhere so you can continue your work. However, this may be challenging if you have young children. Remember to turn off the TV and radio. If you need background music while studying, opt for classical music.

Maintain a calm attitude. Stay calm and be patient with yourself. No one can learn everything instantly.

Get enough sleep. Staying up late to study is not a good idea. Lack of sleep makes it harder to focus and reduces your ability to retain what you’ve learned.

Create a schedule. Every student should plan their class timings, assigned homework, and other important dates. Allocate specific time slots for studying and completing projects. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed finishing projects at the last minute or cramming the night before an exam.

• You should also set aside time for extracurricular activities like sports. In fact, the more detailed your schedule, the more efficiently you’ll complete your tasks.

Take notes during class. You can even jot down notes while studying. Note-taking becomes easier when you abbreviate common words, focus on key information (and/or keywords), use clear headings to organize content, and incorporate diagrams or charts. Highlight or underline main ideas in your study materials.

Study in groups. This method allows you to quiz each other and learn from other members.

Take regular breaks. Go for a walk, ride a bike, or spend time with your family. Taking frequent breaks helps reduce stress while working on assignments and keeps you motivated to return to your tasks afterward. Listen to music to relax your mind.

Start with the most challenging task. For example, if you have assignments in chemistry, math, English, and Spanish, begin with chemistry and end with English. Tackling the hardest subject first will clear your mind for the rest.

Develop effective memorization skills. You can create lists to remember essential items, such as formulas. Using flashcards is excellent for memorizing large amounts of similar information.

Enhance critical thinking skills. As you progress academically, you’ll face longer and more complex reading assignments. Poor reading skills or an inability to filter key information can make assignments feel burdensome and negatively impact your overall performance.

• Read with purpose to extract important details. If your reading skills are limited, seek ways to improve; otherwise, your grades may suffer.

Focus on areas that need the most attention. Dedicate extra time to challenging topics.

Improve test-taking strategies. Poor exam results don’t always mean you lack understanding or knowledge. You might grasp the material but underperform during the test.

• Effective test-taking strategies include: prioritizing study materials; preparing days in advance instead of cramming the night before; managing stress during exams; and allocating time to complete all sections of the test.

Ask yourself questions. Formulate questions that focus on the lesson content, such as who, what, why, how, when, and where. Pose these questions to yourself while reading or studying. Answering them will deepen your understanding of the material and aid memory retention, as the process leaves a lasting impression. What leaves an impression becomes more meaningful and, therefore, easier to remember.

Seek assistance. When you're stuck, don't give up––reach out to someone for help; don't keep it to yourself.