One can put more study hours, but it does not necessarily imply that they are understanding the study material. Effective study can mean having efficient and brief study sessions that ultimately improve performance and study outcomes. Various ways to study more effectively include setting oneself up for achievement, studying smarter, and by means of study notes (Cacioppo & Freberg, 2018). Setting oneself up for success is done through performing a resource reconnaissance that entails having learning resources at disposal to enable learning information with ease.
An individual must also create a study plan that allows an individual to figure out what to study and how to utilize available resources. To enhance effective learning and retaining information, it is also imperative to have a positive mindset and find a quiet study spot with minimal destructions.
Furthermore, effective studying requires studying smarter, which is achieved through studying in intervals, questioning oneself, using most senses, and playing memory games. Long extended study sessions without breaks are not effective for learning information; it is essential to have a short-stipulated study time with a break of between 5 to 10 minutes towards the end of every interval. Study breaks improve concentration and help in relaxation, while questioning oneself helps improve memory and information retention during the study (Cacioppo & Freberg, 2018). Engaging multiple senses during the study process is useful for retaining information, and one way to incorporate this is by reading notes loudly while rewriting them. As a result, more senses will be utilized and assist in retaining information more effectively.
Using mnemonics and acronyms help in recalling information more effectively; therefore, when used in a study, it allows studying effectively. However, this method does not work for everyone as others find it hard to memorize information. Rewriting notes helps in reiterating information that one is familiar with, and as a result, it becomes easier to recall from the notes (Cacioppo & Freberg, 2018). In addition, effective studying can be achieved when putting information in own understanding or words as it helps in remembering the important things later. Information retention after study can be achieved when one learns and teach others.
Reference
Cacioppo, J. T., & Freberg, L. (2018). Discovering psychology: The science of mind. Cengage learning.