Ever feel like there are not enough hours in your day? Time management, organisation, and planning are the three core elements of managing your studies. But how do you create that study schedule and make a balanced environment for yourself without exhausting yourself?
Here are three things you can implement in your schedule to get the most out of your day.
Frequent breaks
A common method that works for many is the pomodoro technique. With this technique, you study hard without distractions for 25 minutes before taking a 5 minute break; after four sessions you take a longer break of half an hour, having completed 100 minutes of study and 15 minutes of rest. At first, alter the exact timings according to your study capability and desires and find what works best for you. Be careful though: after playing around with what works, lock regular periods into your study schedule — rather than changing it up each time — to get the benefits of consistency.
The original inventor of the technique used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer (hence the name pomodoro which is Italian for tomato), but there are many digital timers available if you prefer.
Blocking 1 hour per subject in your study schedule
Creating a study schedule is not just about managing time, but also about managing the topics you need to study. One of the most effective ways to do this is to allocate a specific amount of time to study one subject. According to studies by Harvard University on the mind and neurological concentration, it is recommended to study one subject thoroughly for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The human mind can only focus on one thing at a time, and trying to multitask while studying can actually be counterproductive. Focused study helps you to maximize your learning potential by keeping you engaged with the material for a set amount of time. It also allows you to cover a topic in more depth, which can help you retain information for a longer period of time.
When creating your study schedule, allocate a specific time slot for each subject, and stick to it. This way, you will be able to ensure that you are spending enough time on each subject and that you are not neglecting any important topics. By following a consistent study schedule, you will develop a study routine that will help you stay organized, focused, and motivated.
Retrospective studying
As the name suggests, retrospect is to look back. A very simple but highly efficient technique is to just keep reading over your notes. This can be at an interval that suits you.
A lot of students have been cramming all their studies in months prior to the exam. This results in nothing but burn-out. It’s important to space out your studies so that your mind is not overloaded when it comes time to take the exam.
In summary, a study schedule is an essential tool for managing your studies, and allocating a specific amount of time for each subject can help you stay focused and engaged with the material. By following a consistent schedule, you will develop good study habits and be able to cover all the necessary topics in a more efficient and effective way. Remember, creating a study schedule is not just about managing your time, but also about managing your learning.
If you’d like help creating an effective study schedule, why not try one of our free diagnostic tests and a free feedback session from an exam expert?
