Studying Mistakes – 6 Common Studying Mistakes And How To Fix Them

Some teenagers are too confident in their ability to learn when they enrol in college. They might not be worried about how they would perform in their university classes because they may have always been good students.

So whenever they received their first subpar midterm grade, their confidence would always crumble. Typically, they are unable to comprehend what had occurred. How did this happen? Why didn’t my typical study strategies for me work?

Your university work is intricate and demands critical thinking. It is no longer sufficient to know the textbook by heart.

Studying Mistakes

Here are 6 common studying mistakes that I’ve learned to avoid

1. The Marathon

THE PROBLEM

You settle into a convenient study location and don’t get up. You don’t even consider taking a break because it would be unnecessary time-wise. Do you not realize that the exam is in 48 hours?

THE SOLUTION

You won’t learn much whether you do this because you believe it to be effective or because you waited until the last minute.

For the brain to properly process information, it must rest. The key here is to plan. Determine when you should begin studying each section of the material by working backwards from your deadlines rather than just concentrating on them.

In contrast to cramming, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more capable of learning the material. Try the Pomodoro technique if you really need to get things done (hey, it happens to everyone): 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off, with a longer break every 4 circuits.

Over extended periods of hard work, it prevents you from becoming worn out and keeps you feeling refreshed.

2. The Full-Page Highlight

THE PROBLEM

Even though you try to study by reading the textbook, you always underline everything and forget everything.

THE SOLUTION

It turns out that passively reading a textbook again is not very helpful. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re paying attention to the material just because you have a highlighter in your hand.

Taking notes while you read will force you to choose which passages are important enough to remember, which will help you learn how to read actively.

Make flashcards or come up with practice questions. You are more likely to remember the information if you use all five of your senses while studying.

Consider the themes your professor might ask about and create some potential outlines if your exam includes an essay portion. You’ll be in the right frame of mind even if your practice questions don’t actually appear on the test!

3. The Multitasker

THE PROBLEM

You attempt to work on assignments for all of your classes at once by alternating between them frequently. This one comes up a lot during finals.

THE SOLUTION

Actually, multitasking is a really bad skill, people. Our brains never have time to fully adapt to working on the two tasks we appear to focus on simultaneously because we are switching between them so quickly.

Regrettably, advance planning is the only way to avoid this one. Plan your study time and decide which days you’ll focus on which subjects.

As a result, you’ll be able to process the information more quickly than you would if your focus were divided between multiple tasks, and you’ll feel more confident about what you’ve learned overall.

4. The Media Frenzy

THE PROBLEM

You text friends, check ten different social media sites, watch Netflix (or worse), listen to loud music, and study while your phone buzzes on your desk every five seconds.

THE SOLUTION

SHUT. IT. DOWN. It’s simple enough to become sidetracked without adding to your own disturbances.

Turn off your phone, avoid using the internet unless it is absolutely necessary, and reduce background noise. If you must use the internet, use apps like StayFocusd or Freedom to stay focused.

Avoid music you like to sing along to or heavy rhythmic tunes; low-volume coffee shop buzz and instrumental (preferably classical) music are fine. I enjoy working while listening to movie scores.

5. The Solo Mission

THE PROBLEM

You only study in solitude and refuse to ask anyone else for help.

THE SOLUTION

While studying alone is acceptable and even preferred, having others to bounce ideas off of can be incredibly beneficial (even over Zoom!).

Persuade a friend or member of your family to let you “teach” them the material; when you attempt to explain a subject to an illiterate person, your understanding gaps will become more evident.

Most importantly, use your professors to your advantage and contact them if you have any questions. You won’t regret it.

6. The Full-Out Panic

THE PROBLEM

You suddenly realize how much work you must do and completely freak out, ripping up pages and curling into a ball under your desk.

THE SOLUTION

Go on a break. Eat a nutritious snack, stroll to clear your head, stretch your sore muscles, or take a deep breath. Oh, and perhaps substitute water for the coffee. Everybody experiences moments of overwhelm; occasionally, it takes a little time away to clear your head.