Welcome to OCA's Study Tips in 5 series. Here, we bring you five tips to help organise your study, essential for maximising efficiency and reducing stress. Watch the video or read the text below.
1. Create a Study Schedule.
Set a Routine and establish a regular study schedule that includes specific times for studying. Creating a habit ensures you allocate enough time.
Prioritise Tasks using a planner or digital calendar to schedule study sessions. Allocate more time for challenging subjects.
2. Use Effective Study Tools.
Keep a planner or use a digital calendar app to track assignments. This helps you stay on top of your workload. Utilise task management apps to organise your to-do lists, set reminders, and break down large tasks into manageable steps.
3. Organise Your Study Space.
Designate a Study Area by choosing a specific, quiet, and comfortable place for studying. Keep this area free from distractions and clutter. Ensure you have all necessary study materials readily available. This minimises interruptions and helps maintain focus.
4. Break Down Study Sessions.
Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout. Break study material into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on understanding one section at a time before moving on to the next. This makes studying less overwhelming and more effective.
5. Review and Adjust Regularly.
Have weekly reviews: At the end of each week, review what you’ve accomplished and adjust your schedule for the upcoming week. While having a plan is important, be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected changes or additional tasks. Adapt your schedule as needed to stay on track.
I find Microsoft Viva Insights useful for managing my time. It works with my calendar to identify pockets of time where it would be useful to focus or reflect. It also prompts me to take a break, meditate, or log off for the day.