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Focused Study Sessions

You don't need to study for hours and hours to learn effectively. In fact, you learn better in short, focused bursts. Try this recipe for a focused study session:  

SET A GOAL (1-2 min)

Use the first few minutes to set a few achievable goals. These might be:

  • Start on your homework set
  • Do the reading for the week
  • Start a project
  • Review notes and make connections to get ready for an exam

STUDY WITH FOCUS (30-50 min)

Interact with the material:

  • Organize and map the concepts
  • Summarize notes and ideas into something you can review for an upcoming exam
  • Re-read your notes and fill in gaps and questions that you want to ask in class or office hours.
  • Reflect on the material and draw connections to other classes, your eventual goals, and the upcoming material.
  • Start your homework without looking at your notes or the text.
  • Teach the material to someone, or take turns in a study group explaining concepts to each other and asking questions.

BREAK / REWARD YOURSELF (5-10 min)

Take a break. Call a friend, play a short game, get a snack.

REVIEW (5 min)

Take a few minutes to look over what you just studied and then decide if you will keep studying or move on to something else (another course, something fun, etc.)

Information on this site has been adapted from learning strategies presented by the Louisiana State University Center for Academic Success, Catalyze Your Success at the University of Washington Department of Chemistry, and the book "Teach Students How to Learn" by Saundra Yancy McGuire, Stylus Publishing (2021).