The start of a new academic year is here! Whether you’re stepping into a new phase of your education or continuing your journey, setting yourself up for success from day one is key.
To help you hit the ground running, we’ve put together some top tips for students. These are sure to enhance your learning experience and get the most out of your study time.
NOW is the best time to start!
There’s no better moment than now to dive into your studies! A proactive approach can significantly reduce stress later and make complex topics more manageable.
It is difficult (and risky) to change your study practices amid assessments or when making that final effort to study for exams. The start of the academic year is the best time to try new ways of studying, as you are less likely to be overwhelmed by tasks and have more time to fine-tune your practice.
Find out your VARK learning preference and USE IT
Identifying your VARK learning preference won’t improve your learning – unless you put what you’ve learned about yourself into practice!
Understanding your learning preferences can significantly enhance your study sessions. The VARK model categorizes learners as Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic, or Multimodal. By identifying your style, you can tailor your study methods to suit, making learning more effective and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques within your preferred style to find what works best for you.
- Find out your VARK learning preference by filling in the VARK Questionnaire: https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/
- Look for study strategies for your learning style in the VARK Helpsheets: https://vark-learn.com/strategies/
Relate what you are learning to what you already know
Connecting new information to your existing knowledge can make learning more meaningful and memorable. Most people have KINESTHETIC included in their VARK preference (either as a single preference or as part of a multimodal preference). If this is you, relating concepts to real-world experiences or hands-on activities can enhance understanding and retention. This approach not only enriches your learning experience but also helps you see the relevance of your studies in your everyday life.
Focus your efforts on ACTIVE study strategies
Engage with your learning material ACTIVELY to deepen your understanding and retention. Instead of passively reading or listening, involve yourself in the learning process through discussions, practice problems, or teaching the material to others. Active study strategies like these not only make learning more effective but also more enjoyable. By taking charge of your learning, you’ll find that your study sessions become more productive and rewarding.
Here are some ACTIVE strategies for each VARK modality:
VISUAL: Identify key concepts and understand relationships between different ideas by drawing diagrams, making charts or graphs, and making visual notes.
AURAL: Discuss what you are learning with others. The
process of organizing your thoughts while you speak will help clarify your
understanding, and discussing with others will help you fill out details and
perspectives you may have missed.
READ/WRITE: Write summaries in your own words,
when you are reading or listening. Use lists to identify key points. Clarify
your thoughts by explaining concepts in writing.
KINESTHETIC: Think about real-world examples and how they
relate to the theories you are learning. Try things out yourself, and practice what
you have learned.
Accept that learning well takes more EFFORT
Effective learning often feels like hard work because it is. Active learning demands more mental engagement, but this effort pays off in deeper understanding and long-term retention. If your study sessions seem challenging, it’s a sign that you are pushing your cognitive boundaries and building a stronger understanding. Embrace the challenge, knowing that your efforts are paving the way for success.
Focus on quality, not quantity
Improving your learning is about the quality of your study sessions, not just studying more. It’s essential to make the most of your study time by engaging deeply with the material rather than simply going through the motions. While it’s important to maintain a regular study schedule, ensure that your sessions are productive and focused. This way, you’ll make meaningful progress without burning out.
Keep track of your PROGRESS
Don’t wait for an exam to find out how well you have learned something. Monitoring your progress allows you to identify strengths and areas that need improvement. Regular self-assessment can help you focus your efforts where they are most needed, making your study sessions more efficient and effective. By keeping track of your achievements and challenges, you’ll be better equipped to adjust your strategies and reach your goals.
Ways to assess your progress
Answering previous exam questions is a good way to check your progress, as well as practice for future exams. If you don’t have access to previous exam questions, try making some up yourself!
Here are some additional ways to check your understanding using the VARK modalities:
VISUAL: Create an infographic, from memory, to explain
what you have learned. Take note of any areas that you find more
difficult to represent visually. Compare what you have created with your notes
to check for things you missed.
AURAL: Teach someone else what you have learned. Take
note of any areas you are having trouble explaining. Use their questions and
feedback to identify any problem areas.
READ/WRITE: Write summaries of what you have learned, from memory. Can you explain everything clearly enough for someone who isn’t knowledgeable in the topic to understand?
KINESTHETIC: Demonstrate what you have learned, and take
note of more difficult aspects. Practice explaining the theories
behind real-world examples.
Know the difference between Recognition and RECALL
As you monitor your progress, it’s crucial to understand the difference between recognition and recall. Recognition involves identifying previously learned information when presented with cues, like choosing the correct answer from a multiple-choice question. In contrast, recall requires retrieving information from memory without cues, such as writing an essay or solving a problem from scratch. While recognition might give you a quick boost of confidence, recall challenges your understanding and strengthens your memory. To truly assess your learning, incorporate both types of tasks into your study sessions. This approach will help you identify gaps in your knowledge and ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the material.
Learning is an ONGOING process
Embrace learning as a continuous journey rather than a destination. METACOGNITION – or thinking about your own thinking – is a crucial part of this process. Regularly monitor and reassess how you learn. Ask yourself what methods are working, and which aren’t. This reflection not only improves your current learning strategies but also helps you adapt and grow. Keep in mind that learning is a marathon, not a sprint—so pace yourself and enjoy the process.
Know yourself
An essential aspect of metacognition is self-awareness. Knowing what study methods work best for you—and which don’t—is key to maximizing your learning potential. Just because a strategy works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Take the time to reflect on your learning experiences and adjust your techniques accordingly. This personalized approach to learning can lead to greater success and satisfaction.
Take advantage of available HELP
Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it. Teachers, tutors, and fellow students are valuable resources that can provide different perspectives and clarify complex topics. Collaborating with others can enhance your understanding and make learning more enjoyable. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards mastering a subject.
When seeking help, it’s essential to articulate clearly what you’re struggling with. By doing so, you enable others to provide more targeted and effective assistance. Interestingly, the very act of thinking through your question often leads to a deeper understanding of the problem, and sometimes even to the solution itself. This process of reflection not only helps you formulate better questions but also strengthens your problem-solving skills, making you a more independent and capable learner.
Reframe setbacks as OPPORTUNITIES
Setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and grow. If you don’t achieve the desired outcome on a test or assignment, use it as a chance to evaluate and adjust your strategies. Everyone can improve their learning by trying different approaches and finding what works best for them.
When you are challenged, think about trying something new. If you are having trouble learning something and what you usually do is not working, this is a great opportunity to try a new strategy from the VARK Helpsheets for your learning preference.
Remember, resilience and adaptability are key traits of successful learners.
