Summary

In this video, we discuss a four step process for developing an effective 30 to 50 minute study session. The step A is to take one to two minutes to set a goal for the session. It should be realistic for the amount of time you have. Step B is to spend 30 to 45 minutes intensely studying to achieve your goal. You can use tools such as flashcards, study guides, and problem solving. Step C is to reward yourself with a short break. Step D is to take five minutes to review what you did in your study session. This is a more effective way to learn and retain the material. By following these steps, you can become a better and more efficient student.

Transcript

[0:00:03]   In today’s video, we’re going to talk about how to craft an effective 30 to 50 minutes study session so that you don’t spend hours and hours and hours of drudgery to make these sessions really, really effective.

[0:00:15]   So what we’re going to talk about today in step five of how to make you a better and more efficient student is a simple four step process for developing any study session. The first thing I want you to do, step A, is to take one to two minutes to set up a goal, a study goal for yourself.

[0:00:34]  What is it that you want to accomplish in this study session? For example, it might be, “I want to complete the first 15 problems in my math study guide,” or “I want to complete a first draft of my DBQ.” Take one to two minutes, set that goal for yourself. Try to make it realistic for the amount of time you have.

[0:00:49]   Okay, step B, spend 30 to 45 minutes intensely studying to achieve that goal. Now, all the techniques that we talked about before for studying apply here. You want to…you can use all sorts of different tools, flashcards study guides, solving problems, you know, making yourself a timeline, something that’s going to keep your brain engaged, and stick to that one effort, that one thing you’re doing, for the entire session.

[0:01:16]   C, reward yourself. Take a short break. Ten minutes, 15 minutes. Get your body moving, maybe get a little snack, take a short walk, something like that. And then step D, lock in the learning by taking five minutes, just five minutes, and reviewing what you did in your 30 to 45 minutes hardcore study session. If you study like this and break down your study sessions into these small, intense, bite sized chunks, they become a much more effective way to learn the material, to retain the material, and to do better on quizzes and tests and in classes.

[0:01:55]   Thank you for watching, and for more information you can go to our website for more videos on our blog or subscribe to our YouTube or Instagram feeds. And don’t forget, Aim Higher!