If you’re losing the motivation to study but still have exams to prepare for, chapters to read, or homework to complete, you need to get creative. Trying some innovative study techniques should help you maintain your focus and keep things interesting.
1. Make Flashcards
Create a set of flashcards you can use to quiz yourself when you have free time or take to your study group sessions. Make a physical set of cards or use a flashcard app — many allow you to add equations and images.
2. Write Summaries
Find different ways to summarize key information. One option is to turn the chapter title into a question and write the main concepts as the answers. Another is to write the main takeaways into your own words on sticky notes that you post all around your apartment.
3. Draw Images
Instead of writing your notes all the time, use pictures. There are various ways to do this, including drawing pictures to represent the answers on your flashcards, creating diagrams of key concepts, or even making a storyboard to remember a sequence of events.
4. Use Creative Writing
If you’re more into using words than pictures — but still tired of writing dry notes about whatever you’re studying — try a creative writing exercise. Write a short story about the events (you could be a main character) or compose a poem to help you remember the key facts.
5. Read Aloud
You may find you absorb information better if you read your textbooks aloud. Avoid a monotone voice, instead speaking as different characters. You’ll remember their voices when you need the information later, which will help with recall.
6. Turn Studying into a Game
Gamifying your material is a great idea if you have someone to study with, such as the members of your study group. Some simple options to try include Jeopardy (use the answers on your flashcards or study guide) and Around the Word — face off with other members of your group until you get a question wrong, at which point a new person should take your place.
7. Explain What You’re Studying to Someone Else
Being able to explain concepts to someone else means you understand. Take turns to do this in your study group or meet up with friends who are all taking different classes and have each person explain to everyone else what they’ve learned that semester.
8. Sing the Material
If you’re struggling to understand something, turn it into a song. It may be that the wording is confusing, but singing may make it clear. Singing also works well for remembering lists, as you’ll be able to sing the list back to yourself later.
Something else that will help keep your motivation high is to have a comfortable place to study away from distractions. At Foundry Princess, you’ll be able to study in a private bedroom in your fully-furnished suite or in one of our multiple study areas. Plus, our Queens off-campus housing has great options for when you need to take a break, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, rooftop patio, and BBQ areas. Join our waitlist now.
