Sam was an 11th-grade student who loved learning but would utter the phrase “I never want to study ever again in my life” after every exam. What he did not like was the constant pressure to prepare for exams or submit assignments, projects.
He recognized that while he spent 1 or 2 hours doing his homework in his lower classes, the same system did not work when he moved to higher grades. As a result, he could barely complete his task, let alone study throughout the day.
He also realized that he did not have a productive study system that could effectively utilise his time.
Have you wondered why some students can study productively, and others struggle to find enough time to learn?
Productive learning is a skill, and students who have mastered it have certain routines to manage their time well.
In my conversations with Sam, I helped him understand how he could tweak his daily routines to get more time to study.
I have put together six tips for any student looking to boost study productivity and become an efficient learner:
1. Set aside time every day for studying:
When students study during exams or just complete their homework for the day, learning is sporadic and inconsistent. One method that I have seen help efficient students is identifying when they are at their productive best and using that for learning.
What is the time of the day when you are at your best? For some students, it could be early morning or late in the evening. So first, find your time and use it for learning. Then learning becomes the centrepiece of your day.
2. Quantity of hours also matter:
A question many students have is how many hours do they have to put in daily? In my experience as an educator, spending at least 30 minutes for each class taught is a good measure to start. Spacing the study hours through the day can help them do shorter yet practical study sessions. While there are proven study durations like the Pomodoro technique (25-minute chunks of study followed by a 3–5 minute break), I believe that each student will adapt to what works for them. A mantra that resonates well with me is to “Tweak it to suit you and make it your own.”
3. Create your learning space:
Many parents complain that their child does not sit in one place to study. Learning spaces are those physical places that motivate them to learn. Students can find their own space and create it in a way that is inspiring and makes learning natural for them. Just as a comfortable sofa beckons one to relax, it is essential to create spaces that draw them to learning. The right atmosphere also depends on what the students plan to do — allow them to experiment with different locations for studying, revising, and writing notes. Music(without words) is also known to enhance the experience of learning. Keeping all the study material in place along with water before studying can reduce interruptions.
4. Make the time and place stick:
When students have identified the best learning time of the day and the learning space, it is crucial to make them stick. It opens up the mind space to receive the learning because they are not making decisions about when and where to study. They need to “Just do it”. They are bound to experience inconveniences initially; staying with it and giving it time to become a part of daily life is crucial to becoming consistent in it.
5. Plan the learning for the day, week and month:
When I asked a 15-year-old the study plan for the day, he said he did not have one. While spontaneity may be good, it can affect learning productivity. Writing out a time plan for the day, week, and month can provide focus and direction. How about making it colourful and attractive too? I remember as a student, I loved making schedules. I would have a timetable for my learning, and irrespective of whether I completed what I planned or not, I would follow the schedule. What was vital for me those days was putting up a break time in my schedule. What amuses me even now is I was more consistent with the breaks than the study timings. In few months, though, my study time plan evolved to a daily practice, and I was getting more done in less time because I do not have to think about what to do and when to study.
6. Set aside time for your hobbies and passions:
Learning and studies do not have to be an ordeal. Students can find pockets of time to follow their passions and hobbies. Some students reward themselves with a day off from studies to pursue their hobbies, and others spend time daily on what they love. Celebrating success is essential to maintain momentum. When do you stop being productive? Is it when you are exhausted or when you feel the tiredness seeping? Being able to recognize it and not overdoing it can help them sustain the routines longer.
If you would like to know more ways of learning effectively and efficiently, visit my website, www.satoricoach.org and sign on to my email list, and you will be able to receive weekly emails packed with information on how to enjoy learning.
