Procrastination and other study mistakes to avoid

Ever find yourself furiously scribbling down notes during class only to get home and find that it’s about as legible as hieroglyphics? Poor note taking is a common study mistake, along with relying so heavily on highlighting that you lose sight of what’s really important. Invest in a sturdy notebook and take simple, structured notes. Use bullet points and try to summarise complicated concepts in your own words; this will help you understand the material a lot better.

We live in a fast-paced world where multitasking is hailed as an invaluable skill. Trying to juggle lots of tasks can certainly give you the illusion of productivity, but it can also seriously hinder your learning. Instead of switching back and forth between tasks, focus on one study goal at a time. Work on these without distractions, at your own pace. Not everyone studies best in a library or at the crack of dawn – do whatever works best for you. 

Many of us are guilty of leaving our studying to the last minute. You can stop yourself falling into the trap right now. Matthew Thomas, author and expert in learning and stress management suggests creating a timetable of the two weeks leading up to your exams. Add in all your activities, leaving time for shopping, buying food, returning library books etc. Now you will know the actual amount of time you have. How many hours is it? Fill out the free hours with available study time. Remember to put in some fun activities; the biggest advantage of planning ahead allows you time for relaxing which will make your studying much more effective.

Having a definitive amount of time (and seeing it diminish) is a lot more motivating for most people than just knowing ‘not to leave it to the last minute’.

The trouble with memorising instead of understanding is that as soon as information is presented in a slightly different way, you’ll be stuck. Instead of just reciting your notes, try to understand the content and apply yourself with past exam papers. Explaining concepts out loud in your own words or teaching them to someone else is a good example of a revision technique that helps to promote understanding.

According to Matthew Thomas, the key to effective learning is: always connect new information to what you already know. This is the secret of all the fastest learners. How do you do it? One of the simplest but most effective methods is to use similes and metaphors. Simply look for things that remind you of what you already know; it doesn’t matter if the comparisons are obscure. For example, comparing a concept in biology - like cell replication - with something you know about computer games. There are instructions on the most effective (and some unusual) methods in Matthew’s book, The Stress-Free Study Guide, if you're interested.

We all need a bit of support and encouragement. If you’re feeling stressed about exams or you’re struggling with your coursework, reach out to your friends and family, classmates or lecturers. Often just talking about your worries can help to ease some of the pressure you’re feeling. 

Learn to steer clear of these study mistakes and you’ll feel much more confident going into your exams. Remember, your exam results aren't the only measure of your success. Back yourself and remember to give yourself a break.