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Hello Fellow Cohorts!

Our presentation will be on study habits. I know that when I have been at the top of my game study wise, my habits have made all the difference. As beginning graduate students, this will become even more important. Our goal was to provide you with relevant informational resources that you can use in your daily life. Good study habits will not only help you in retention of our MSW program, but also help you with the retention of information and develop important habits as we become Social Workers in the future. Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher, said:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

I hope that our presentation on study habits helps you to improve upon your current ones. I also hope that it helps you along your path and destiny as a Social Worker.

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Hello and thank you for joining us on our journey to learn new study habits and tips that we hope will be helpful in making your unique online learning environment an enjoyable place to live for the next 3 1/2 years. If you're like me, I am at my best when I am organized and productive. I retain more and learning becomes fun. Being mindful of YOUR unique learning style, our presentation is designed for every type of style to relate to the information in a user-friendly manner. My hope is that you acquire a best practice or two from our presentation that makes your life a little less hectic and allows time for a little self care. We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to provide any additional information you would like.

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This section we will look at best practice study habits

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Survey of Study Habits of Online Learners

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Survey of Study Habits of Online Learners

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What better way to start your journey to better study habits, than taking advice from other online learners? The survey below did just that. Do you have any of the study habits of the online learners survey in this study?

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Finding a comfortable space to work in, is critical for successful students. The article below offers tips for creating that perfect study space depending on your personal preference. It also helps offers tips on what not to do!

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Do you have trouble studying? Do you doze off in bed when trying to learn about the Middle Ages, or get tied up with distractions around the dining room table when you're supposed to be focusing on the periodic table? Finding a better study space may be your answer. With the right equipment, some planning and organization, and a personal touch, you can carve out a better studying oasis that might improve your results.

1. Find a good desk (or table) and chair. You want to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you lose focus or fall asleep. (Your bed's not the greatest option for homework, it turns out.)[1] You also need adequate workspace to spread out.

Find a desk or table with a top that rests somewhere between your waist and ribcage when you sit at it, so that your elbows can rest easily upon it without having to hunch your shoulders forward. You also want to be able to rest your feet flat on the ground.[2]

Use a comfortable chair that fits the height of the desk / table. You may want to skip the fancier desk chairs that rotate, roll, recline, lift, etc., if these will only become distractions.

If you are using a computer, you want enough space to place it about 1 ½ to 2 ½ feet away from you.

2. Ensure adequate lighting. A study area that is too dark will not only make it easier to nod off, it can exacerbate eye strain, which will put a damper on any study session. Harsh lighting, such as fluorescent light, can be bad for your eyes too.[3] Use a desk lamp to focus light on your workspace, and also a nearby table or overhead light to brighten the area.[4]

If natural light is available, certainly make use of it. Be aware, though, that while the natural light provided by a window can be refreshing and calming, the temptation to stare out the window may hamper your studying.[5] Consider draperies or translucent blinds, or face away from the window.

3. Keep things organized. Make use of the desk drawers to keep things you need close by but not spread out all over the desktop. If you don't have enough (or any) drawers, use boxes, small crates, etc. that you can stack on the desktop along the perimeter of your study area.

Organize your study materials by course / subject in folders or binders. Mark each clearly and store them for easy access.

You can also organize assignments and notes by using bulletin boards, cork tiles, and wall calendars.

For more ideas, see How to Organize Your Desk

4. Organize your computer files, too. Being organized should extend to your online stuff as well as what's physically around you. Have you ever looked for a draft of that essay you were writing only to be unable to find it? Or lost the notes you needed to study for your psychics test because you can't remember where you saved them? Create specific folders for each class or subject, and keep all your files in the right place.[8]

Label things clearly so you can use the search feature to find them. Skip cutesy names in favor of descriptive titles. And label drafts!

5. Consider a clock. This depends on the type of person you are. Will a clock motivate you to keep studying for an hour more, or remind you that your favorite show is on in only 15 minutes (or make you think "I've only been studying for that long?!")?[9]

Try using a clock to set time-related study goals. You can also use the clock or timer feature on your phone or a watch to help you do this. Decide to study in a "chunk" of time, such as 30 minutes. Don't allow yourself any distractions for that period of time. When it's up, take a little break to reward yourself![10]

You could also try out a timer for even more precise time-keeping, especially if you are preparing for a timed exam like the SAT or ACT.

If the tick-tock of an old-fashioned clock bothers you, go digital.

Part Two of Three:
Eliminating Distractions Edit

1. Detach from your phone. It is hard to ignore the lure of your phone when studying. The modern smartphone is perhaps the ultimate tool and the ultimate distractor. Put it away when you study, or you may find yourself browsing Facebook or texting a friend without even realizing you'd picked up the phone.[13]

Shut your phone off or put it in silent mode so the lure of notification chimes doesn't drag you away from your studies. Also try placing it well out of reach so you can't reflexively grab for it.[14]

If you are using your phone as a calculator or other tool, consider putting it in "airplane mode," which shuts off wireless and cellular connections. You can turn them back on for your (brief) study breaks.[15]

2. Block out distracting sounds. Some people do well with "white noise," background noises such as those in a coffee shop that aren't really distinct enough to be distracting. Others need total silence to work. Figure out what works well for you, and plan your space accordingly.[16]

"Multitasking" is a myth. You simply can't watch TV or surf Facebook and study at the same time, no matter how much you think you're "really" a multitasker.[17] Focus your study time on studying, and save things like TV and music for leisure time.

If your study space shares a room or a thin wall with a TV in use by someone, or people engaged in conversation or some other potential distraction, try to block out the distraction with your own background noise.

Try choosing something like rain sounds or white noise; there are websites and apps with samples of these. If you prefer music, try light classical or at least something without lyrics. You want something that negates audio distractions without becoming one itself.[18]

Don't use headphones if you have a choice. They seem to hinder focus and information retention for many people, probably because the sound does not as easily blend into the background.[19]

3. Avoid snacking while studying. Studying is hard, hungry work, but you need to be careful. It's easy to nibble into oblivion when you're hitting the books. Junk food in particular is a bad idea. If you have to have some snacks handy, choose fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain snacks like crackers.[21]

Try to avoid over-consuming sugar and caffeine while studying. These can make you feel jittery and lead to "crashes" later.

Try saving your snack for when you take a study break. You'll be more aware of what you're eating, and it's a nice way to reward yourself for a job well done.

Don't ignore your body's needs, though. Set yourself a meal or snack break, or give yourself a specific amount of time before you replenish your coffee. This way, you take care of your mind and your body.

Part Three of Three:
Personalizing Your Study Space Edit

1. Make it yours. Try to locate your study space in an area that suits you. If you need dead silence, find a tucked away corner, an attic, a basement, a spare bedroom, whatever you can find. If you prefer some sound, locate it near (but not within) an area of more activity.[22]

If the location can't always be your dedicated study space, let others know when it is being used as such. Go ahead and make a "Do Not Disturb," "Quiet, please," or "Hey, knock it off -- I'm studying here!" sign to post, depending on your personality.

2. Appeal to your senses. If you can add color to your study space, keep in mind that cool colors like blue, purple, and green tend to inspire feelings of peace and balance, while warmer colors like red, yellow, and orange tend to inspire activity and even restlessness.[24][25]

So, if you tend to get overly anxious for upcoming exams, consider going with a cool color palate for your décor; if you need a kick in the pants while trying to study, go warmer.

Don't shortchange your other senses, though. Some scents, like lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint, seem to boost mood and productivity in some people. Try out different scented candles and essential oils.[26]

While white noise, rain sounds, or classical music are generally the best choices for background sound during a study session, if you can't bring yourself to choose such options, select music that is very familiar to you. Create a soundtrack with songs you've heard a million times before; these are more likely to fade into the background than a new hit that you just begs you to sing along.[27]

3. Don't go overboard. Remember that the purpose of a study space is to help you study more effectively. If you spend too long trying to set up your space just so and end up significantly reducing your actual study time, you will be doing yourself a disservice. A study space meant to limit distractions can become a distraction itself.

Remember: You're better off studying in a less-than-ideal space than not studying in a perfect space.

Community Q&A

Add New Question

What can I do if I don't have a desk and I'm too young to buy one? My parents will not buy one. I do have a bedside table, but it is very small.

Answered by Zannat Ul Bushra

You can take all your books and put them in a basket or box. You can also put your pen, pencils and other things in the box and keep it under your bed.

Show more answers

I have a huge desk and I want to put it in my closet but there's no room, what do I do?

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Do you have trouble studying? Do you doze off in bed when trying to learn about the Middle Ages, or get tied up with distractions around the dining room table when you're supposed to be focusing on the periodic table? Finding a better...

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Common Problems and Solutions to Bad Study Habits

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Common Problems and Solutions to Bad Study Habits

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The link below offers solutions to common problems students encounter while studying. As you read through the checklist, you can click on the "bad study habit" in your life, and you will find solutions to hopefully eliminate that bad study habit from your life.

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This section will look at learning styles. In order to figure out what study habits work best for YOU, it is important to know what kind of learner you are. You can personalize your study habits based on your learning style. Although researchers have identified many learning styles, there are 3 basic learning styles: auditory, kinesthetic, and visual. After watching the short video below, take the learning style inventory to help you discover which learning style most describes your personal needs.

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Take the short learning style inventory below to find out if you are an auditory, visual, or tactile learner. Your results will be displayed below the inventory and will offer brief information about your learning style.

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Study Tips for Your Learning Style And You

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Study Tips for Your Learning Style And You

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The next few slides provide more details and examples of how to use your learning style to make studying more natural and attainable. We are only asking that you read information on your personal learning style. However if you feel compelled to read study tips on all of the learning styles the information is there for you :) . One of the many benefits of good study habits is the difference between a good semester and a chaotic semester.

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Please read if you are a VISUAL learner. Otherwise skip to your personalized study tips.

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Please read if you are an AUDITORY learner. Otherwise skip to your personalized study tips.

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Please read if you are a KINESTHETIC learner.

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Getting started is half the battle. If you don't find yourself motivationally challenged, please skip this article and you are almost done with our presentation (virtual high-5!). If you do find yourself having a hard time getting started in your work, please read this article and consider the various reasons why you should get started with your work right away. We're talking to you procrastinators.

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Real World University " Study Tips for the Motivationally Challenged

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I hope this helps. It sure helped me during some very tough study sessions. Don't neglect the physical aspect of studying. Make sure you're not hungry or too full. Make sure you're well-rested - take a power nap if necessary.

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Developing Excellent Study Habits Takes Time and Practice - Be Mindful and Go with the flow!

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Developing Excellent Study Habits Takes Time and Practice - Be Mindful and Go with the flow!

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Are you patient with yourself in today's fast-paced environment? It's challenging to slow down and assess what is working and what is not working in your adventures with online learning. It seems like technology has off days just like humans. A technology morning that wakes up on the wrong side of the bed might include a frozen webpage, a system down for maintenance, or so many questions asked, it becomes overwhelmed and freezes up from overload. After that, your technology might just need to take a vacation. With all the deadlines in our lives, slowing down is the last thing we want or feel we should have to do. With lighting speed we run through our days, but by slowing down, and giving ourselves permission to practice before we expect perfection, excellent study habits will develop quickly, and become part of our daily routine.

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Ask Questions To Succeed - Remember to breathe

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Ask Questions To Succeed - Remember to breathe

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Part of any good study routine involves asking questions. Questions give you answers and alternatives you might not have had if you did not ask. Sometimes a question might seem stupid to you. At these moments, repeat to yourself the tried and true mantra that is known so well. No question is stupid!