Learning How to Learn

By Lili Gevorkian on June 12, 2013

As my first year at Cal Poly slowly comes to an end, I’m finding myself reflecting more and more on not only how much internal growth has occurred but also how I have learned far more than the work assigned.

In the midst of exams and transitioning classes each quarter, I have essentially learned how to learn.

I’d like to share a few tips that have helped me excel in hopes that others may benefit.

  • Get started.
    The earlier you assess what you know, but most importantly what you don’t know and still need to do, the easier it’ll be to start studying/writing/etc. You don’t have to stop procrastinating. You just have to procrastinate less.
  • Make a plan.
    I distinctly remember a quote across the wall of my third grade classroom that said “If I plan to learn, I must learn to plan.” I’m someone who constantly uses a planner . At the start of every quarter I take the syllabus from each class and block the timeline into my weekly schedules. Each class tends to have a specific color to make it easier to refer to. This allows me to take note of what topics are being covered each day and when midterms/papers fall. I find out which weekends I’ll have to buckle down and study and which I’m free for. I also print out my weekly schedule during week one and add my professors’ office hours/location information, block in any meetings/extracurricular activities and throw in some gym classes at the rec. I use an excel sheet that I print out to log in my study/homework time (Cal Poly’s 25-35 hours a week rings true), extracurriculars, hours slept, free time, workout/rest time, etc. During the actual term, I make lists of what I need to study and fit it into the respected days with some extra wiggle room. I don’t necessarily force myself to follow it all the time so it’s really not too rigid and lets me find the balance between work and play that I need.
  • Keep it consistent.
    A little bit every day is better than cramming it in all the night before. If you keep practicing your craft, regardless of what it is, you will become better. Productive studying is similar.
  • Aim to study in the same location.
    It helps me get in the zone and focus because I know I’m there to do work.
    (I remember learning that this is helpful in my psychology class as well.)
  • Study in a quiet space.
    This is a huge one. Limit distractions and make sure you’re not listening to music heavy with lyrics. Opt for instrumental pieces or listen to no music at all. You’ll be more efficient if you focus on one thing.
  • Make learning interactive.
    Outline, highlight, draw diagrams, re-draw diagrams, watch videos online (youtube), do book problems, pose potential exam questions, explain (teach) what you’ve learned to someone else, study alone, study in groups, listen to podcasts/lectures, find worksheets online, take practice tests, redo previous exams/quizzes, learn from your mistakes, learn from the mistakes of others, review notes and be focused while doing so. Stay awake in class and do the work in lab. In true Cal Poly fashion, “learn by doing.”
  • Take breaks.
    Take a 10 minute break every hour or hour and a half. Get up, move around, stretch, grab a snack, take a pit stop, answer texts or emails, and then get back to it.
  • Sing (or talk) in the shower.
    I’m completely serious. This is how I practice presentations/speeches and sometimes memorize vocabulary. Stick the paper in one of those plastic sheet covers and tape it above the showerhead or if you have a glass door, on the other side. Just make sure to tell your housemates before you start talking to yourself so they don’t think you’ve gone crazy.
  • Review material before you sleep.
    Even if you’re just glance at a table in the text, look at something from that day’s lecture or whatever material you need to learn. Repeated exposure to material helps. You will retain it better.
  • Sleep.
    I cut back on sleep like most college students, but I do my best to sleep well the night before an exam and especially after studying critical information. Sleep helps with memory consolidation. Your brain is actively ingraining the information you’ve learned. If you find yourself in a situation where you do have to pull an all-nighter, try to get an hour or two of shut eye (and a person as a physical alarm clock just in case). You’re better off feeling more energized and figuring your way through an exam than filled with facts that are hard to piece together because your mind is tired.
  • Utilize the first hour upon waking (primarily on weekends).
    Before you reach for your phone or laptop, make yourself complete some tasks. Do some housekeeping or read the next section of your text or finish that lab report. Your body and mind are fresher and will work more efficiently than if you cram all the work in the evening. Accomplishing something upon waking helps me set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
  • Use snippets of time wisely.
    If you have breaks between classes, plan accordingly to make them useful. Sometimes I review flashcards or notes while walking to class or on the bus. Exposing yourself to the information constantly will make it easier to remember.
  • Ask questions.
    Don’t wait until you get home and realize you’re completely lost. If you have questions, ask. Chances are someone else has the same question too and doesn’t want to speak up.
    Go into office hours for clarification if needed. The answer will always be no unless you ask.
  • Be resourceful.
    Talk to your adviser and plan out a rough timeline for the upcoming terms. Ask older peers for advice concerning classes and professors. Inquire about other opportunities such as researching, interning, etc by speaking to your educators. Show up to workshops, conventions, screenings, talks, etc. You never know who you might meet or what you might learn. Woody Allen did say that 80% of success is showing up, after all. Update your resume and keep a clean interview outfit around. The more prepared you are, the easier it’ll be to jump in when the right time comes along.
  • Organize.
    Keep your notebooks and binders tidy. Recycle what you don’t need. Print non-formal documents on the backs of old papers. Get rid of clutter. Clean out your space so that you can work in an optimal environment.
  • Destress.
    Make sure you find time to relax and enjoy yourself. Exercise, eat well, and surround yourself with people who care about your well-being. I’m sure you’ve heard that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
    Work hard, play hard(er).
——————————————————————————————————————
If you find yourself frustrated that you studied “too much” and weren’t tested for everything you learned, know that you are a *bright beacon of knowledge* for that particular subject. You might even feel as though you know enough to lecture on it and after a while, the grade stops to matter as much because you know you’re well prepared. The easiest shortcut? Hard work.
Useful bits from a syllabus:
“1. Read the textbook.
2. Do the homework.
3. Study more than you think you should.
4. Come see me when you need help.
Remember, you are responsible for your education.”

To sum up, in the mere three quarters I’ve been here, I’ve realized that help is always available if one is willing to work hard and ask for assistance when needed. I may be one of the lucky ones or someone who takes more out of her classes, but I’m yet to have a terrible experience with a class/professor at Cal Poly. I find myself blown away each quarter by yet another professor who is so knowledgeable and passionate about their field that it transfers through to their teaching.  I’ve never felt more inspired, albeit challenged, to work hard in my entire life. I’m extremely grateful to have crossed roads with incredible educators at this school and my developing work ethic is partially due to how much they truly want us to succeed.

We work hard here at CP and it shows.
Extending many thanks to the supportive and positive environment fostered at this institution and the beautiful city of San Luis Obispo.

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