So many textbooks and lectures … how to study it all!?
Tackle it step by step:
Check the steps of a study process (website) or read them below.
Begin your study session by briefly orienting yourself with the subject matter. Read through the intertitles, introduction, or conclusion to understand what you will be learning.
Previewing the study material requires minimal time and enhances concentration, understanding, and productivity.
Students who attend classes tend to achieve higher grades. So, go to your classes and take notes since the professor may cover material not included in the PowerPoint slides or textbooks.
Tips during a(n) (online) lecture:
Use a similar approach to in-person classes:
Boredom can strike more than in a regular lecture, so stay active while listening. Take notes, draw a scheme, or write down your questions.
- How to get the most out of a recorded lecture (document)
After the lecture, read through your notes and look for gaps.
After the lectures, it's time to study.
This is what you do during autonomous learning:
Most courses will provide a textbook, articles or a reader.
The professor might not cover all the subject matter in the lectures, so read your assigned literature.
Given that reading can be time-consuming, aim to complete the necessary chapters each week and avoid falling behind.
TIP
Ensure to allocate weekly reading time to stay on track with the material.
Do you have scientific literature on your reading list?
Do you read too slowly?
Did you know…
… that reading can be significantly slower for students with dyslexia?
… you can rent text-to-speech software at Hasselt University. Contact the disability officer for more information.
Do you have difficulties to focus while reading?
To study your course material efficiently, structure it. A well-defined structure will enhance your understanding and retention of the subject matter.
Various methods exist for organizing your course material:
Take the table of contents from your textbook and add all subtitles and critical concepts.
Explore various types of schematics and select the one that aligns best with your preferences and the nature of your subject matter.
TIP
Combine different structuring strategies to make sure you fully understand the material.
Do you have difficulties finding the main idea in your course materials?
If you have an upcoming practice session, make sure to prepare it. Check Blackboard to know what the teacher expects from you. Then, solve the exercises, do the reading assignments and submit your questions so you can get the most out of your practice sessions.
Understanding your subject matter superficially is not sufficient. Dive deep into the learning material to gain profound insight.
These strategies can help you:
Did you know…
… using visuals can have positive effects on your memory?
TIP
Are there questions you can't answer? Ask your fellow students or the teaching team.
Does a fellow student have questions? Try to answer them.
Explaining the content matter to someone else is an excellent study strategy.
Do not think too early: 'Yeah, I understand everything (more or less)'.
You only learn thoroughly when you challenge yourself.
How do you do that? Check out:
TIP
Use flashcards to assess your grasp of various concepts and ensure familiarity with all formulas or definitions.
You can write them with pen and paper or use one of these flashcard-apps (website)
For instance, avoid reading the same textbook all day; instead, vary your study routine by incorporating exercises or alternating between subjects.
Check if you’re on track:
If you encounter any challenges, seek assistance.
You can reach out to:
A few weeks before your first exam, prepare by memorising and reviewing the learning material and completing additional exercises.
To prepare for the exam, you must embed the subject matter firmly in your mind.
Here's how you can do that:
Instead, spread out your study sessions over time to make it easier to retain everything.
Tip
Since you must study a lot, a study schedule can be handy!
- Create visual representations of your written study material, such as drawings or diagrams
- Describe visual materials like figures and graphics in your own words
For example, after finishing one theory chapter, complete the related exercises or review the previous two chapters consecutively. This approach strengthens your memory and helps you make connections more easily.
You can test yourself using sample exam questions, self-made exam questions, flashcards, and objectives in the study guide/...
Lots of study material but limited time?
Get to know 25 techniques to learn faster and better (infographic)
Useful apps
These handy apps can help you memorise and revise your learning material (website)
Are you a perfectionist?
Discover how to keep your perfectionism in balance (website)
Organise yourself
Ensure you are ready to start preparing for the exams two weeks before your first exam.
Choose a suitable study location.
Make an achievable study schedule
Stay healthy
Ensure a healthy mind and body, especially during the exam period.
Discover more guidelines for a healthy student lifestyle on this website.
Take regular breaks
Take regular breaks to recharge your brain. Well-chosen breaks will give you new energy.
Learn more about effective break strategies on our 'Time Management' website.
Feed your focus
Maintain your concentration with the tips and information on our website, 'Focus'.
Keep up your motivation
As a student, you are your coach.
Discover sources of inspiration to maintain motivation on our website.
Are you studying a course which includes exercises?
- Do the exercises (again)
- Also, do additional exercises
- This way, you can check whether you have mastered the learning material
! Solve the exercises by yourself.
You won't learn much by simply reading through solutions.
Repeating or reviewing your study material improves your memory.
See the effect of repetition on your memory in the forgetting curve (document)
How can you revise?
- Review everything you studied using your table of contents (read a title and reproduce the rest from memory)
- Review the connections between the chapters
- Repeat the most difficult exercises of each type
Did you know that…
… rereading is not an efficient way to review? Reading and recognising the course matter is not as strong as retrieval practice and describing the subject matter to yourself!
Learn more about the effect of active repetition and how to do it (video, 5')
A well-structured schedule can help you study consistently, process the learning material promptly and thoroughly, and prevent you from running out of time.
Discover how you can plan during the teaching period (website)
Discover how to make an exam schedule (website)
This website offers many tips on how to study. Now:
Check out our topic, ‘self-regulation’, for more tips to make your resolutions successful.
Would you like some personal advice on your study method?
Would you like to discuss how to study your course material personally with a study coach?
→ Don’t hesitate to make a free appointment with one of the study coaches of your programme, online or on campus! The study coaches are happy to help you.