Study Habits That Can AffectYour Academic Success

By Nicole Leverentz

Imagine you’re studying for an exam, countless hours going over notes or reading the text book and it feels as if no matter what you do you just can’t retain the information. This article gives some insight on science based tips to help with study habits and ways to help retain the information. Effective study methods work because they engage multiple ways of learning, being able to recite memorized information is not the same as actually retaining it, says Jessie Schwab, a psychologist and preceptor at the Harvard college writing program.

It is scientifically proven that active engagement is more beneficial than passive reading. Some of the most beneficial practices are to test yourself on the material, reviewing material at increasing intervals and simply teaching concepts. Comprehending material is not the only important part, lifestyle factors could contribute as well.
One of the biggest things an individual can do to help benefit from studying is to take your time with studying, Spaced repetition is where you review information as increasing intervals to reduce the possibility of losing the information. It improves your long term memory. Cramming is bad for long term memory.

Usually when one crams for an exam, they sacrifice sleep. Sleep also plays a major role in studying. Sleep is crucial for memory because it facilitates memory consolidation which shifts short term memories into long term memory. It also strengthens neural connections during this time.

A great method to use in studying is active recall. Rather than just reading information, actively test yourself to strengthen neural pathways.Flash cards are a great way to use active recall, making questions while reading notes and even writing down everything you know about a specific topic.
Reciting information as if you were teaching it to someone else, activally recalling information and finding gaps in your understanding about the topic. This will help you find the weak spots and find the area you need most focus on. This is called The Fernman method.

Studying is not the only important part of being a good student, your lifestyle can affect your academic success also. Some lifestyle factors that may contribute to academic success are sleep, physical exercise, nutrition and many other factors.
According to Stanford university there is “ a positive correlation between staying active and better academic success”. Working out helps with improving cognitive functions such as focus and memory because increased blood flow to the brain and release of neurotransmitters, says the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Nutrition also plays a role in academic success. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates can do the same as physical activity. It is also proven that poor nutrition can be linked to lower test scores.

Finding the perfect study method is up to your opinion, This article just gives helpful tips that you may want to incorporate into your preexisting study habits

Now imagine in a perfect world you did all these things and got the grade you expected, you feel relieved and thankful for the effort you put in. In the real world, try to do what fits your lifestyle the best and what you find practical in your academic life.