Setting SMART goals each time you study will ensure you are studying effectively.

Goals must be:

• Specific: what will you achieve? What will you do?
• Measurable: How will you decide whether you’ve met the goal you’ve set out to achieve?
• Achievable: Is your goal simplified enough to ensure you can do it? Do you have the information needed to complete your goal?
• Relevant: How relevant is your goal?
• Time-bound: Can you complete your goal within a certain time frame?
• Reward yourself when you have reached a goal!

Time management

Time management is essential in order to prevent cramming and stressed-out nights prior to exams.

• Have a specific time to study – make a daily/weekly timetable
• Allow time for down time
• Break-up study time – take regular breaks
• Stick to your schedule

Be an active learner

If students only read over their notes, they are studying in a passive way. The are not ‘doing’ anything with the information they received. In order to become an active learner they must reorganise the information received in class in a way that makes sense to them. You must engage with the material to understand it.

How to become an active learner

• Study in a quiet, well-lit environment
• Eliminate distractions (unplug internet/keep phone in a different room while studying)
• Take notes on what you are learning
• Rearrange the information received in a way that makes sense to you
• Make diagrams/ brainstorm information received
• Summarise notes
• Use flashcards
• Have someone quiz you on the information you received