12 - Efficiency Begins with Your Own Study Habits

This section is practical and discusses methods you can use to improve your day-to-day study efficiency. As a beginning, you might be wise to take a very close personal inventory of your study habits. Consider these questions:

• What is the best time of day for you to study?

• How long is your average, uninterrupted study session?

• Do you attempt to engage in other activities while studying–such as listening to the radio or snacking? • Generally, how often are you interrupted by other people while studying?

• How often do you study with other students? What is your reason for doing so?

• What is the best place for you to study—sitting at a desk or reclining on the floor or on the bed? • What subjects require the most time for study?

• What subjects are most difficult to study? Should you try to do the tough subjects all at once or try to intersperse them with easy subjects?

Efficiency in learning means more free time for you. If you have developed an individual style of studying that is working for you and is suited to your own tastes, then good for you! Do not follow someone else’s formula unless you are working without any guidelines and are having problems.