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Learn by Reducing Stress
Trevor Blyth
Senior, Industrial & Management Engineering, Billings, MT
When reading my suggestions
for effective studying please consider my comments given the fact that I view
myself as a perfectionist even for an engineer. However, it is my hope that some
might find my thoughts useful.
The amount of stress a
person is under can have a very significant impact upon how effectively they
study and learn. There are many factors that can contribute to stress. The
management of some of these factors can help reduce stress and make studying
much easier and more effective. Below is a list of causes of stress from my
personal experience and also some possible solutions.
Stress reducer #1
Start homework assignments
early while the material is fresh in your mind. Working with class material will
be easiest while it is still new in your mind. Also, by beginning to work on
assignment soon after it has been given will allow plenty of time to work on an
assignment before it is due. This will eliminate a great deal of stress and make
the work will seem easier.
Stress reducer #2
Plan to set aside a part of
the day to devote to homework. Set aside more time that you think you will need.
There are always unexpected delays that will rob your time. Simply knowing that
you have more than enough time will make studying seem less rushed and will
reduce the level of stress. You will actually work faster and learn better
because you are relaxed. Separate
socialization, and entertainment from studying. Take breaks to talk to people
and relax for a few minutes, but don't combine serious studying and
socialization into the same activity. It takes at least twice as long to do the
same amount of studying if you are constantly changing your focus to participate
in a conversation. Also, because you are not focused on the material it will not
sink in nearly as well.
Stress reducer #3
Make the effort to truly
learn the material and understand it fully the first time. Don't completely
move on to another subject until you feel comfortable with the current topic or
information. By learning the material well the first time, your mind will
actually digest and retain the material better. Reviewing for a test will be
quick and easy because you already know it.
Stress reducer #4
In studying for a test the
most important thing is to review a day or two before the exam. Most people need
time to digest large amounts of information before they truly have control.
Cramming the day before a test simply confused me more often than not.
A
final thought: double check exam times
(I missed the first final exam of my college career and went from an A to a C in
that class). However, as I mentioned the importance of stress relief above, I
promptly went skiing at Bridger.
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