Community Standards at Lehman College

Study skills are a preventative effort against plagiarism 

How to build better study skills:

Set clear goals

Clear goals are crucial for students to stay focused and motivated. By defining specific objectives, students have a clear direction to guide their efforts. 

Create a productive work environment

Leonard Lief Library offers study rooms where students can focus on their work. Overall, having a quiet, organized space, free from distractions like phones and social media, supports better concentration and focus.

Practice Active Learning

Practicing active learning encourages deeper engagement with the material. Instead of passively absorbing information, students can boost their understanding by explaining concepts to others, reinforcing their knowledge. Self-quizzing is another active learning technique that helps students evaluate their retention of information. Additionally, using flashcards for quick reviews allows for frequent, focused repetition, strengthening memory and recall.

Overcome common study challenges:

Procrastination

Procrastination is a common habit of many students, often leading to delayed tasks and last-minute stress. To combat procrastination, break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By setting short, achievable deadlines, they can maintain steady progress and stay on track. 

Lack of Motivation

Students should take regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm, allowing their minds to recharge. Mixing study techniques—such as switching between reading, writing, and discussing material—can keep things fresh and engaging.

Remember your long-term goals, and recognize how far you've come and how your efforts contribute to them.

Test Anxiety

One of the most effective ways to combat test anxiety is to be prepared.  A well-organized study plan ensures students are ready for the tests.  Incorporating relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises, helps manage anxiety in the moment. 

Remember that building strong study skills is an ongoing process! But with the right strategies, students can improve their learning efficiency, reduce stress, and achieve academic success. 

Adapted from the complete guide to study skills by oxford learning, https://oxfordlearning.com/the-complete-guide-to-study-skills/#What-are-study-skills

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