Studying is an important part of being successful in academia. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find time for all subjects. Writing a good program helps prevent the problem, even if it's not always easy. In addition to prioritizing studying, you have to learn to juggle other responsibilities, such as family, friends and free time, so organizing yourself from this point of view can also be stressful.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Program
Step 1. Compile a list of all the subjects you need to study
To write a study program, the first step is to list all the subjects. By putting the commitments in black and white, you will know exactly what to do.
Step 2. Determine what you need to do for each subject
List all the subjects you need to study, you need to determine what to do specifically. The expected time and workload of each subject will likely vary from week to week, but it is possible that in the long run you will understand how much time you actually need for each one.
- If you have a study guide or textbook with sections that make it easier to review, refer to it as you fill out the list.
- Spend time reading books.
- Spend time reading your notes.
- Write a list of the topics you need to review for a test, question, or exam. Fill it out according to your review needs (for example, focus on the topics that are most difficult for you).
Step 3. Assign priorities
Write down the list of all the subjects you need to study and determine what to do exactly, assign priorities. Sorting subjects by relative importance will help you figure out which ones you need to spend more time on and which ones require more concentration (so which ones you should study with a fresh mind).
- Write a number (starting with 1) next to each subject. If you need more time to study math, give it number 1. If you need less time for history (and you have to study five subjects in total), assign it number 5.
- Take into account the degree of difficulty of the subject.
- Consider how much you will need to read.
- Consider how much you will need to review.
Step 4. Break down the time you have during the week into study blocks
Next, assign these blocks to the various subjects.
- The key to preparing a good program is to organize yourself to study at the same time every day, so that you have a plan that you can memorize without having to constantly consult it. With a routine, studying will become a natural habit.
- Consider if there are times or days of the week when you can always study. For example, maybe you are free every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 4 pm If possible, try to organize yourself to study at this time; a regular and predefined routine can help you develop the right mental attitude.
- Schedule study sessions in blocks of 30-45 minutes. It's easier to carve out short blocks of time.
- Create blocks for all the free moments you have.
- If you have time before exams, create a reverse calendar instead of a weekly schedule.
Step 5. Make time for other activities
As you organize yourself with the subjects to study, try not to neglect family, friends and rest. If you don't create a good balance between private life and study, you will never be successful in school or college.
- Make time for events you can't put off, like your grandmother's birthday, a family reunion, or a vet appointment.
- Make time for other commitments, such as swimming training, family dinners, or parish meetings.
- Give yourself enough time to rest, sleep, and exercise.
- If the time you have before an exam is really limited, consider postponing or postponing other activities.
Step 6. Specify the study blocks
Once you have established a program and determined what to study, go into detail. Decide which subject to study in each session. In this way you will be able to follow a roadmap, set moments to verify the progress made, prepare books and other study materials in advance.
- Buy a diary or diary. You can also use a very common notebook.
- If you have a smartphone, you can prepare the program on your mobile.
- In the beginning, write the plan from week to week so that you better understand how it works.
- Prioritize studying during exams.
- Prioritize subjects that are less successful for you or that you particularly care about.
Part 2 of 3: Consider the Program and your Personality
Step 1. Review your current schedule
To create a study program, you must first evaluate what you are following now and understand how you use your time. Analyzing your current plan will help you understand how you distribute commitments, how to increase your efficiency, and which activities you can exclude.
- Calculate how many hours a week you are studying.
- Calculate how many hours a week you are dedicating to free time.
- Calculate how many hours a week you are spending with friends and family.
- Do a quick calculation to figure out what you might be excluding. Many find that they spend too much time on their hobbies, so they start here.
- Make sure you create the study program based on your professional commitments (if you work).
Step 2. Consider your learning style
Understanding how you distribute your schedule is key to writing the program, but you also need to understand how you are used to studying. This way you can determine if you can overlap multiple activities. You will also understand how to take advantage of downtime. Ask yourself a few questions.
- Do you learn audibly? Maybe you listen to recorded lectures or other audio materials while driving or in the gym.
- Do you learn visually? Can you study better using pictures or watching videos? Try watching a movie to learn while having fun.
Step 3. Reflect on your dedication
You can also have a perfect schedule, but if you don't put in the effort, you won't need that much. Consequently, you need to pause for a moment to reflect on how dedicated you are to studying. Then, do the following:
- Plan your schedule by considering how long you think you will study. If you tend to get distracted and take lots of breaks, add more time to your schedule.
- If you know that you tend to postpone, allow for extra time ahead of deadlines. You will thus have a bearing and will honor all your commitments.
- If you know you are very dedicated, plan to finish studying early. You can do this by inserting an additional block of time into the syllabus, which you can use to carry on with the subjects you want.
Part 3 of 3: Follow the Program
Step 1. Make the most of your free time
When following a study program, one of the biggest challenges is the temptation to give up everything to do something relaxing, fun, or enjoyable. However, you have to hold out and make the most of the time you spend resting.
- The breaks are to be considered a reward.
- Take advantage of free time to recharge your batteries. A nap might help you. Going for a walk or yoga will relax you and help you focus when you need to start studying again.
- Make sure you get out of the house. Take advantage of free time to get away from your desk.
Step 2. While studying, take short breaks (one per block) and enjoy them to the full - but try not to abuse them
To successfully follow a study program, you need to make sure that you are consistent and only rest for the set amount of time. Taking extra breaks or lengthening them can jeopardize your schedule and sabotage your plans.
- Take a 5-10 minute break (no longer) during study blocks.
- At the beginning of the break, set the alarm to let you know when it ends.
- Make the most of the break. Make sure you use it to unplug. Stretch, walk around, have a snack, or recharge by listening to music.
- Avoid distractions that could lengthen the break.
Step 3. Follow the program
The key to having an effective plan is to be consistent. It is useless to prepare it if you do not respect it.
- Get into the habit of looking at your agenda regularly (preferably every day): this way you will always keep your schedule in mind.
- Once you have established a routine, mentally you will begin to associate certain acts (such as opening a book or sitting at a desk) with study and concentration.
Step 4. Talk to other people about the program
Sometimes it is difficult to stick to a plan because others are a distraction. They don't do it on purpose: People who love you want to spend time with you. To avoid this, share the program you have prepared; that way, if they want to do something with you, they can organize themselves accordingly.
- Attach a copy of the program to the refrigerator so your family can see it.
- Email a copy to your friends so they know when you're free.
- If someone arranges an appointment or event just when you need to study, kindly ask them to postpone it.
