Independent study is crucial to every student’s success, particularly in post-secondary. Yet, very few students are taught practical studying skills. For those looking to take the quickest route to successful university admission, effective and efficient learning is imperative. Though students here at the Great Lakes College of Toronto receive plenty of one-on-one support, most university programs, especially competitive ones, require students to engage in plenty of independent learning to absorb all of the concepts they need to score high on exams and produce quality assignments.
Read on for some effective study tips that will help you reach your academic goals at our private high school and beyond.
Structure Your Independent Study Time for Efficient Learning
Time management is a skill that will help you succeed in any area of your life. In an academic context, time management not only refers to being punctual for class, but it also involves structuring your independent study time to maximize your results. The challenge here is that each student’s optimal study time is different. That said, most students find it more effective to sprinkle shorter study sessions (1-2 hours long) throughout their weeks instead of cramming right before exams. Students in our fast-track university prep school are advised to make independent study an integral part of their daily schedules. Choose a time of day when you feel productive and energized, determine a designated study space, and commit to dedicating just a few hours to reviewing course material.
Use Organizational Tools in Fast Track University Prep School
We know that it’s challenging for students to keep track of their deadlines, stay up to date on the course material, and properly use their time. That being said, there are many organizational tools you can use to facilitate efficient learning. For instance, thanks to technology, you can download several helpful organizational tools to your personal devices. For note-taking, many students love Google Keep, a free tool that allows them to save notes in text, photo, and audio formats. Your smartphone, tablet, or laptop has a built-in calendar tool that you can use to add designated study time to your schedule. To test your knowledge, you can use a q-card app like quizlet to better absorb course material. At private school, students are encouraged to search independently for the tools that work best for them.
Try Active Study Methods
Most traditional study methods are passive in nature. As effective as reading and listening in class can be, these techniques often aren’t engaging enough for many students to truly connect with their education. On the other hand, active studying involves engaging with course material through dynamic discussions, deep analysis, synthesis, questioning, reflection, and practice. Here at the GLCT, we foster a holistic approach to learning that encourages students to experiment with different study methods.
As a student at our private school, you’ll have access to help from qualified instructors and a strong community of fellow students with whom you can explore course material in a variety of fun, engaging ways. Try active note-taking with the Cornell method, which invites students to record, recite, reflect, summarize, and question the material they’re learning, or have a go at engaging your mind by consuming class material in a variety of formats. Watch documentaries on the topic you’re exploring, listen to educational podcasts, or host a study group where you discuss what you’ve learned in class. You’ll find that actively seeking stimulating learning experiences will help you learn effectively and efficiently, driving the academic results you’ll need to reach your goals.
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Contact the Great Lakes College of Toronto to learn more.