Have you ever created a study schedule for yourself and almost immediately given up on it? Traditional timetables seem a little unrealistic and may not work for everyone. And if it does, there might be something better for you.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “give me 6 hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first 4 sharpening the axe”. Bringing this into general context without a ‘tree,’ he means spending time creating an effective plan allows for greater success in the process and outcome of a task.
In this article, we will explore what study plans are, the benefits and possible drawbacks of having one, tips on creating a study plan, and how Oxbridge tutoring could help you create a study schedule that would boost your grades. Let’s go on and see.
What is a Study plan?
A study plan is a well-organized timetable that specifies study sessions and learning objectives. College students usually create one for themselves, allotting specific times per week for studying and leisure, much like with work or school schedules. Along with the due dates for papers and projects, this schedule usually includes dates for tests, quizzes, and exams.
Why do you need one?
- A study plan helps guide you through your college coursework, holding you responsible for your learning achievements.
- Time management can undoubtedly be challenging. You probably also have other obligations besides your education, such as work, social engagements, and extracurricular activities. As a teen, it is expected to explore other things in life. But, you may track how you spend your time by making a study schedule, guaranteeing you allot enough time outside of class to finish your homework, prepare for tests, and review the material you are studying.
- Studying online requires self-discipline and perseverance because no instructor can remind you to do your work. This makes study schedules crucial for online students.
Are there any drawbacks to having a Study plan?
Of course, yes! Not knowing what to study or where to start could be a disadvantage of study schedules for some people. Deciding what to learn first can be difficult when you are new to a class. One’s mind may be flooded with questions like, “what topics should I read? which book do I need to finish?” especially if the course content is not attainable. Students could even waste time learning irrelevant material and omitting crucial ideas. Has this ever happened to you? Keep reading to discover your way out.
How to make an effective Study plan
Identify a learning style unique to you
Every individual has a unique way of learning. Your study schedule can be modified to meet your needs better.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you remain focused for long periods?
- What time of the day are you most productive?
- Do you need intermittent breaks during your study time?
Once you’ve identified your preferred learning method, you may plan your study sessions around those times.
Assess your current schedule and time management skills
Make sure to carve out time on your schedule for all your classes, work, and extracurricular activities. This can help you determine how much time you need to spend studying. Also, does your calendar appear to be busy? It could be necessary to reorganize your schedule, scale back on your workload, or give up some of your hobbies. Spend some time visualizing your result and deciding what matters most to you.
Plan your study time
Teachers typically provide students with an estimate of how much time they should devote to each class at the beginning of the semester. This can be an excellent place to start when figuring out how much time you’ll need to study. However, this may vary from student to student. You might discover that you must look for some classes longer or shorter than recommended.
Finding the time to study or focus on the current work can be particularly challenging if you are learning online. So, to help yourself, do not be sidetracked by phone calls or non-urgent housework. Instead, treat your learning and studying time as a job.
Set attainable goals
Setting goals is essential, but you don’t want to overcommit and fall short of your objectives. It could be disappointing.
You might have one overarching goal for a block or semester, but you’ll be more successful if you divide it into more manageable daily or weekly objectives.
By making a study plan, you’ve given yourself a better chance of achieving your objective.
Draw up a schedule
You might be wondering, “When should I study?” Planning out your schedule and determining which days you have for studying is the first step. You can input the time you wish to study depending on your preferred reading style. Just like you would your work or social commitments, add your study sessions to your calendar. This will make it clear that this time is only used for learning. If you have a hectic schedule, you may need to be creative about finding time to study. For example, you may use the time between courses or your journey by tram or train to school.
Do not forget your breaks!
An adult is estimated to maintain focus for about 20 minutes, after which he or she begins to disengage from the task. Therefore, planning your breaks into and around your study time is crucial. You might want to take a walk, stretch, take a hot/cold bath, etc., then return refreshed.
Make it a routine!
If you make it a regular part of your day, you’ll establish it as a habit. Over time, you’ll act spontaneously rather than having to be forced. Additionally, it aids in stress management. By spreading your workload over several weeks, you’ll be far more prepared to handle stressful evaluations or test times.
Are you looking for help in creating a study plan?
Oxbridge would offer you a friendly 1-on-1 tutor and exam expert who would not only help you design an effective personalized study plan but also help you prepare for any admissions exam you might have coming up, such as the NSAA, BMAT, ELAT, MAT, PAT, and even applications to Cambridge and Oxford universities
Also, Oxbridge tutors have been hugely applauded by students over time and ranked amongst the top 5 best tutoring companies by Trustpilot.
Now you not only know what a study plan is but also how you can benefit from having Oxbridge tutors create an effective one for you. Find out more from Oxbridge.