Many of us, young and not-so-young alike, will be headed back to school this week.

Personally, I am currently pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. Navigating my path back to academia as a mature learner has introduced its own set of challenges, including the delicate juggling act of harmonizing work, family commitments, and scholarly pursuits. I've also had to embrace the task of acquainting myself with emerging technologies, all the while recognizing that my ability to absorb copious volumes of new information is not quite as swift as it once was.

Incorporating the demands of learning into an already busy life has compelled me to become very efficient in learning and coursework. I have been intentional in creating study habits that give me the best chance of staying on top of coursework and being successful in exams.

Here are some study tips and tricks I have found that work for me.

How do you learn?
This might be the most important thing to discover before you apply any other strategy. If you’re not learning in a way that is optimal for you, nothing is going to work very well. There are a number of learning styles, and it is possible that more than one may apply to you. Which of these do you identify with?
- Visual Learners prefer to learn through visual aids such as diagrams, graphs and videos. They find it easier to understand and remember information when it's presented in a visual format.
- Auditory Learners learn best through listening and speaking. They benefit from lectures, discussions, podcasts, and audiobooks. They may also remember information better when they read it aloud.
- Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners learn by doing and experiencing. They prefer hands-on activities, physical demonstrations, and interactive experiences. They may benefit from role-playing, experiments, and real-life applications.
- Read/Write Learners are most comfortable with written information. They learn best through reading and writing activities such as taking notes, creating outlines, and reading textbooks.
- Logical/Mathematical Learners thrive on reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. They excel at understanding patterns, making connections, and analyzing complex information.
- Social/Interpersonal Learners thrive in group settings and enjoy learning through interaction and collaboration with others. Group discussions, study groups, and team projects are effective for them.
- Solitary/Intrapersonal Learners prefer independent study and reflection. They are comfortable working alone, using self-paced resources, and engaging in self-assessment.
- Verbal/Linguistic Learners have a strong affinity for language. They enjoy reading, writing, and storytelling. They may also excel in languages and find it easy to memorize information through verbal repetition.
- Naturalistic Learners are attuned to the natural world. They learn best through direct experience with nature, hands-on exploration, and observation of real-life examples.

Once you have identified how you learn best, try to adapt your schoolwork to fit your style. If you have to read a chapter of a textbook you may find that as an auditory learner, you will benefit from reading it aloud - or listening to an audiobook version. Alternatively as a visual learner, you may find that summarizing it in colourful notes – or drawing the information as a cartoon – helps you remember it best. As a kinesthetic learner, add movement whenever you can, take a walk after you read to help you retain and analyse information. If you’re a social learner, rope someone else in to discuss what you have learned.

Whatever your learning style, find as many ways as you can to incorporate it into your studying. These may look odd to others, especially those who don’t share your unique style of learning, but what may look like a waste of time to someone else can be the best way for you to understand concepts and help information stick in your brain.

2. Study space

What can you do in your physical space to support your learning style? A comfortable, visually appealing and welcoming space can help you feel excited about studying.

The following are things to consider:

Do you need a calm, quiet space, or would you prefer to be around other people?
Do you like study music, or do you prefer quiet? Do you have comfortable headphones?
What kind of lighting works best for you?
Do you have comfortable seating? Do you prefer to stand or move around?
Do you have easy access to the things you need? This includes your physical books and supplies as well as digital files. Keeping your materials in one spot minimizes distractions.
How will you decorate the space? Are posters with relevant information or diagrams useful to you? How about plants or artwork?
How will others respect your space? Have you set clear and achievable boundaries with others?

If possible, try not to use this space for anything else. A dedicated space that is used consistently for studying has the added benefit of eventually triggering your brain into learning mode as soon as you sit down.

3. Ask questions and communicate early

If you find yourself not understanding something, don’t be hesitant to ask questions. A good instructor should be able to explain a concept in multiple ways to aid your understanding. Likewise, if you are having difficulties of any kind with a course, whether that be the material itself, conflicting commitments, or illness, communicate as early as possible with your instructor. By promptly addressing any difficulties you're encountering, you allow them to provide necessary guidance and potentially make accommodations that can alleviate your situation. They are human too, and are generally happy to help.

As someone who has both taught at college level, I can truthfully say that I love engaged students who are dedicated to understanding the material. I - and many other instructors I know - are more than willing to take the extra time to explain a concept or help a student find additional resources.

4. When in doubt, go back to basics

Sometimes, however well a course is laid out, and however competent the teacher is, there will be a concept that you can’t seem to wrap your brain around. Fortunately, there is an entire internet worth of information to help you. It is often worth going back to basic concepts at times like these. A website or video aimed at a level below your course can be super helpful to lay the groundwork to better understand your course material. Then you can build on that information. If you’re an undergraduate student, look for high school information. If you’re in high school, look for a level a grade or so below the course you are taking.

I like to think of it as giving yourself hooks to hang information on. Basic information and concepts create the hooks on which we can hang more complicated knowledge. Without good, strong hooks, new information tends to slide off and land in a confused heap on the ground. Sometimes a failure to understand something is due to a shaky hook. Creating a stronger hook is better in the long term than simply memorizing information that makes little sense to you – which generally falls off the hook as soon as your back is turned.

5. Create a schedule and stay organized

As much as many of us may not like schedules, they really do help us make the most of our time. Think about your daily routine and when you are most mentally alert and active – this is the prime time to schedule your studying. Be as consistent as possible with this by making it a priority. I love the quiet of the early morning to learn new things or work on assignments.

Do you like to study in small chunks of time and switch between subjects – or do you prefer a deep dive into one topic? While both are effective ways to learn, most people have a clear preference and doing the opposite can be frustrating and unproductive.

Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study materials. Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to stay organized and avoid last-minute rushes. Find out what works best for you. I have discovered that I need to write down everything by hand. An online planner doesn’t seem to be ‘real’ enough for me to remember it exists, but a weekly planner and a daily to-do list on paper work well.

Set aside some time each week to plan out the coming days. Note any other commitments and try to give yourself some extra time in case things take longer than expected.

6. Set realistic goals

Define specific, achievable goals. Whether it's completing a certain amount of reading, mastering a particular concept, or finishing an assignment, clear goals give your studying a sense of purpose and direction. They also help prevent the overwhelming feeling of needing to learn ‘everything’ all at once, which can drive people into a standstill of indecision.

Large tasks such as studying for an exam or completing a project can be broken down into smaller chunks. This gives you clear and manageable goals which helps to prevent overwhelm and it’s friends anxiety and inaction.

Think about the kinds of tasks needed to complete your goals as well. Do you learn new information best in the morning - or are you a night owl? When are you most creative? That might be the best time to write and essay or design a poster. When are you most focused and able to do a deep dive into research? Define your specific goals to maximize your ability to accomplish the various tasks. This can tie in with your schedule as well.

7. Make the information yours

Find ways to interpret the information in ways that fit your learning style – make colourful summaries, create a poster or chart, make it a song or rhyme you can move to. The more ways you find to play with the information you are learning, the more likely it is to stick.

When I was a student herbalist learning the botanical (Latin) names of over three hundred herbs, I wrote them all out in lists based on medicinal properties and taped them to every cupboard door in my kitchen. Every time I cooked, made coffee, or even grabbed a glass of water, I would read through a list or two. It worked so well for me that I now do that with anything I need to learn.

Develop a note-taking system that works for you, whether it's handwritten notes or diagrams, digital notes, audio recordings, or any combination. Summarize key points, concepts, and ideas in your own words. When it comes to studying for exams, use your class notes to create a condensed version of key points. If you are a kinesthetic learner, writing notes by hand can be especially helpful.

8. Active learning

Engage with the material actively by summarizing, asking questions, solving problems, discussing concepts with peers, and teaching the content to someone else. If you are a social learner, create quizzes with your classmates. If you prefer a more solitary style, there are many websites that will let you create a quiz or may already have quizzes that cover the material you are learning. Active engagement enhances understanding and retention, and including others in your studying can help you stay motivated.

9. Stay Healthy

A balanced diet, exercise, sufficient sleep and proper hydration collectively contribute to optimizing your brain's capacity for effective learning. As busy people, these may take some planning, but staying as healthy as possible makes learning easier.

Taking care of your mental health is especially important when studying. Your mind is precious, and learning can sometimes feel like the mental equivalent of boot camp. Reach out if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Many universities, colleges and schools have useful resources to help minimize stress.

The end of term or semester can be particularly overwhelming, with projects due and exams to study for. Try to plan ahead for your mental and physical health as much as possible. Do you have healthy food? Do you have reminders to take breaks or drink some water? Do you have study partners, or someone to call if you feel overwhelmed?

Keep multi-taking to a minimum if you are feeling stressed, it splits your focus at the best of times, and when we are already feeling under pressure it can be a constant unpleasant reminder of an overwhelming list of tasks.

Instead, make a list of small, manageable tasks. It doesn’t matter how tiny they are, crossing them off the list gives us a small dopamine boost that helps us feel like we can accomplish more. Brushed your teeth? Awesome! Cross it off your list and go on to the next task. If you need help getting started, add something to your list you have already done – your brain doesn’t care, it will still feel good when you cross it off! The key is to build momentum by starting with simple, manageable tasks. As our confidence (and dopamine levels) grow, we feel more capable of handling more challenging things.

10. Celebrate your achievements – and bribe yourself when needed

Reward yourself for achieving your study goals, whether it's completing a challenging assignment, mastering a concept, or reaching a specific milestone. It's important to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

And if the task seems particularly onerous, consider bribery! Will you watch an episode of your favourite TV show when it’s done, or order your favourite take-out? By offering yourself a compelling incentive, you provide the extra motivation needed to overcome the challenge and fulfill your responsibilities. This not only instills a sense of accomplishment but also makes the process more enjoyable and satisfying.

Incorporating this practice of rewarding and motivating yourself not only enhances your study experience but also helps in maintaining a positive and productive mindset.

Tailoring your study methods to your unique learning style, the specific subject matter, and your personal preferences is key to fostering effective study habits. If you are headed back to school this Fall, take some time to explore different techniques to find what works best for you.

Keep in mind that the optimal approach to studying can evolve over time as you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to adjusting your study routines as you progress. Think of it as developing a toolkit of study methods that empower you to grasp complex concepts, retain information more effectively, and enhance your overall learning experience.

If you have any study habits or learning tips and tricks that work well for you, I’d love to hear them. Post them in the comments section below.

Rebecca