The Study Cycle

Step One: Preview Before Class

Skim the chapter. Note headings and boldface words. Review summaries and chapter objectives. Come up with questions you’d like the lecture to answer for you.

Step Two: Attend Class

Ask your questions and take meaningful, thorough notes. Engage in the lecture.

Step Three: Review After Class

As soon after class as possible, read notes, fill in gaps in your notes, and add any questions you have.

Step Four: Study the Material

Repetition is key. Ask questions such as “why”, “how”, and “what if.” Use Intentional Study Sessions (see below). Do three to five short study sessions a day. Use weekends to review. Read notes and material from the week to make connections to previous weeks’ material.

Step Five: Assess Your Learning

Periodically perform reality checks. “Am I using study methods that are effective? Do I understand the material enough to teach it to others?” 

How to do Intentional Study Sessions

You can get a lot done in sixty minutes or so.

First: Set a Goal (1-2 minutes)

Decide what you want to accomplish during this intentional study session.

Second: Study with Focus (30-50 minutes)

Interact with the material:

• Preview it
• Ask questions
• Define terms, create examples, list characteristics of each term, and connect terms together
• Make concept maps
• Summarize, process
• Connect material to earlier readings and lectures
• Predict how it may fit in with future class sessions
• Re-read, fill-in notes, and reflect.

Third: Reward Yourself (10-15 minutes)

Take a break. Call a friend. Get a snack. Take a short walk.

Finally: Review (5-10 minutes)

Go over what you just studied and learned. Write down any questions.

Learn more at www.up.edu/learningcommons. (Adapted from The Study Cycle by Frank Christ (LSU): www.cas.lsu.edu.)