According to a BBVA Foundation study, 33% of students fail to complete the degree they started. This is due to the student’s poor performance during the academic period and his lack of effort or motivation. In this context, it is necessary to implement effective study techniques that guarantee academic success.
Study techniques are tools that facilitate the learning process. These seek to expand the student’s capacity for retention, concentration and motivation. Consequently, students continue to learn and study efficiently.
At the Intercontinental University of Business (UIE), we recognize the importance of implementing effective study techniques that lead to academic success. For this reason, we invite you to read this article in which we will provide a series of effective techniques that you can apply from the first day of classes.
The best study techniques
There are various study techniques that are considered effective in improving academic performance. Below, we present some of them:
Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro study technique is based on dividing study time into periods of attention and breaks. That is, this technique involves dividing study time into blocks of 20 to 30 minutes of intense activity.
It is important that you alternate these blocks of time with short 5-minute breaks. Every four study blocks, you should take a longer break, about 20 to 30 minutes, and then start again.
Thanks to these breaks, your brain will have the opportunity to process and consolidate the newly acquired information. This makes the Pomodoro technique one of the most effective.
Mental maps.
The mental map is used to synthesize information. It is a diagram that is used to represent words, pictures and other elements that relate to a main idea.
Mind maps are visual tools. With a single glance, you will obtain information on a specific topic and this will facilitate your learning.
Summaries.
A summary allows all content to be converted into a shorter text that only includes the most important information.
To make a summary, you need to read and understand the entire original text. Once this is done, you have to separate the information into main and secondary ideas. Finally, read the summary to make sure no important points have been left out.
The summary promotes understanding and organization of knowledge. For that reason, it is an effective technique for studying and assimilating information.
The comparative table.
This technique allows you to make a comparison between two or more elements in a graphic and organized way. In this way, it is possible to link concepts and define their main similarities, differences and characteristics.
Likewise, the comparative table offers an orderly reading in which the points to be compared are clearly stated. By classifying information in this way, it is much easier to retain it and reach a conclusion regarding it.
Study cards.
The flashcards or study cards have a concept or question on one side and its corresponding explanation on the other.These promote understanding of the information and are a didactic way of reviewing the content strong>.
In addition, flashcards are portable and you can take them anywhere. This makes them a practical tool to review content anytime, anywhere.
At UIE we have an academic model that guarantees effective learning, since it combines a wide variety of learning activities with theoretical material. We also offer permanent support and make intensive use of new technologies.
Are all study techniques really effective? Debunking some deceptive techniques
In the world of learning, there are study techniques that are touted as the ultimate solution. However, the reality is that these techniques are not effective, since they do not contribute to improving learning.
These are some of them:
Mechanical memorization.
Rote memorization involves repeating information without understanding it. It does not promote understanding or connection of concepts. In addition, it makes it difficult to retain and apply information in different contexts.
Instead of relying on rote memorization, we recommend embracing deep understanding. This consists of understanding the concepts and the relationships between them.
Copy and paste.
The copy and paste technique is misleading and ineffective, since it involves copying information from sources, without processing or understanding it . If you resort to this technique, then you lose the opportunity to deepen concepts and develop synthesis and application skills.
In conclusion, study techniques are effective in improving learning and academic performance. By applying them, you will experience greater organization during evaluation periods and better results. At UIE we provide quality education that prepares our students for the challenges of the world of work. We invite you to explore our innovative academic offering and prepare for the future.
