Research-Backed Study Methods + Tips

Graduate School Study Methods and Tips

SUCCEEDING | SKILLS

2/19/2020 by Sierra Skelly

Let’s face it—grad school is far from easy. Between balancing class, studying, teaching, and sometimes even working, grad students can be stretched so thin it feels almost impossible to get everything done.

As a graduate student, having effective time management skills is essential to succeed. The material becomes significantly more difficult and the age-old technique of cramming the night before isn’t an option when your material is this advanced.

Keep reading for some research-backed study methods and tips to help you get the most out of your study session.

Study Methods & Tips

Everyone learns differently. Whether you’re the type of person who prefers using flashcards or likes to copying over their notes, here are some top study methods and tips to help you stay on top of your semester.

Retrieval Practice - Retrieval practice focuses on remembering the concept later on. Being able to recall leads to significantly better retention than looking up the answer in your textbook. Some top ways to use retrieval practice include practice tests, flashcards, and making your own questions.
Spaced Practice - It’s common for students to cram the night before an exam—only to forget everything immediately after. By practicing the material in the days and weeks leading up to the exam, you can significantly improve long-term memory and retention. As a graduate student, you typically have a lot more information to memorize, so spacing out your studying is key to retaining information for the exam and long-term afterward.
Feynman Technique - The Feynman technique is simple—learning by teaching. The general idea is that if you are able to explain a topic in simple terms, it helps you learn it better yourself. Essentially, you are functioning as a “teacher”, but by explaining the concept in your own words, you are able to process and understand it faster. As many graduate students are also TA’s, the Feynman technique is a perfect way to practice for any small-sections you may be assisting with.
Leitner System - The Leitner system is based on the use of tracking flashcard progress. First, you create multiple boxes and assign them numbers 1 through 5. Each flashcard begins in box 1, and when you get the card right, it progresses until you reach box 5. If you don’t get the card right, you move it down a box.
Color-Coded Notes - Sometimes, lectures are so fast-paced that you are struggling to write down the basic concepts—much less take the time to format everything in a visually appealing way. By using a few different colors when taking notes, you will have a mental system to track the most important concepts without taking a ton of extra time to carefully format everything.
Exercise before Studying - Exercising has a multitude of benefits—the endorphin rush, fighting fatigue, and even increasing energy levels. Any workout that gets your heart pumping can help you find the motivation to effectively focus during your subsequent study sesh. As a graduate student, it can be hard to find even an hour to exercise, but even a quick 20-minute walk is enough to reap the benefits of exercise.

How to Optimize Your Study Environment

It’s essential to start out in the right headspace to study. Particularly for graduate students, whose lives are constantly busy, having a clean and relaxed study environment can make all the difference. Here are some ways to “set the stage” for your next study session.

Eliminate Distractions: As tempting as social media can be, putting away your phone and muting all notifications can be key to a successful study session.
Snack on Brain Food: It’s common for students to stop by a market and pick up junk food on the way to go study, but eating healthy snacks like nuts or fruit can actually help you focus and retain information better.
Don't Skimp on Sleep: It’s almost a rite of passage for students to stay up before an exam until the sun is coming up at least once or twice—so we don’t have to tell you how much of a toll that takes on you, both mentally and physically. Prioritize your body and health, and in turn, your brain will thank you.

Learning effective study techniques can help you make the most of your study time. No one wants to spend endless hours in the library, whether you’re an engineering student or pursuing a graduate degree in nursing. Hopefully, using these techniques can help you have the most efficient study session possible. For a complete list of research-backed study tips, check out the infographic below.