A study checklist is a useful tool to create and manage an organized and systematic approach to studying.
It can be as basic or as detailed as you want it to be, but the key is that it needs to include all of the information you need in order to successfully complete your assignment, paper, exam, etcetera. Your checklist needs to be comprehensive, achievable and realistic in order to be useful.
First, let us take a quick look at some tips to make your checklist more effective.
Tip 1: Organize Tasks In A Logical Order
Organizing your checklists in a logical order makes them easier to use and the process of studying becomes more efficient. Your checklist template doesn’t have to be organized in any particular way, but remember that you should always start with the task that needs the least amount of time and work your way up to the task that will require the most amount of time. For example, if you are studying for a big exam, it makes sense to start with small tasks like making flashcards and review them before moving onto memorizing large chunks of information.
Tip 2: Balance Between Short And Long-Term Activities
Your template checklist will be more effective if it includes both short-term activities that you need to do immediately, and long-term tasks that can be done at a later time – but remember to give yourself deadlines for the long term items too.
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Tip 3: Keep It Simple.
A study checklist should be able to fit on one page so that you can maximize your effectiveness by being focused and not distracted. Plus, the simpler it is, the easier it will be for you to use effectively.
There is no need to write out your entire schedule for the semester or year, simply make a note of the important deadlines, exams, case study, papers etc. If you are studying for an exam (like the TOEFL) it makes sense to include every single section of the test, but if you are studying for a class it makes sense to focus on the most important aspects of that course. Try not to include any unnecessary information as this will just make your checklist harder to use!
If your checklist is too time consuming and you end up falling behind in other work, then start over with a different and more concise list.
Tip 4: Update Your Study Checklist After Each Study Session.
As you progress through your assignment, paper, exam etc., it will evolve and change over time so make sure to keep track of everything that you’ve done by updating your study checklist. Also, if something isn’t working for you or there is a better way to do it than what you’ve written on your checklist, then change it. Keep track of those changes as well.
Tip 5: Take The Time To Review And Refine Your Checklist Periodically.
It is so much easier to record small tasks when they first come up, than it is to try and add them days or weeks later when you find yourself studying for your exam. For example, if you need to review a section in a textbook before an upcoming lecture, take a minute to write that task down on your checklist. If you need to read and summarize two chapters, do it as soon as possible and record those tasks on your study habits checklist.
Tip 5: Put It Into Action!
Don’t just download a checklist app and call it good – take some time to create one that will work for you. If you need a tool where you can create a good checklist, try Venngage.
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Tip 6 Don’t Forget About Your Other Homework Or School Work!
You do not want to spend too much time on your checklist that you fall behind in other assignments. You need to create a balance between completion of the checklist and your other school work.
Tip 7: Don’t Forget About Items That Can Be Done Out-Of-Order.
Sometimes, if you complete certain tasks early, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to do them immediately after completing them. You can use such tasks as fillers when you get stuck or can’t think of anything else to do.
Tip 8: And, Finally, Have Fun!
Your checklist is your tool for increased efficiency and organization, not a prison from which you cannot escape. You may need to spend a little time fine-tuning it until you find a version that works well for you – but the time spent developing it will be well worth it.
In Summary
Studying for exams is a lot of work. Making sure you have your notes, books and other study materials necessary to get you through the exam can be a daunting task. You don’t want to head into the exam room without everything you need on hand! Good thing a checklist is a huge help in those things, and that creating your checklist is now so much easier with these tips in mind. Are you a student? You may find interest in:
5 Ways Students Can Improve Their Skills While Studying
5 Outdated Trends in Higher Study
