Want to become a more efficient learner?
Put the study cycle to work for you. This five-step proven approach helps students
create a process for learning that can be easily applied to their coursework. The five steps are
Preview, Attend, Review, Study, and Check. Step 1: Previewing. When you preview before class, you
can understand the big picture. Skim through your text, PowerPoint, or videos. Note any bold and
italicized print, headings, formulas, graphs, and other images. When you have the big picture,
what you experience in class makes more sense. Step 2: Attend, Go to class. It seems obvious, but
attending class is an essential step. Being engaged by taking notes and asking questions will help you
feel more connected and get more out of class time. Step 3: Review. As soon as possible after class, take
8-10 minutes to review your notes, fill in the gaps, note any questions you still have, and highlight
important points. These first three steps: Preview, Attend, and Review, will help you get the most out of
class. Reviewing after class helps me reinforce new concepts which really makes me feel more confident.
Step 4: Study, Dedicate study time between each class. Use this time to engage with and process the
material through active learning strategies like summarizing, concept mapping, practicing problems, or
group study. Ask critical thinking questions like why?, how,? and what if? Remember to study in
small increments using focus study sessions. Step 5: Check. Check your learning by teaching the
material, quizzing yourself, or working problems without using notes. Periodic checking will
help you refocus and adjust your learning or methods if needed. Checking my learning by
testing myself has made a huge difference now I can see what material I need to
work on, and focus on that before the test. The Study Cycle is designed to work the way
your brain learns best. This method helps you move information from short-term to long-term
memory and reach higher levels of learning. Start using the study cycle today and you'll
be a more confident learner in no time.