One of the things that has been working for me the most lately for studying/keeping up with readings is to set time limits for myself- only about 30 min-1 hour should be spent per class on readings. Last semester I only had 2 reading-heavy classes and it worked. This semester I have four reading-heavy courses, some a little worse than others. So that's about 4 hours per week, maybe some weeks I'll be behind or ahead though.
Ideally I try to only take about 30 min per class. Even if there's like 3 readings, or 40 or 60+ pages to read. I always hear students complain about too much reading, or reading being too heavy/theoretical/hard... but all you need to do is skim & read fast for the main points then look for the important aspects of the reading- how is it useful? what do I really need to know?
I'm using the example of readings, but this goes for assignments too- I find it helps me a lot to break assignments down into 30-min blocks at a time. Like, one day I'll set a goal to brainstorm for an assignment, another day, start to write the outline, etc.
One of my study methods for exams is to go through the material and write down questions, trying to predict what will be on the exam. I try to condense every reading & lecture into only a few questions, then answer them as best as I can.
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Emily Hochheimer
Honours Fine Arts and Communication Studies III
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