To study or not to study, that is the question. By Christiana Votta

It is true studying does take time, and you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. However, when you do this, the results can be very rewarding.

Over my last three years of high school, I have personally realized the importance of studying, and how it correlated with my success. I remember my first couple of weeks of freshman year, and I was supposed to prepare for a quiz in my Education studies class. However, I was naively under the impression that “Oh I don’t need to study, it’s only a vocab quiz it probably will be in a matching format”. On the day of the quiz, I received my paper, and to my horror, the quiz was not in a mix/match format. Instead, I was required to define terms and explain step-by-step educational theories that I was more or less ignorant of. My quiz didn’t reflect the score I thought I would have received originally… and ever since I never brushed off studying. To study means to devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge, however, how do you learn to do this effectively? 

Thankfully, all of my questions were answered by CHS’s Chemistry teacher Mrs. Sullivan. During our interview, we discussed different study habits and what can help a student who is new to studying. So if this applies to you or if you are open to learning new habits in the realm of academics, you will be able to learn from this advice. 

As I sat down to interview Mrs.Sullivan, the first question I asked her was, “Is there a particular form of studying that you’ve noticed students benefited from the most?” She responded, “Well I’ve always taught flashcards and Cornell notes. High School came easy to me so I didn’t have to study” she recalls. “But when I got to Providence College as a science major I kind of got hit in the face”. Furthering this idea, she shares how she developed an effective studying habit, such as teaching herself flashcards. But what do flashcards do? “Flashcards test your knowledge before the test”. It’s not enough just to write terms in a notebook. By actively thinking and testing yourself with flashcards, you’re more likely to memorize the material. Additionally, if you get a flashcard wrong writing the correct answer down on a separate piece of paper several times helps to reinforce the correct answer to long-term memory.  “When students write it is far more effective. When rewriting, you’re able to make connections to short-term and long-term memorization”. 

What are the benefits of establishing/practicing good study habits?

“Chemistry is a difficult subject… and it is difficult for many students, the first thing is learning the content from the flashcards” She acknowledges. “Second you feel far more confident going into a test, it is going to alleviate the stress because you know the material. But once you have learned a study skill such as flashcards, you’re now able to master difficult material. You are going to feel more confident about taking the next tougher course because you have a study skill underneath your belt that is going to help you.” This is an important takeaway because not everyone considers this aspect of studying and how it can lead to future success. Who wouldn’t want to feel confident in their abilities to do well? 

In what way do you encourage your students to challenge their studying methods?

One of the ways Mrs.Sullivan encourages students in general to study is by offering 5 extra points on a test for those who made/submitted flashcards. As her current student, I find this a great motivator for studying. One- as the student you are learning the material. Two- you receive extra points which will help your grade automatically. It provides a sense of accomplishment and accountability because you’re working towards an end goal.

Why do you think students struggle with applying study habits?

She shares “I think it’s because it takes time and discipline…”. It is true studying does take time, and you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. However, when you do this, the results can be very rewarding. Which is also another motivator to study. But, at the same time, it all depends on you, and what you’re willing to do to receive a good mark. 

Some main points we can take away from this is studying is effective and it proves beneficial to students on a confidence level and knowledge. Some effective study habits consist of making flashcards, and Cornell notes (challenging/testing your knowledge of the material). What are your study habits, and how can you adapt them to help make you more successful?