Creating a Study Schedule: Tips and Tricks for Effective Planning

A crucial step towards achieving your academic goals is to create a study schedule. But it is difficult to make a study plan since you have to consider several things, from prioritising subjects/topics you need to study to taking care of your other responsibilities, such as family and friends. In the article below, we will explore some tips to help you create a study plan that ensures your academic success.

1. Set clear goals

Before making a study schedule, determine what you want to achieve through this, which could be anything from getting good grades to becoming a master of a subject. But try to be as specific as possible, like instead of setting goals such as Getting better maths grades, set goals such as Earning a B or higher grades in mathematics. Also, ensure that your goals meet your current abilities and resources, as setting a goal too high will cause frustration, anxiety and burnout.

2. Identify your learning style

Determining your learning style is one of the most essential aspects of developing a study plan that best meets your needs. Visual, auditory, read-and-write, and kinaesthetic learning styles models are only a few of the many available. Below is a quick summary of these teaching strategies.

• Visual

Visual learners like learning through images, diagrams, videos, maps, and flash cards. They think and understand more clearly through pictures.

• Auditory

Auditory learners learn through listening, speaking, verbal repetitions and group discussion. So, attending lectures and listening to podcasts benefits them.

• Read/Write

Text-based materials such as textbooks, articles and written notes are preferred by read/write learners to learn new things. They like taking notes during classes and revising by re-writing notes.

• Kinaesthetic

Individuals who like learning through hands-on activities, physical interaction, models and experiences are kinaesthetic learners. Different learning methods are used in the best schools in Nalagarh to help students learn more efficiently.

Once you learn which learning method suits you, the next is to find out the best time of the day to study. For example, some students learn better in the morning while others at night. Also, note that you can use many learning methods to study effectively.

3. Make a weekly plan

Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable, and achievable goals. For example, if your goal is to improve your score in geometry, ensure you cover its specific concepts each week. Calculate how much time you need to study mathematics each week while considering your other obligations. And create a weekly plan that includes homework, assignments and maths-related tasks such as studying and practising.

4. Plan your breaks

Taking breaks using the pomodoro technique during study sessions is an effective strategy that refreshes the brain, increases productivity, and enhances focus. It prevents exhaustion and boosts energy levels, leading to improved study outcomes. So, consider taking short breaks after every 45-60 minutes of studying. Some activities that you can do during breaks are:

• Stretching

• Going for a walk

• Attending a yoga class

• Listening to music

Also, avoid indulging in stressful activities, such as checking social media, watching television, etc.

5. Evaluate/review your study plan

The best thing about a study plan is that you can change it according to your needs. Some steps that can help you evaluate your weekly study schedule are:

• Track your progress

Determine how much progress you have made in the previous week. Did you get successful in completing all your tasks? If not, what are the reasons behind it?

• Make adjustments to the schedule

The next step is to make adjustments to the schedule for the next week if it hasn't worked for you. Address the reasons causing you to struggle with the plan, such as lack of motivation, etc. And afterwards, make specific changes in the timetable to meet your goals.

• Monitor your goals

Keep checking your progress throughout the week after making adjustments. And don’t get discouraged if you find issues sticking to the study schedule. Find out what you need to do. Teachers at the best CBSE schools in Nalagarh can help you identify your weak areas, which will help you develop a study plan that can meet your goals.

6. Use technology

Technology can help you make an effective study schedule with and without money. Many apps can help you create and manage a study plan, such as Google Calendar, Trello, etc. On these applications, you can perform several things, such as making weekly or monthly schedules and setting reminders for essential tasks (Assignments). Students can also consider using flashcard apps to memorise key concepts.  

7. Find a friend or group to study

Learning becomes more enjoyable when you have a friend or a study group. Also, it is easier for everyone to stick to the study plan if two or more people are involved in learning. Learning with a friend or study group will also help you get access to a heap of resources  such as textbooks, notes and website links, which will help you in your study.

The bottom line

At last, when it comes to creating a study schedule, there is no one size fits all approach. Every individual has to assess their situation and abilities to create a study plan that suits them. Although the tips discussed above can be helpful, one can customize their study schedule as per their preferences and needs.