We all study, whether we are students, teachers, or professionals, when we need to learn something, but rarely stop to reflect on the process and how to improve it. My student, Pam Ressler, published a brief guide to studying. I extracted some of Pam’s ideas:
Begin by relaxing (which makes sense no matter how much work you have to do in a short time period).
Notice what you don’t understand.
Then STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) to recall what you have learned in your own words.
Summarize, return to what you didn’t understand, and contact expert sources (e.g., other books or an instructor) if you still cannot understand it.
Expand your knowledge by asking yourself, “If I could speak to the author, what questions would I ask or what criticism would I offer?”
Support and reward yourself and seek out another student who you can support and co-mentor in your studies.