Making The Most Out Of Study Time

� 2005 By Kevin Ronkko
All Rights Reserved. Printed with Permission

Ever the student, I once again find myself going back to college. I have graduated from two different colleges, but this time it seems very different. Let me explain.

Let�s face it, the times have changed. The world has sped up, probably too much, and a person has got to be quick on their feet just to stay in the game. That is why it is crucial that a person knows how to study efficiently.

This time around, I am an online student, which cuts down on commuting time, but sometimes seems kind of lonely compared to the kind of interaction that I remember having in a real classroom environment. It�s odd sometimes interacting laughs through e-mail, instead of looking over at a classmate and sharing a giggle over the teacher having misplaced a chalkboard eraser. The advantage is that through online communication, a teacher can directly get inside a student's mind, every single class day, through the magic of written communication.

Though I am much busier now as compared to many years ago, and a much more serious student than I used to be, I don�t have as much time to devote to studying. I also don�t have as much time to goof off, which is, in some ways, a good thing.

Here are some tricks that I use in order to save precious studying time:

1. Use the textbook and online lectures as resources when writing.
2. Learn as you go by doing.
3. Speed read the chapters assigned in your textbook the first time.
4. Learn to find nuggets of information to zoom in on.

I used to waste tons of time in reading the textbook from cover to cover in order to prepare for class. This not only stressed me out greatly, but it wasted a lot of time. Now, I have learned to use the text as a resource while doing assignments. It causes me to focus more on what the teacher is hoping I�ll focus on, while getting the work done that is required in order to pass the class.

I am a big fan of vocational learning. Many people can�t learn very well from a book, but they can learn a lot by putting things that are in a book into practice. That�s why I endorse the idea that learning by doing saves a lot of time - because the learning curve can be bypassed quicker.

Another trick that I have been using lately is speed reading. Speed reading quickly gives me the overall concept of a class lecture. I can then go back and pick out the parts that I need to read slower. This trick is essential for people with busy lives to put into practice. It also prevents the individual from feeling as if they are slogging through the reading material. As the learner later flips through the lesson for review, important nuggets of truth should begin to jump out of the page, and the learning begins.

Good luck and happy studying in this ever busier world�

*****

Kevin Ronkko is the author of "The Singing Drummer: Add Vocals to Your Beat," published by Windstorm Creative LTD. He is also a member of the Vic Firth Education Team and has taught many students the art of drumming. His web site is https://www.pumpingbeat.com. Kevin, ever a student, is currently a student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -- Online Division and plans on earning a BS in interactive Media Design.

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