What are some of your studying methods?

2018-03-29T08:00:56-04:00

Hopefully within the next six months I will be going back to school for my Masters what are some of your tips for studying being a full time soldier, parent, spouse and leader?

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 29 at 2018 8:44 AM

2018-03-29T08:44:15-04:00

Most science, technology, engineering, and math texts have some way they highlight a new term introduced for the first time (e.g. "The Krebs Cycle.) Skim the reading assignment. Write down any highlighted new terms. Go to the glossary of the text and write the text definition of the term. Then go to the internet and look up the term in an online dictionary. Compare and contrast the definitions. Once you've done this for every new term, read the questions at the end of the chapter. Write them down. Now read the reading assignment for real. Don't stop to read enclosed panel. As you come to the part that covers a question. Write the Answer down behind the question. Once you've done that go back and read the enclosed panels.

_Hand writing new terms and their definition helps commit them to memory.
_Reading more than one definition and comparing and contrasting definition helps to understand nuances
_Pre-Reading the chapter questions keys into your mind what is important to remember as you are reading.
_Handwriting the answers to chapter questions once again helps commit the material to memory, plus most college professors are lazy. Quizzes and exam questions usually come right out of the book.
_Breaking the reading material to read enclosed panel disrupts the information process and disrupts the part of the brain trying to commit material to memory.

Finally, If you are dozing off reading the assignment take a 40 minute nap. A tired mind does not absorb material well.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Mar 29 at 2018 8:52 AM

2018-03-29T08:52:10-04:00

Some things are obvious, like staying proactive with the material, dedicating time for classes and studying, having spousal support, managing your time well, being willing to seek help when needed, etc. What will you be studying? Will you be taking classes in a face-to-face, online or a hybrid (i.e. mix of the two) format? The answers can lead to subtle differences in how prepare.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-03-29T08:57:36-04:00

Congratulations on your pursuit of a Masters Degree. I recently completed my Masters Degree program as a full time Soldier with my family in Korea. While this may seem obvious, the best advice I can give you is that time management is key, alongside the support of your family and unit. In my case, I had to realign my priorities, earlier morning, later nights, and far less gym sessions. My weekly routine normally consisted of studying for one hour every day before PRT, and reading for one hour a night before bed. Personally, I wrote all of my papers on the weekend because my wife a enables me a four hour block of studying every Saturday and Sunday from about 0600 - 1000. Hope this helps, and congratulations again and enjoy the educational journey.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 29 at 2018 9:14 AM

2018-03-29T09:14:00-04:00

Read, read, read it over and over and over. I also talk to knowledgeable and skillful people. In the case of military leadership I also observe others and apply what I’ve read and what I observe.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Mar 30 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-03-30T10:00:51-04:00

SGT Walsingham,
Wow! You have a full plate in front of you. On a serious note, you have to keep in mind good time management, organization, and a solid spouse support system which I think is the most important thing. Find out what works for you because you know more about your own situation. If you are doing this online, it takes a lot of discipline, a lot! People think that attending school is easier, well, I found that it is really not because you won't have that immediate teacher/instructor access if you have questions. Anyways, as I mentioned above, time management, organization, and a solid spouse support system...you will just fine. Good luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-03-31T13:10:00-04:00

I find that through teaching comes learning. If you tutor others on what you learn, it makes it a whole lot easier to remember and increases your confidence in your knowledge!