Study tips for add college students

Strategies/Techniques for ADHD | Disability Resources & Educational Services

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Compiled by Kim Collins, Ph.D.

Study Skills
Organizational Skills
Time Management Skills
Course/Assignment Strategies
Test Preparation Strategies
Structure
Procrastination

Study Skills

Plan for longer study time.
Find a quiet space that is used for studying only.
Develop a regular routine.
Take frequent breaks.
Keep up with work and do not wait until the last minute to study.
Allow extra time for writing assignments to includes editing & rewriting.

Use tutors when necessary.
Highlight or color code important information in text and notes.
Rewrite notes.
Test self on information studied, including making up practice essay questions.
Use active reading techniques—read headings before reading chapter, skim chapter to see what comes next, takes notes while reading, make up questions using chapter headings, practice answering these questions while reading, review major points.
Use a laptop computer to take class notes.
Space studying throughout the day into one hour sessions rather than having to spend 3-4 hours in the evening.
Find your prime study time when you are most attentive and at your best.
Figure at what type of environment is best, white noise versus absolute quiet.
Figure out if you study better alone so you won’t get off track talking to others or if you need others around to make studying more interesting and help you stay on track.
Review notes as soon after class as possible, filling in any gaps, and helping to remember the information, then review notes prior to the next class.
Use the SQ4R method, Survey Question Read, Rite (write) Recite Review-survey sections by looking over the main headings, make up questions, read the entire sections, rite answers to the questions, recite the information out loud if possible, and review your work.
Use movement (reading, underlining, writing in margins, highlighting , stimulation, and conversation(reciting information out loud), to stay alert while studying.

Organizational Skills

Keep desk clear of mess.
Use folders/binders to organize class notes and study notes.
Leave margins when taking notes to add information from the text.
Keep track of books and other supplies.
Get books and articles from library before you sit down to write.
Clear/straighten desk at the end of every day.

Time Management Skills

Start each day with a list of what needs to be done and prioritize your goals, for example buying socks does not have the same importance as completing your assignment that is due in class that day.
Do not procrastinate.
Finish “to do” list each day.
Do not overbook or overschedule.

Allow extra time for assignments, readings, and studying.
Organize time with space for breaks, rest, exercise, social time, and meals.
Use a daily planner to write down all important tasks/activities for the day.
Stick to the plan and avoid temptations of distracting activities.
Be realistic about how long things will take and block off study time, lab work, library research, and writing time in daily planner.
Build in extra room in case things take longer than planned.
Break down large tasks into small components and put these in planner. A large task may feel overwhelming however, when it is broken down into small parts each component is quite manageable.
For paperwork use the O.H.I.O principle - Only Handle It Once. When you receive a document try to respond on the spot, throw it away, or file it permanently.
Do not use a “To Do” box. For people with ADHD, these become Never Done piles.
Use an appointment book with a semester at a glance, month at glance, and week at a glance features.
Get into the habit of carrying a pda (personal data assistant) or daytimes and writing things down frequently. The more you use the reminder, the more you will come to rely on it. Check entries in you reminder each morning before you start your day and throughout the day.

Course/Assignment Strategies

Develop a relationship with each professor and discuss needs.
See professor immediately if anything was missed in class.
Take a break between classes to get a snack, walk around, sit and relax for a moment.
Try to schedule classed carefully to allow enough time to get from one part of the campus to another.
Alternate between harder/easier or challenging/less challenging courses and spread class load over 2-3 days (M, W, F are heavy but T, Thu are light) to allow for study and writing time.
Plan big papers in advance to allow time to meet with professor to discuss topic, do library research, editing, rewriting, and organization, and use of several drafts.

Test Preparation Strategies

Review information frequently—this is the only way information is stored in long-term memory.
Understand information rather than just rote memorization.

Structure

Frequent use of lists and notes to self.
Color code (e.g., files, texts, schedules).
Consistent use of routines and rituals.
Reminders.
Computer software program that assists in managing time.
Use of calendar, computers, phones.

Procrastination

Stick to your daily plan.
Do things that were put off from the day before.
Tackle tough assignments early.
Pick interesting paper assignment to avoid boredom.
Evaluate choice of major and seek help from advisor or career center.
Learn what motivates you.
Work before play.
Use little rewards throughout the day (e.g. , soda break, snacks, telephone calls, visiting a friend).
Time breaks to avoid letting a 10-15 minute break turn into 30-45 minutes.
Avoid the TV when studying; use this as a reward for finishing or plan studying around a tv break.
Give bigger rewards for getting a paper done (e.g., weekend away from campus, game away from home).

How To Study Online With ADHD

ADHD can cause students to wander off task, overlook details, or forget important information. If you have or believe you might have ADHD, then you know what a struggle it can be to study, submit assignments on time, and pay attention to lectures.

ADHD is a cognitive disorder that affects one's ability to focus, listen, or sit still — essentially, it interferes with executive function. This can be especially challenging for students, particularly in an online environment. Fortunately, ADHD students can take steps to help themselves succeed in their studies by accessing school resources and mitigating potential barriers to learning.

Executive Functioning Skills Needed for College

Executive functioning skills are essential to navigating the classroom and the social arena in college. To do well in your courses, you must be able to draw upon functional memory, focus, and observation to process and synthesize information from lectures and readings. To complete assignments and keep on schedule, you need time management, organizational, and goal-defining skills. All of these skills fall under executive function.

Executive functioning carries over into social settings, too. To effectively network and form valuable relationships, you need emotion control, observation skills, and self-awareness.

DISCLAIMER

The following is intended as an information resource only; we are not a medical organization and we cannot give medical advice. If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, seek medical help or dial 911. If you believe you may have ADHD, seek a professional diagnosis, as a diagnosis is often required to access student accommodations on campus.

How Can I Study Online With ADHD?

A study from 2021 suggests that proper accommodations and well-developed study skills helped ADHD students attain higher GPAs in college. With access to the proper support services and careful attention to developing good study habits, students with ADHD can succeed in higher education — including online education.

If you struggle with ADHD, the following tips may be able to help you sharpen your study skills and access the support you need to succeed in college.

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Tips for Better Time Management

One fundamental skill every student needs is time management. Good time management skills will allow you to prepare adequately for tests, turn work in on time, and get a proper night's sleep every day.

Here are some steps you can take to manage your time effectively.

1. Build and Keep a Routine

Lay a foundation for time management skills by building and keeping a routine. Start by setting basic guidelines, such as:

When to wake up on a typical school day
When to exercise on a typical school day

How much work to accomplish before calling it a day
How late to socialize on a school night

However, it's good to be flexible when building routines. Too much rigidness can dissuade you from maintaining your routine or leave you feeling defeated after missing a deadline. The goal is to create a structure that helps you live — not one that runs your life.

2. Sleep and Study on Your Ideal Schedule

Another important aspect of time management is managing your sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation negatively affects concentration, memory, and mood. Common symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

Yawning
Excessive sleepiness
Irritability

If you're showing symptoms of sleep deprivation, you may need to adjust your sleep schedule. You can do this by taking steps like these:

Choose a consistent bedtime
Skip naps
Eat earlier in the day

While you may feel tempted to pull all-nighters, specially when you're on a study deadline, the truth is that getting better sleep on a regular schedule improves your executive function and, in turn, your ability to study effectively.

3. Build in Breaks

People with ADHD often struggle with sustaining mental effort for long periods of time, so you may find it useful to build breaks into your study sessions. There are several popular productivity techniques that incorporate frequent break intervals, including:

Pomodoro Technique
Flowtime
Action Method

The Pomodoro Technique, for example, includes identifying a task, working on it for 25 minutes, and then taking a 5-minute break to recharge before returning to focused work. Every four cycles, you take a longer break — about 15-30 minutes.

Remember that there is no one right way to use breaks when getting work done! So long as the strategy is helping you work effectively, that is enough.

4. Request Extensions for Quizzes, Exams, and Assignments

Problems with executive functioning can make it harder for a student with ADHD to complete assignments within the time allotted. Thus, students with ADHD may need an extra day to complete an open book online quiz, or an extra half hour for that pop quiz.

ADHD is a learning disability, so you have the right to request reasonable extensions for quizzes, exams, and assignments. Most professors will honor your request as long as you explain your needs in advance and be specific. Alert your professor at the start of the semester about any accommodation requests, well before assignments are due.

Being proactive with your requests ensures that you and your professor are on the same page and demonstrates that you take coursework seriously.

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Tips for Reducing Distractions

While you may find wearing earbuds or playing with a fidget spinner helpful while studying or listening to a lecture, you might also benefit by minimizing distractions. The following tips can help you reduce distractions that don't help you focus.

5. Read Tests (and Assignments) Aloud — or Have Them Read to You

Some students benefit from reading course materials aloud. This helps them stay focused on the material and offers practical benefits, including:

Greater comprehension
Improved listening and reading skills
Sharpened focus

For some students, having the content read aloud by someone else is even more helpful. Getting another person involved can motivate you to pay closer attention, making it easier to concentrate and absorb the information. Consider using a machine reader or asking a friend or roommate to read tests or assignments aloud to you. Many textbooks are available as an e-book and have a "read aloud" option or built-in note-taking strategies.

6. Determine if You Learn Best Alone or With Others — And Choose Classes Accordingly

If you are an online student, you can reduce distractions by choosing your classroom format carefully.

Synchronous classes, which require you to sign in at specific times and attend live video lectures, may create a sense of focus for you — or they may offer opportunities for distraction. Figure out whether working with and attending lectures alongside other people distracts you from the content of a lecture or lesson, and choose your class format accordingly.

Students who are easily distracted by others and prefer to work alone should register for classes in an asynchronous format, which allows students to work at their own pace and on their own schedules.

7. Use Closed Captions

Students with ADHD can often benefit from captioning services, whether lectures are online or in person. Closed captions can reduce distractions and make the content of a lecture easier to process: Hearing and reading content simultaneously helps the information sink in better. Captioning resources students can use include:

Zoom closed captions for Zoom rooms in synchronous online classes
Closed captioning services for asynchronous video resources in online classes
Live captioning services for in-person classes

You will likely need to request captioning resources from your school, and they often come through third-party captioning services. In some cases, your professor can simply turn on Zoom captions or closed captions on recorded videos upon request.

8. Find a Quiet Space to Work

Another important step in removing distractions is finding a quiet space to work. A quiet environment allows you to focus on work, without clutter or activities that might cause your mind to wander. For online students, this means taking your laptop to a favored spot where you can expect people to be working, studying, or quietly relaxing. This could include:

Your university's library or a local library
A museum

A quiet coffee shop
A park with quiet areas

For in-person students, this could also include your university's disability services office. If you're studying from home, find a room away from other people, and try to keep the space clean to minimize distractions.

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Tips for Building and Leveraging Your Network to Help You Study

Student success stories are often built on the support networks that surround them. If you want to do well in your classes and beyond, you should take advantage of the resources provided by your school, and you should build and leverage a study network support system.

9. Connect With Disability Services and Communicate Your Needs

Working with ADHD becomes easier when you build a relationship with disability services and your instructors. If you create a transparent relationship with professors, they will want to help you. For instance, telling your professor about your ADHD diagnosis might lead to them integrating a third-party captioning service in their lectures.

Similarly, disability services can help you find quiet spots for studying, access tutors, and attend social events where you can meet new people.

10. Take Advantage of Your School's Resources

Your school likely offers a bevy of resources to help students with ADHD and executive function disorders. These resources can include:

Disability services
Tutoring centers

Writing centers
Counseling centers

Keep in mind that support from your school is not limited to class meetings and exams. For instance, your school's counseling center can help you work through personal issues that are straining your executive function or help you get a referral to medical providers, who can ensure you receive the appropriate attention, treatment, and support.

Most of all, remember that your school administrators and professors are there to help you succeed, but they can only help you if they know what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADHD Considered a Disability for College?

Because it impacts cognitive function, ADHD is considered a learning disability. As a result, you can expect reasonable accommodation for it at colleges and universities.

How Do You Get Through College With ADHD?

College and ADHD can be a challenging mix. However, if you utilize disability services, ask for reasonable accommodations, and build up your study skills, you can thrive.

Is Online School Good for Students With ADHD?

Online school can play to your strengths if you have ADHD. Online courses allow students to re-watch lectures, utilize closed captions, and self-select (or supplement) teaching materials that better serve their learning needs. Moreover, online students can use their preferred methods for note- and test-taking, and the reduced stress of a flexible schedule can help with executive function.

Matthew Sweeney

Matthew Sweeney received his Bachelor of Arts in English with a specialization in English literature from Portland State. His writings on music and culture have appeared in the publications Eleven PDX Magazine and Secret Decoder. In his free time he enjoys reading, cinema, hiking, and cooking.

Reviewed by: Rayelle Davis, M.S Ed., NCC, LCPC

Rayelle Davis is a nationally board certified counselor and a licensed clinical professional counselor. As a nontraditional student, she earned her associate degree in psychology at Allegany College of Maryland. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology online at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Davis earned her master's degree in counseling education with a concentration in marriage, couples, and family therapy from Duquesne University. Davis has taught several undergraduate psychology courses. She is currently a doctoral student and teaching assistant at Duquesne University and practices psychotherapy in Maryland.

Header Image Credit: PeopleImages | Getty Images

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15 effective study tips for students | 2022

In this article, you will find effective study tips for students.

College is an educational institution that prepares students to become leaders, innovators, creators, and thinkers capable of making a positive impact on society and the nation as a whole. The college equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to create something of value.

How then can a student graduate from college without a curriculum? How does the student balance social activities and learning without getting distracted or failing?

Thus, teaching advice is needed for the correct development of the curriculum.

Many students study but still have a hard time passing exams, in this case something is wrong.

This category of students does not understand something or, perhaps, does not do enough to achieve the goal, which is perfection.

Take a look at the content below.

Why go to college?

There are various reasons to go to college, some students just want to be considered graduates, while others really want to build a career.

However, according to the NC Plan for College, there are 8 reasons students go to college;

Earn more money
Tear out your shell
Get new skills
Find your direction
Live a healthier and happy life
Expand the capabilities of your career
See the world
to join

You should definitely check this out. Tips on how to prepare for the final | College & High School

15 Powerful Tips for College Studies

1.

There is a common saying that "if you can't plan, you plan to fail." Thus, make sure you have a college planner.

It can be a creative planner, a regular notepad, a wall calendar or even a small desk calendar that changes every month.

A calendar is best for checking appointments, events, and due dates, while a planner notebook is best for scheduling on the go, wherever you are. This planner will keep you in control when you are in class or in a meeting with your advisor.

However, if a digital device suits you better, set the agenda on your mobile device.

You can set reminders for exam dates, departmental events, study times, and assignment deadlines.

2. Change your environment:

Changing your learning environment can help improve college performance. Imagine moving away from a noisy environment to study in a quiet environment, the best result is not far-fetched. This is because a diligent student tends to concentrate better and absorb information faster in such an environment.

Looking at the walls of your bedroom, you often find yourself in the arms of Netflix or Xbox. Instead, take your laptop or printed notes and find a quiet place to study.

One of the learning skills for college students involves getting out of the house and changing environments.

This is one of the effective teaching tips for students.

3. Group study:

Group study is great advice that works, but studying on your own before joining group study is more effective. This contributes to a better exchange of ideas or knowledge and an easy understanding of complex courses.

Group Learning is a learning tip that outstanding college students find really helpful in taking difficult or challenging courses.

Even if you cannot be with your classmates, you can choose to form an online study group. Find your colleagues online and set a specific time each week to meet online and quiz each other.

Use a free service like Facebook video chat, Zoom or Skype.

Another effective way to study with a friend or group of friends is to become an online tutor for someone who is in the same class.

This will force you to review the work frequently, reflect on the material, and participate in question and answer sessions.

If you want to attend nursing school, you must read this. 15 LEARNING TIPS FOR AN EASY TRANSITION TO NURSING SCHOOL

4. Create space for super learning:

What helps you focus while studying? Is it your favorite music, complete silence or snacks?

Find things to help you focus and create your own super learning space. Think outside the box to create a room that encourages you to learn.

This could mean tea or essential oils such as rosemary or ginseng to help you focus. This may mean bringing your favorite blanket or pillow for comfort.

You might have soothing music playing in the background, or your favorite band on autostart. You can keep a supply of brain food on hand, such as pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, oranges, or almonds, to help you get through this.

5. Study before class:

If you study before class and make it a routine, it will help you remember topics that were previously discussed by your mentor or professor.

This will help you prepare better during your session, but there is another benefit.

Repeated listening to information will also help you remember better. If the lectures are live, record them so you can watch them again at the scheduled time.

Take notes during each lecture, and then spend half an hour afterwards to either retype them in a more coherent way, or write them down on a notepad so they're neater and easier to follow.

This is one of the effective teaching tips for students.

6. Prioritize your work:

Another effective study tip is to prioritize your work from most important to least important.

As a college student, use this to your advantage by devoting most of your class time to the activities that you find most challenging.

However, spend less time studying subjects that are easier.

7. Ask for help:

If you don't understand a concept or find a course difficult, ask for help. Meet outstanding students or the best in class, they can help you get through the tough part of your studies.

You can also visit your professors' office during office hours or send them an email.

Some classes may even have WhatsApp or Telegram groups set up to keep students engaged and asking questions outside of class.

8. Don't cram:

If you make your daily study routine, you won't need to cram before exams.

While it may seem like a good idea to learn the entire semester in one night, this is an inefficient learning habit as it causes a lot of unnecessary stress.

Instead of cramming, study a little bit of information every day for at least 30 minutes.

You are likely to remember more, feel calm and prepared when the exam period approaches.

This is one of the effective teaching tips for students.

9.

Sometimes college professors reveal information on topics that will or won't show up on the exam, take it seriously. They share this information to guide them as they prepare for exams.

With the advice given to you by your lecturer, which serves as an area of concentration during your studies, you can focus on the important points.

10. Take breaks while studying:

Reading for very long hours can be tiring and draining, which slows down the brain. Breaks during study increase productivity, reset and prevent burnout.

In addition, breaks can help you get the most out of your study time with the least amount of stress.

When you study hard, you will get better grades, which will help you work part-time in college. Learn about Part-time college student resume | Samples and writing tips

11. Get enough rest:

According to an article from ST. Augustine for Health Sciences, a recent study found a positive relationship between student grades and how much they sleep.

However, getting enough sleep is essential in preparing for outstanding exam performance. This does not necessarily mean that you need to sleep 8 hours, but a sufficient amount of rest is necessary for good brain function.

In addition, fatigue slows down effective absorption during study, so you need to get enough sleep before starting the main part of the study.

12. Equipping the study area with the necessary materials:

Your work desk should be equipped with all the materials you may need to complete the task, such as office supplies, paper clips, a stapler, a dictionary, snacks, liquid snacks, etc.

For some tasks, you may need a calculator or other supplies. With the materials at hand, you can study without interruption.

If you have an answering machine, have it do its job while you study. You can call back after you finish your training.

Taking snacks and drinks with you to class will save you from endless trips to the kitchen that can break your concentration.

This is one of the effective teaching tips for students.

13. Keep a record of tasks:

Write it down in writing, including details, and save it in your notebook. Knowing what you have to do and when you have to do it is the first giant step to successfully completing important tasks on time.

Also, pay attention to the questions given in the assignments, as this could be an exam question.

14. Learning by heart improves memory:

Psychologists tell us that the secret to learning for future use lies in overlearning. Experts suggest that after you can say, "I know this stuff," you should continue studying that material for another quarter of the original study time.

How did you learn this? Probably through recitation, which is the best way to imprint the material in a memory trace.

To better assimilate the learning material, it is better to manipulate the material in different ways: write, read, touch, hear and speak it.

In a pilot study, students who memorized material in a month memorized four times as much material as students who did not memorize.

For better study, you will take notes in class. Learn How T0 to take study notes for class

15. Examine yourself:

After studying, it is important to examine yourself to determine your level of assimilation. Therefore, after reading, prepare possible test or examination questions, then set a time and test yourself.

This is effective learning advice that will ensure outstanding academic performance. It is not enough just to study, it is also important to test yourself and determine how ready you are for the upcoming exam.

In fact, doing a series of tests builds confidence before an exam.

This is one of the effective teaching tips for students.

Recommendations

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USA.EDU/
CSC.EDU/

Study tips for add college students

Strategies/Techniques for ADHD | Disability Resources & Educational Services

Breadcrumbs

Study Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management Skills

Course/Assignment Strategies

Test Preparation Strategies

Structure

Procrastination

How To Study Online With ADHD

Executive Functioning Skills Needed for College

How Can I Study Online With ADHD?

—

1. Build and Keep a Routine

2. Sleep and Study on Your Ideal Schedule

3. Build in Breaks

4. Request Extensions for Quizzes, Exams, and Assignments

—

5. Read Tests (and Assignments) Aloud — or Have Them Read to You

6. Determine if You Learn Best Alone or With Others — And Choose Classes Accordingly

7. Use Closed Captions

8. Find a Quiet Space to Work

—

9. Connect With Disability Services and Communicate Your Needs

10. Take Advantage of Your School's Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADHD Considered a Disability for College?

How Do You Get Through College With ADHD?

Is Online School Good for Students With ADHD?

Matthew Sweeney

Reviewed by: Rayelle Davis, M.S Ed., NCC, LCPC

Learn more, do more.

More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.

15 effective study tips for students | 2022

Why go to college?

15 Powerful Tips for College Studies

1.

2. Change your environment:

3. Group study:

4. Create space for super learning:

5. Study before class:

6. Prioritize your work:

7. Ask for help:

8. Don't cram:

9.

10. Take breaks while studying:

11. Get enough rest:

12. Equipping the study area with the necessary materials:

13. Keep a record of tasks:

14. Learning by heart improves memory:

15. Examine yourself:

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