“I literally do not know how to study.”

Studying is a problem for many students, especially if they’ve always done well enough school simply by doing the readings, the homework, and paying basic attention in class. Different people hit their personal wall at different times. Some people never do because they avoid classes they are not certain of succeeding at, or they lower their expectations rather than raising their efforts. The truth is, all of that is fine. It’s OK to avoid challenges; it’s OK to seek them.

First, choose a workspace and clear it of distractions. Get your reading materials, a blank notebook or paper, and turn off your phone. Set a timer for 30 minutes, you can check your phone and take a 5 to 10 minute break every half hour. Start doing your reading, when you come across something you think is important, read aloud once or twice. If it still seems important, write it by hand into your notebook. This helps because you’ve now read the information, spoken it, and written it; exposing yourself to it in three different ways that will help you remember.

As you read, you will probably want to write down two to six sentences per page. If you read an entire page, and have no notes on it, read the page again and then write one sentence that summarizes the information. When your break time comes, take it, even if you feel like you don’t need it. Refill your water glass, give yourself a 10 minute foot massage, wipe down a counter, or take out the trash, whatever works.

After two, 30-minute work sessions, review your notes for that session. Add in any important bits that you remember, make sure that the notes still make sense, and then move on to next session.