When I signed up to go back to college, I knew there would be some hard core studying involved...especially after the first day when the test grade average rule was announced. What I have discovered, however, is that there are several classifications for the time one studies. Allow me to elaborate.
Quality studying
“Quality” studying is defined as: an act of complete concentration when all distractions are turned off, headphones are in, appropriate study music is playing, and notes are being read and/or the study guide is being filled out. In order to pass a test, 2-6 hours of this type of studying must occur. Unless you are feeling lucky—in which case stick with level 2 & 3, and wear your lucky shirt. (Don’t knock it. I have one. It works.)
“I have no motivation, but must start the process” studying
This generally includes turning on a favorite sporting event and/or movie one has seen several hundred times in the background as you begin to fill in your study guide. One typically spends small bursts of time concentrating, just stopping to watch a favorite part or a great play every so often. This studying is rarely effective for passing tests, but as long as it is combined with a couple of hours of quality studying, you will be able to pass the test.
Weak-Sauce studying
Weak-sauce studying is the act of opening your book and/or notes, placing them next to you, and writing a blog post about how much you hate studying. It may also include random internet searching, and the discovery of the top 63 ways to waste time on the internet and/or awesome YouTube clips.
