Video resources

The Study Cycle is a structured approach to learning that includes previewing material, attending class, reviewing notes, studying in short intensive sessions, and regularly self-testing. Following the Study Cycle can help students stay engaged with course material, retain information more effectively, and be better prepared for exams.

Previewing course material before class helps students develop a general understanding of what they will be learning and become familiar with important concepts. Skimming titles, headings, bolded terms, summaries, diagrams, and examples before class can make it easier to follow lectures and connect new information to what students already know.

Attending class and actively taking notes helps students stay engaged with course material. Taking notes by hand can encourage students to paraphrase information rather than simply record it word-for-word, making the learning process more active and meaningful.

Textbooks can provide additional detail, examples, explanations, and context that may not appear in lecture notes. Reviewing the textbook before class, after class, and while preparing for exams can help students fill in missing information and develop a stronger understanding of course material.

Active reading begins before students start reading. Developing questions about the material gives students a purpose for reading, increases curiosity, and encourages them to think more carefully about the information they encounter.

Paraphrasing involves explaining information from a reading in your own words. Pausing after each paragraph or section to restate the main idea can help students develop a deeper and more connected understanding of what they are reading. This strategy can also make reading assignments more efficient.

One of the best ways to determine whether you understand something is to try to teach it to someone else. Explaining a concept in your own words, anticipating questions, and providing examples can reveal gaps in understanding while strengthening comprehension and retention. Students can use this strategy with a friend, classmate, study group, or even by explaining the material aloud to themselves.

Flashcards and concept maps can help students actively work with course material rather than simply rereading it. Flashcards are useful for practicing retrieval and checking whether information can be recalled without looking at notes. Concept maps help students identify important ideas and visualize relationships among concepts. Both strategies can be used before class, after class, and while preparing for exams.

Completing homework problems without immediately using a solution or study guide allows students to test what they actually understand. Working independently first can help identify mistakes, strengthen problem-solving skills, and reveal topics that need additional review. Checking solutions after attempting the problems gives students an opportunity to learn from errors rather than simply copy the correct process.