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Improving Your Study Techniques

Improve your study skills and get better results by learning to use the 'three-step study model'.

62,317 enrolled on this course

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Improving Your Study Techniques

62,317 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Develop effective study skills for life

Learning is a fundamental part of life; many of us continue studying even when we leave formal education. This means good study skills are vital for all of us. Many, however, lack these skills and struggle to study effectively.

This course aims to change that. Through the course you will learn to become a better student by learning to apply the ‘three-step model’ of studying: previewing, summarising and revising. You will consider your use of time and learn how to make a realistic study plan. You will also learn how to tackle procrastination, deal with stress and keep motivated while studying.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 8 seconds Reading books, making notes, watching videos, going to class– these are all things we associate with studying. But after a day of hard work, you sometimes wonder what you actually learned. I’ve read the same text for the third time. And I’m still not even sure if I know what it says, let alone that I can even remember it for the exam. It can also be that you just do not get around to studying because your schedule is full or you lack the skills to plan ahead. In this free online course Improving Your Study Techniques, you will practise with learning skills you will be able to use for the rest of your life.

Skip to 0 minutes and 49 seconds Regardless, whether you are a full-time student or someone who studies incidentally for professional development, this course will help you find out what works best for you and your brain when it comes to studying effectively. During four weeks, you will be supported by experienced student trainers from the University of Groningen Student Service Centre, who will introduce you to a step-wise approach, including previewing, summarising, revision, and time management but also show you how to deal with stress, the tendency to procrastinate, and how to keep motivated. You will also meet our three students, who will give practical tips and share their experiences, giving you an insight into different approaches to studying. So if you want to improve your study skills, join us.

What topics will you cover?

  • Study preparation
  • The three-step model of studying: previewing, summarising, revision
  • Study planning
  • Attending lectures
  • Exam techniques
  • Procrastination
  • Stress
  • Motivation

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify the most important topics of a text
  • Develop a clear and useful summary of a text
  • Apply effective revision methods
  • Design a study plan that really works for you
  • Reflect on your tendency to procrastinate
  • Explore stress reduction
  • Reflect on your study motivation

Who is the course for?

This course for anyone currently studying including full-time students and people studying for professional or personal development. It might also be useful to anyone involved in the learning process, for example teachers, student advisors and family.

Who will you learn with?

Trainer/psychologist. The main topics in which I train students are study techniques, time-management, bullet journaling, speed reading, academic writing and tackling procrastination.

Trainer/Career counselor of the University of Groningen. The main topics in which I train students are study techniques, time-management, fear of failure, academic writing and study/career choices.

Who developed the course?

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$104/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 25 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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