Use the 5 + 5 method

Preview for 5: Use five minutes before class to write down curiosity questions for the upcoming lecture.

Review for 5: Use five minutes after class to write a summary of the class content in your own words. Using the 5 + 5 method gives you an easy 10 minutes of study time.


Sit close to the instructor

Maximize your exposure to class content and minimize chances for distraction by making the instructor and content your main focus.


Be active in class

Simply reading text or hearing a lecture will not create a long lasting capture of material. Class participation can be very helpful. The more you involve different senses, the more connections you build to the information, and the easier it will be to recall when you need it.

The diagram illustrates how being more participatory helps you remember the material.

Graphic remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we hear and see, 70% of what we say and write, 90% of what we demonstrate.