The 3-step approach to academic success.

3 min read

I have learned over the years several study methods or techniques at different stages of my education.

When I was much younger, I couldn’t figure out how to study. All I knew was that someone had to guide me to study, if not I’d fail. However, as a teenager in high school, I learned to study on my own by watching how my big sis studied.

She would wake up earlier than she should before going to school, to study. When I woke up I would see her studying attentively which kind of rubbed off on me. In no time I would also wake up with her to study.

I could cram a lot of information and still remembered after exams. As time went by, getting older and going back to school didn’t serve me well.

So I have had to device different ways to study effectively. Some of these techniques have been reading my notes and teacher’s slides to understand and trying to explain in my own words instead of cramming. These have been some of the best ways I study and truly learn.

I call it ROPRA– Read Once, Practice and Read Again.

Read Once

As a peer mentor and tutor, many students I have encountered do the first stage, that is reading once which is a great start. However, they read through whatever notes and slides they have from their lecturer. And that’s it.

In the moment, you might believe you have truly studied the material but becomes difficult to reproduce. It’s called passive learning.

Passive learning is the process of acquiring knowledge by observation. It is at this stage that you familiarise yourself with the information. This could be in many forms such as reading a book, watching a video, listening to a podcast or attending lectures.

It has its place and time but not the best for retention and application. You need to take it a step further by engaging with the learning material in different contexts.

Practice

Most people call this active learning; a form of learning where students actively engage in the learning process. A simple example would be taking notes during a lecture.

Some practical examples include class discussions, group projects, self-directed learning such as research.

There are two things you can do:

Either read once and then practice or inculcate practice into your reading. Personally I prefer to do the former especially if the material is new to get myself acquainted.

Read again

In this final stage, you will go back to the material to reinforce what you have learned and improve on your weak points.

If you learn passively, this stage will reveal to you that you didn’t study much as you may not remember most of the things you learned. If otherwise, it becomes a double win where you reinforce what you have learned. You become unstoppable!

The importance

Now, you may be wondering why this is so important for your academic performance. I would give you several reasons why you need to use this 3-step approach for academic success.

Retention

As already mentioned, by actively learning and practicing what you learn, you reinforce your memory and improve your ability to recall the information later. When you actively engage with the material, you are more likely to remember it.

Application

It is one thing to understand a concept in theory, but another thing entirely to put it into practice. Practicing what you learn helps you develop the skills needed to apply your knowledge effectively.

Mastery

This means you have a deep understanding of a topic or skill and can apply it in various situations. Mastery requires consistency and the more you practice the better you become.

Congratulations for making it this far. You’re one step away from achieving your learning goals. It’s up to you to put this knowledge into practice to make your dreams happen. Remember you are responsible for your own learning and I believe you are a genius and can do this.

Please let me know if you are going to implement this by replying to this.

I am rooting for you and hope you win. All the best!

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