Importance of Self Study for Students – Explained

As a student, one’s primary duty is the acquisition of knowledge irrespective of the method used to acquire it. From a very young age, we attend schools and colleges with the sole purpose of becoming good learners to mature into knowledgeable individuals. In schools and colleges, our learning is mostly supervised by a teacher or a trainer. But as we grow as a student, we come to realise that self-study is an important aspect of effective learning.

Self-study becomes vital when we start preparing for some important exam in our life like competitive exams. In order to be successful in any prestigious exam, we need to dedicate several hours of self-study because it helps us acquire a practical approach to theoretical information.

We can also say that self-study is an effective way to complement formal learning that brings about a drastic improvement in a student’s grades, understanding, and confidence. In higher education, self-study and self-directed learning develops a certain level of intellectual independence and help students to explore subject matter they personally find interesting.

When we are in a classroom, there are many reasons that restrict the outcome of good learning. In the majority of cases, the teacher is overburdened with the responsibility of completing the syllabus in the restricted time frame that compels him to go at a faster pace. Often a single lecture is stretched for a longer duration which saturates the students. They feel tired and become less receptive as it is not possible to take a break in the middle of the session.

Here self-study outperforms classroom teaching as we play both the roles, of the teacher and the learner. Concepts get cleared as we work it out ourselves. We can take a break as and when required and refresh our minds and body. This helps our brain become more receptive again and get ready to start studying effectively.

In self-study, the number of hours is not the key player. With undivided attention, a 2-hour long self-study session is as effective as 4 hours of class room study. You can study either through books, competitive exam magazines, or watch online tutorials to learn particular topics.

How to create conducive environment for self-study?

• Create a study area – A dedicated study area is crucial for effective self-studying. It can be a simple desk and chair in the corner of your bedroom. No matter where it is, it should be a neat workplace, free of clutter and distractions with good lighting.
• Get a computer – With so many online tutorials and Internet-based study material, it’s imperative to have a computer for studies.
• Note taking tools – Things like notepads, rough notebooks, colored pen, and sticky notes are useful tools for self-study. When studying topics like current affairs, preparing notes while learning will enable you to retain the information longer.

Self-study, when done correctly, is a very effective learning tool, and can be helpful when used to prepare for a test or learn an entirely new subject matter on your own. All you need is, to draft a schedule and start working towards your goal in a systematic method.