At the University of Guam, students use a variety of study methods, such as flashcards, group study sessions, and really reading the textbook the night before.

However, finding the appropriate approach or simply the time to study can be just as challenging as taking that midterm. We polled three UOG students on their study methods to determine what is effective.

“I like to use the Pomodoro studying technique, which is 25 minutes of studying and then a five-minute break after each. I typically do this for two hours or more depending on the amount of work I need done,” says Alyanna Bantugan, a Communications major at the University.

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, setting a timer for 25 minutes and taking a five-minute break afterward can be an effective studying technique for some students.

This differs from Devin Santos, a Computer Science major at the University who prefers a more direct approach. “At least an hour of study, no interruptions. I perform adequately, usually B’s or low A,” said Santos.

It is a discipline that produces results for Santos, “It ensures I get seven hours of study time if done in a week,” says Santos.

Students frequently struggle with procrastination, which can hinder their progress and result in extremely poor scores.

“I often procrastinate more than I study because of my short attention span. I find it hard to focus on one thing at once,” said Alexandra Lekites, a Public Health major at the University. “There would be times when I can’t strictly focus on just studying, and it leads to me procrastinating.” 

In addition to procrastination, learning to manage time effectively is something else Lekites plans on working on, “I also need to work on time management because I find it difficult to find time in the day, when I’m not tired, to study,” said Lekites.

“It makes me feel like I’ve been set back because of how unproductive I am,” said Bantugan.

“It would also cause me to have a bad grade when I know I could’ve done better than I did.” 

Students have multiple methods and tools that help them attain passing grades in their classes, determining what study method is effective is left for the student to discover themselves.