Whether a child or adult, people of all ages are attending or returning to school.

Most people often utilize three main techniques for studying: highlighting, annotating and outlining. These methods can be used for preparation in regards to research, compiling a rough draft form of information, or finalizing documents or educational papers. All three strategies can be used in a comprehensive manner. When combined, all three have proven to be beneficial ways of learning for various age groups and excellent applications which aid in meeting individuals’ study or daily planning goals. 

Highlighting can even be used in the home for marking storage boxes and also freezer food dates. This method allows a person to take note of a specific name, date, time, or occasion.

It provides a way for someone to locate specific material with additional information tagged near given data, and it can be a helpful technique for focusing on important material, rather than a person having to re-read through irrelevant material again and again in an attempt to discover what is relevant.

Outlining enables people to gather their thoughts and record them. It is similar to a road map; like puzzle pieces laid out on a table in a recognizable pattern. This technique allows people to combine and assimilate all the information in segments or together at one time. It helps individuals to evaluate what information is necessary to learn and what is not quite as important.

Grocery lists, research papers, court documents, tax preparations, schedules and events, are just a few of the types of data that may require a form of listing or outline.   

Being overwhelmed with school and work can create stress for anyone. Therefore, it is crucial that people find ways to make studying or work more manageable. The three strategies mentioned can be incorporated into different subjects and can also be utilized within any business or organization.

Many people will find that using these strategies cohesively will allow them to focus more clearly, accomplish set goals more effectively, and also enjoy tackling tasks with much greater ease and in a more positive manner.  

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. 

Her column regularly appears in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.