How to Study for Online Classes: 10 Proven Strategies

Why Your Study Space Matters

Research from Princeton University demonstrates that students who maintain organized, clutter-free study spaces process information more effectively and maintain better focus during online learning sessions.

A dedicated study environment helps establish mental boundaries between academic work and personal life, particularly important when learning from home. The physical space you choose sends signals to your brain about the type of activity you’re engaging in.

Key Elements of an Effective Study Space:

Location: Select a desk or table with sufficient room for both your laptop and writing materials. Avoid studying in bed or on the couch, as these places are associated with rest rather than productivity.

Consistency: Use the same space for studying whenever possible. Habitual work in a specific location reinforces the connection between that space and academic excellence in your mind.

Environmental Control: Ensure adequate lighting, comfortable temperature, and minimal background noise. Consider using noise-canceling headphones if your living situation includes unavoidable distractions.

Digital Organization: Beyond physical space, organize your digital environment. Use consistent folder structures in Google Drive or your computer’s file system, and keep your desktop clean and free of distracting icons.

The Science of Academic Time Management

Research published in SAGE Journals found that students who practice effective time management demonstrate significantly higher cumulative grade point averages. The study identified four key time management categories: setting goals and priorities, using time management mechanics, maintaining organizational preferences, and perceiving control over time.

However, the research also revealed that while students are likely to set goals and prefer organization, they are less inclined to use actual time management techniques. This gap between intention and execution is where structured systems make the difference.

The 34% Memory Advantage

Educational research indicates a striking statistic: students have a 34% chance of remembering key information if it’s present in their notes, but only a 5% chance if it’s not. This dramatic difference underscores why developing effective note-taking skills is crucial for online learning success.

Handwriting vs. Typing: What Research Shows

Research from Psychological Science demonstrates that handwriting notes by hand is more effective than typing on a laptop for conceptual learning. When writing by hand, students transcribe less and interpret more, putting concepts into their own words rather than recording verbatim text.

However, typing offers advantages, including speed and storage capacity. Consider your course requirements and personal working memory processes when choosing your method.

The Cornell Note-Taking System

This structured method divides each page into three sections: a narrow left column for keywords or questions, a wider right section for detailed notes, and a summary area at the bottom. During class, capture the main ideas in the notes section. Later, use the left column to quiz yourself and test your understanding.

Best Practices for Online Lecture Notes

For Synchronous Classes: Take notes during pauses in the lecture or discussion to avoid missing the next piece of information. Jot down time markers for sections you want to revisit.

For Asynchronous Classes: Watch recorded lectures at normal speed (research shows 1.5x playback speed can lower retention and result in lower assessment scores). Pause strategically to process information, but avoid stopping so frequently that you lose the arc of the material.

Post-Class Review: Revisit notes within 24 hours while content is fresh. Check for clarity, fill in definitions of key terms, organize information, and identify concepts you missed or don’t fully understand.

Moving Beyond Passive Consumption

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that active learning narrows achievement gaps for underrepresented students in undergraduate STEM courses. Active learning strategies require students to engage in higher-order thinking, leading to knowledge construction and understanding.

Practical Active Learning Techniques

Retrieval Practice (Blank Page Testing): Actively recall information from memory without looking at notes or textbooks. Start with a blank page and write everything you remember about a topic. This struggle to remember and make connections is how learning occurs.

Interleaving: Work on several related skills or concepts together, switching between them rather than focusing on one topic for extended periods. Practice one skill briefly, switch to another, then return to the first.

Spaced Practice: Spread study sessions over multiple days rather than cramming. This spacing leads to better long-term retention than massed practice.

Self-Questioning: During and after study sessions, write questions about the material. Asking questions helps synthesize knowledge and identify areas of confusion.

Why Participation Matters

A comprehensive study in the Electronic Journal of e-Learning found that 100% of online instructors identified student engagement as a significant challenge. However, active participation in discussions and collaborative activities correlates with higher learning outcomes and course satisfaction.

Strategies for Meaningful Participation

Before Discussion: Complete assigned readings and take notes. Prepare at least two thoughtful questions or comments based on the material.

During Discussion: Respond to peers’ ideas with substantive comments that extend the conversation. Avoid simple agreement statements; instead, connect ideas to other course concepts or real-world applications.

Think-Pair-Share Adaptation: When given discussion prompts, take a moment to think individually, organize your thoughts in writing, then contribute your well-formed ideas to the group.

Use Discussion Forums Strategically: Treat discussion board posts as mini-essays rather than casual comments. Edit for clarity and include specific references to course material.

The Peer Learning Advantage
Research consistently shows that undergraduate students rely on peers to learn disciplinary content and develop effective study habits. Virtual study groups can replicate the collaborative learning benefits of in-person education.

The Multitasking Myth

Research shows that only about 2% of the population can multitask effectively. For the remaining 98%, what appears to be multitasking is actually rapid task-switching, which reduces productivity and increases errors. Each time you switch between tasks, your brain must refamiliarize itself with the material, find your place, and remember what comes next. This process extends the time required to complete assignments, increases errors, and reduces long-term memory formation.

Practical Distraction Management

Digital Boundaries: Put your phone on silent and enable “Do Not Disturb” messages on all messaging services before study sessions. Research shows the average person checks their phone 47 times daily, and each interruption requires 25 minutes to recover from.

Browser Management: Close unnecessary tabs and disable notifications. Use website blockers during study sessions to prevent automatic checking of social media.

Physical Boundaries: If living with others, communicate your study schedule to them. Consider posting a “studying” sign on your door to minimize interruptions.

Scheduled Break Times: Rather than giving in to distractions, schedule specific break times. This approach satisfies the urge to check devices while maintaining study momentum.

Understanding Self-Regulated Learning

Research published in PMC during the pandemic transition found that students’ self-efficacy (belief in their ability to succeed) and motivation significantly contribute to the development of self-regulated learning in online environments. Students with high self-efficacy and motivation appropriately control their learning process and utilize effective study strategies.

Building Self-Regulation Skills

Goal Setting: Establish specific, measurable learning objectives for each study session. Research shows that students who set specific and challenging goals are more successful than those who set general or easy goals.

Self-Monitoring: Track your study time, comprehension levels, and assessment scores. Use this data to identify patterns and adjust strategies.

Self-Evaluation: After completing assignments or assessments, reflect on which strategies worked well and which need improvement. This metacognitive process strengthens learning.

Emotional Regulation: Recognize when motivation is low and identify the cause. Research shows online learners often feel isolated from peers and instructors, creating motivational challenges.

Adaptation: When strategies aren’t working, try different approaches. Flexibility in learning methods indicates strong self-regulation.

The Power of Spaced Repetition

Spaced practice—spreading study sessions across multiple days—leads to significantly better learning and retention than cramming. Your brain consolidates information more effectively when given time to process between study sessions.

Research comparing early assignment submission to procrastination found that 76% of students who submitted assignments early earned higher scores, compared to only 60% of students who procrastinated.

Creating an Effective Review System

Daily Review: Spend 10-15 minutes each evening reviewing that day’s lecture notes and readings. This brief review significantly improves retention.

Weekly Summaries: At the end of each week, create summary sheets that condense key concepts from all lectures. These become valuable study guides for exams.

Monthly Deep Dives: Once monthly, revisit material from earlier in the course. This longer-term review strengthens connections between concepts and prepares you for cumulative assessments.

Pre-Exam Preparation: Begin exam preparation at least one week in advance. Use your summary sheets and practice problems to identify weak areas needing additional study.

The Self-Care Foundation

Online students who maintain regular sleep schedules, proper nutrition, physical activity, and stress management demonstrate better academic performance than those who neglect these fundamental needs. Your brain works best when rested, hydrated, and nourished.

Essential Well-Being Practices

Sleep: Maintain consistent sleep and wake times. Research shows sleep improves long-term learning and memory consolidation. Avoid all-night study sessions, which reduce retention and test performance.

Physical Activity: Schedule regular movement breaks during study sessions. Research indicates that physical activity improves cognitive function and reduces stress.

Nutrition: Eat balanced meals and keep healthy snacks and water available during study sessions. Avoid excessive caffeine, which can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns.

Social Connection: Schedule video calls with friends and family. Social interaction reduces stress and provides important emotional support during challenging periods.

Break Structure: Use breaks intentionally. Get up, move around, get a snack, or go outside. These breaks refresh mental energy and improve focus when you return to studying.

Stress Management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or brief walks. Recognize when academic stress becomes overwhelming and seek support from campus counseling services.