LifeHack.org posted a very useful article about study strategies this morning. According to the article, you can cut back on your study time and improve your understanding at the same time. Here's how the author explains it:

"I recently got my marks back from University. My grade point average was a 4.2 out of a possible 4.5, resting between an A and a perfect A+. In itself, this isn't an incredible achievement. But I managed to do this while spending only a fraction of the time studying than many of the people I knew.

Is it just natural talent? Perhaps. I've always had a knack for understanding concepts and learning new ideas. But I also believe the way I learned the information played a role. Instead of cramming last minute or memorizing details, I try to organize information in a way that makes it easier to recall.

This strategy of organization I label holistic learning. Holistic learning is simply the process of organizing information into webs, that interconnect ideas. Instead of forcing ideas into your skull, you focus on the relationships between information. Linking ideas together to see the whole, instead of just the parts."

Learning how to study is a particularly important skill for distance learners who must master material on their own. Among other strategies, this article suggests that learners create a foundation of understanding, teach the material to others, and make up metaphors. To read the study suggestions see: 10 Tips to Study Smart and Save Time.