M.U.R.D.E.R. Study System

Effective study techniques are one of the most important components of being a successful student. There are a variety of conditions that need to work together to create the optimal study session. One system that outlines these components coming together is a method known as M.U.R.D.E.R. This acronym stands for Mood, Understand, Recall, Digest, Expand, and Review. These ideas and skills, when practiced alone, will not allow the student to achieve his or her full potential; when practiced together, they are an effective means of studying. 

The first component of the system is mood. This refers to the mood of both the student and the environment. A student who is in a positive mood, studying in a quiet, organized environment is much more likely to learn than a student who is upset, sad, angry, etc., and studying in a noisy environment filled with distractions. The mood of the study session sets the tone for what can or cannot be accomplished. 

The second component of the system focuses on understanding the material. Start at the beginning with the directions. Make sure the task or assignment is clear from the beginning to avoid making costly mistakes. When studying, it is helpful to group information into smaller units that are easier to comprehend and understand. Trying to study too much at one time makes it difficult to fully understand the material being presented. Also, make sure to highlight or take notes about anything difficult to understand. Then use these notes to ask questions of the instructor during the next class. 

Recalling information is the next step in the system. Understanding information is not enough; one must also be able to recall that information. Being able to summarize information in one’s own words is an indication that the student truly understands it. Reviewing and summarizing small units is easier and more effective than trying to do so with large units. 

The fourth component, digesting the information, actually asks the student to go back to the information he or she did not understand. Read through it again, relate it to the other facts presented, and use what the student already knows about the topic to try to understand it. At this point it is also helpful to get assistance, either from other text sources, a professor or teacher, or someone in the field being studied. 

Expanding on the information being studied is the fifth component. Asking the right questions will help the student fully understand what he or she is learning. For example, if the student could ask the author of the material any questions, what would they be? Is there any constructive criticism that could be offered? The student should question how he or she can apply the learned material to everyday life situations. Also, questioning how the material can be reinvented so that it is more interesting or more easily understood will help the student internalize the information. 

The sixth and final component to this study system is reviewing the information. The more times material is reviewed, the better the student will learn the material and make it his or her own.