How to Improve Study Skills Creating independent learners!

Skills to create independent learners Organization Listening Note taking Studying Test taking

Oraganization Have a consistent work space Clean out your binders Quiet and free from distractions All materials and supplies closely available Lighting, furniture, location Organization tools, files, containers, etc. Clean out your binders Place old papers in home folder Set side time for weekly checks Color code your books to your folders

Make a Weekly Schedule

Study Skills Achievement Chart Study Skills: Accomplishments Name: ____________________ Date Today’s goal What did I accomplish? Calendar Organized Mon. Organize binder Rewrite Eng. notes Finished Tues. Finish and understand pg. 56 of Geometry homework Need to do 2 more problems Wed. Read chapter 4 for Government Answer Q’s pg. 108 Thurs. Rewrite science notes Finish worksheet Fri. Rewrite health notes Almost complete

Homework Chart Homework Chart Name: _____________________________________ Date Homework Assignment Parent’s Comments Parent Initial Mon. Eng: Write essay on interest Math: pg. 45, #1-6 odd History: Ch. 3, Q’s pg. 76 Science: Finish lab worksheet Lupe needs help on her math LM Tues. Math: pg. 56 # 1-17 odd History: Q’s pg. 86 Wed. Eng: Write notes on ch. 2 History: Choose research topic Science: Q’s pg. 65 Please call me re: History class Thurs. Eng: Read ch. 4 Math: Worksheet History: Map worksheet Fri. History: Complete research paper footnotes and outline

Listening Choose a good seat, front of the class if possible Maintain eye contact Focus on content Do not get distracted Listen for clues (signals) What is the big picture?

Note taking Use the method that works best for you Outlining Mapping Cornell Abbreviate and use symbols Use “?” for areas needing clarification Rewrite notes after class Go over notes with a friend

Outlining Method Extrasensory perception __ definition: means of perceiving without use of sense organs. __ three kinds - __ telepathy: sending messages __ clairvoyance: forecasting the future __ psychogenesis: perceiving events external to situation __ current status - __ no current research to support or refute __ few psychologists say impossible __ door open to future

Mapping Method

Charting Method Chart format for History Class

Sentence Method Examples - Example 1: “A revolution is any occurrence that affects other aspects of life, such as economic life, social life, and so forth. Therefore revolutions cause change. (See page 29 to 30 in your text about this.)” Sample Notes: Revolution - occurrence that affects other aspects of life: e.g., econ., socl., etc. C.f. text, pp. 29-30 Example 2: “Melville did not try to represent life as it really was. The language of Ahab, Starbuck, and Ishmael, for instance, was not that of real life.” Mel didn't repr. life as was; e.g., lang. of Ahab, etc. not of real life.

Cornell Method Reduce or Question (After Lecture) write key words, phrases or questions that serve as cues for notes taken in class cue phrases and questions should be in your own words 3. Recite with classroom notes covered, read each key word or question recite the fact or idea brought to mind by key word or question 1). Record (During Lecture) write down facts and ideas in phrases use abbreviations when possible (After Lecture) read through your notes fill in blanks and make scribbles more legible 4 &  5.  Reflect and Review review your notes periodically by reciting think about what you have learned Recapitulation (After Lecture) summarize each main idea use complete sentences    

Studying Study regularly…not JUST the day before the test Make flashcards Create game: Jeopardy Millionaire Smarter than a 10th grader Use notes and highlight Don’t just reread, think of possible test questions Apply concepts, don’t just memorize it

Reading Comprehension and SQ3R Before you read, SURVEY, the chapter, QUESTION while you are surveying 3R: READ RECITE REVIEW

Test taking Be prepared for the test, have needed materials Survey the test content and questions Do the easiest questions first Skip hard ones and go back Ask for clarification if you need it Relax and do not rush Always read the entire question and ALL the possible answers before answering Take your time and look over test when you are done

Essay exams Directions, pay attention to words such: List Describe Compare/contrast Outline If the question asks you to “list” do not write a narrative Good handwriting is important, if your handwriting is illegible, print Grammar, punctuation and spelling also count!

“Memory Dump” Method Write down everything you have memorized Facts Names Dates Ideas Events, so on Then plan and write essay

Reminders Create life long learners Independent Responsible Accountable