Study Skills & Test Preparation Debbie Rowland Academic & Career Counselor

Why Are Study Skills Important? Helps you use your time wisely Helps you understand the subject matter Helps you get better grades Helps you in college, on the job, in life

How To Develop Good Study Skills? Listen carefully (evaluate key words) Take good notes (outline with main points, high-light) Participate in class discussions (ask questions) Time management (calendar, time wisely, notebooks, quiet place) Develop a reading technique (headings, summary, boldfaced words) Review (summarize major ideas) Memorization skills (flashcards, study habits)

Memory Techniques Learn general information first Link ideas and facts to general info Relax Recite, several times Write it down Review Flash Cards

Study Skills Technique (SQ3R) S=Survey –title, intro, headings, visuals, summary Q= Question-who, what, where, why, when, how? R=Read- answers to questions, write it down R=Recite-read/answer ? say aloud, repeat 3 times R=Review –notes, recite steps, 3+ days before test

Useful Questions for Test Preparation Name of course What info do you know about this test? How many questions will it contain? What info will be covered based on lectures or quizzes? How can you prepare for the test? Do you need to modify your study habits for this test? What will you do if you get stuck on a question during the test?

How To Study For Tests! Create a study checklist-notes, text, syllabus, outline Create a detailed summary sheet for each major topic- subtopics, write, summary Use your summary sheets-read aloud Create practice tests- review old test Read the directions carefully-key words Test Anxiety-positive attitude, focused, be prepared, support group, do not panic

How To Review For Tests! Review daily-not cram Review important subject matter, headings-listen to hints, repetition Review by asking questions-predict Review by reorganizing the subject matter Review the questions words-key words Study with someone in class-study buddy Read questions/instructions carefully-reread

What Are Objective Tests? Objective tests Multiple Choice True/False Short Answer

Multiple Choice Questions Choose the best answer available Eliminate incorrect answers Generally go with your first answer or all of the above Minimize the risk of guessing Clues to CORRECT answers: longest answer is often correct, most complete, answer in middle, generally, probably, most, often, some, sometimes, usually Clues to INCORRECT answers: all, always, everyone, everybody, never, no one, nobody, none, only

Objective Test (cont.) Matching Questions- start with easiest Open Book Exams- write formulas, definitions on separate paper, make table of contents, number pages, tab pages Math/Science- compile formulas, show all steps, check steps Essay Exams- answer easiest first, make mini-outline, proof-read work, check spelling, use examples, diagrams, etc.

The Meaning Of Directional Words Compare-similarities between things Contrast-differences between things Criticize-positive/negative points Define-formal meaning of a term Describe-detail about something Diagram-drawing-label it Discuss-details, positive/negative points, evidence Enumerate-list points, 1,2,3

Directional Words (cont.) Evaluate-positive/negative points, why Illustrate-explain-give examples Interpret-explain-meaning of something Justify-reasons for something List-series of points-1,2,3 Outline-main points, secondary points, relationships

Directional Words (cont.) Prove-give facts or reason Relate-show connections among things State-main points Summarize-condensed account of main pts. Trace-describe development or history of a subject

Summary Study skills take time to develop Study skills are the key to success in college Study skills are an investment in your future Study skills teach you to budget your time wisely-use a calendar Study skills teach you to become a better reader and note taker Study skills help you do better on tests Study skills help you learn memorization skills Study skills help you reduce test anxiety stress!

Resources/Questions Becoming a Master Student, Dave Ellis Study is Hard Work, William Armstrong Content Area Reading, R.T. & J.L.Vacca Good Luck!