Brought to you by Counseling Services Study Skills Brought to you by Counseling Services

Introduction Who we are Overview of Counseling Services Today’s presentation will provide tips on time management, test anxiety, and study skills

How to manage your time more effectively Ownership of your time Planning your schedule Know your daily alertness pattern Allow sufficient time for each aspect/subject Long term Intermediate Short term Making your schedule work!

Avoid Distractions/Time Wasters Computer Phone – turn it off Visitors – do not disturb sign Clear work area of clutter Ineffective planning Lack of self-discipline Procrastination!

Procrastination Why do we procrastinate? Perfectionism Fear of failure Fear of success Laziness Rebellion

Tips on overcoming procrastination Set personal contract/goals “Five minute” Plan Reminders Routine Do it when you think of it! Remind yourself of the consequences of procrastination Bits and pieces

Start preparing for tests in class Note taking strategies Go to every class Explore listening habits Outline Abbreviate Identify main points Review notes that day Don’t just listen to facts – you’ll miss the big picture

When to Review Frequently during the semester Attend study sessions run by the professor Schedule several final review sessions—not one long one The night before– briefly review main points and get some sleep Do not study immediately before test time Review subjects daily and weekly anxiety and memory loss may develop if you study right before

Ways to improve studying Develop a schedule Study one subject for one hour at a time Keep all materials for one class in same notebook Have a purpose Predict possible ?’s Go over previous tests (if available) Make Charts

Ways to improve studying--continued Use visual aids Instead of highlighting, use SQ4R Summarize, Question, Read, Recite, Review, ‘Riting Avoid Cramming Make information personally meaningful Method of Loci Quiz yourself frequently and in the way you will be tested Get help when struggling Get help when struggling Tutors, disability assistance, academic and/or personal counselors

Studying in Groups Keep groups small; 2-5 people Ask each other questions It’s OK to disagree. Take a break when needed, whether it’s to energize or cool off after a disagreement Explaining a concept to another person helps you learn more effectively People are going to have different ideas, especially when drawing conclusions

If you feel bogged down while studying Get up and move Stretch Drink water Shower Then go back and review notes

Keep yourself in good shape Get plenty of sleep Eat nutritious meals Exercise Take time out for fun Play hard, study hard, and don’t worry about one while doing the other

Where to study Set the right atmosphere Avoid distractions Be comfortable Organized work area Try to study in the same place every time – this will train your mind for “work mode” Try to study under same conditions as when you will take the exam

Test Anxiety What causes it? Pressure Past experiences Fear of failure “My parents have invested so much in me, I can’t let them down.” Past experiences “I never do well, no matter how much I study, so why study at all?” Fear of failure If I don’t do well on this test, I won’t graduate or get a job.”

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety Don’t put your whole future on the line with a single test. It’s unlikely that one test will “make or break” you Learn relaxation techniques to control anxiety Deep breathing Muscle relaxation Visualization Positive Self-talk

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety--continued Don’t fall into the trap of having low expectations - Studying can bring results! Don’t try to compete with others Improve concentration by using self-discipline learn in the way that’s best for you (use previous skills to avoid distractions)

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety--continued Budget your time during the test If you feel anxious, take a mini-break to get some water or fresh air Don’t change an answer unless you know your second one is correct! Don’t panic when you don’t know an answer Eliminate options that are incorrect and make an educated guess