Developing Study Skills When you hit the books….. And the books hit BACK!

Finding The Time To Study Develop a Schedule A schedule should take into account all obligations: all classes, labs, work, social events, eating and sleeping. Using your schedule, determine the best times for you to study. Try to study at this same time everyday. Make revisions as necessary Most Importantly: Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Determining Your Ideal Study Time Study when you are well rested and alert, at the time when you feel most productive (Save remedial tasks such as laundry and errands for time when you are tired and less motivated) If possible, try to study at the same time everyday Try to study in short blocks of time taking regular breaks (10 minutes per hour) Study harder subjects first Set boundaries with family & friends

Make Goals For Each Study Session How long am I going to study? What material am I going to study? What do I want to achieve in this study session? Be flexible, but make every effort to achieve all goals before quitting.

Where To Study: Finding Your Ideal Study Environment

Your Ideal Study Environment Find place for studying only Try to find place other than dorm room(many distractions, bed) Try to study in same place every time Location should be free of outside distractions (no phone, , t.v.) Comfortable well-lit area with desk and chair Studying should be the only thing you associate with this location

Use Study Groups When Possible Studying with classmates can increase your motivation and interest in a subject Hearing another person’s perspective and explanation can be helpful Explaining a subject to someone else is a great way to increase your own understanding Keep groups small and limit socializing

Methods of Studying / Learning S.Q.R.R.R. Method Survey – Reviewing titles, headings, subheadings, graphs, etc. to get an understanding of the central ideas of the chapter Question – Turn titles, headings, subheadings, graphs, etc. into questions. Think about what your professor said about this chapter and the questions they may ask

S.Q.R.R.R. Method (Con’t) Read – Find the answer to the questions you formed. Read captions under pictures & graphs. Make note of all words in bold print or italics. Re-read sections you find difficult. Recite – Try to orally recite what you have just read in your own words. Ask yourself oral questions regarding the information you just read. Review – Read over questions and answers you have formed. Go back through chapter to re-acquaint yourself with important points. Transfer most important points to flashcards. Make up tests for yourself.

Methods of Studying / Learning (Con’t) Mnemonics Words, letters or catchy phrases that help you remember information Great Lakes – HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior) Planets – My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies Roy G. Biv – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Indigo & Violet (the colors in the visible spectrum of a rainbow)

Students Learn In Different Ways The next slide will contain two sequences of random letters. You will have ONLY 10 seconds to memorize the list!!! GET READY………

aaysa smjptc

How did you memorize the sequence? Did you memorize the visual pattern made out by the letters? Did anyone make a mnemonic such as “smart mice jump past the cat? Did you make the letters into words and memorize the sounds: AY-SIR or SMIDGE-PIC

Methods of Studying / Learning (Con’t) Using song to remember facts

Avoid Procrastination: Start Studying Early Begin studying well in advance of each test Study some for each class every day, not just before the test. Break studying down into smaller daily tasks. Review notes before and after each class session Studying along the way will make the information less overwhelming and more understandable

Plan Your Studying In Advance Use this tool to determine how much you will need to study per day for each upcoming test. classTest DateDays Until Test Date Estimated Hours of Studying Needed Days You Can Study Hours To Study Per Day MATH 1111March 564 x 2 = 8F,S, M, T2 POLS 1101March 783 x 2 = 6M,T,W,Th1.5

Avoid Last Minute Cramming Avoid all night long study sessions the night before a test. Information is often only remembered for a short time. Instead, begin studying early and get a good night’s rest before the exam Avoid energy drinks, caffeine, and dietary supplements. Lack of sleep leads to poor judgment on test day

Make Studying Your Job Make studying your number one priority Plan to study two hours outside of class for every hour in class Study some for each class everyday Make study goals each day Don’t participate in fun activities until study goals are met

Look For Hidden Study Opportunities Take advantage of wait time – study between classes, while waiting for the bus, etc. Put notes on flashcards and take them everywhere you go Record notes on tape, listen to them while driving

Balance Studying With Other Activities Don’t forget to have fun. Relaxation leads to good physical and mental health Learn to prioritize Don’t try to do everything. Say no when appropriate Sacrifice social opportunities when needed. It will be worth it in the long run

ALL the Different Ways in the World…Determine which works best for you Study Groups Pictures & Diagrams Tape Lectures Highlight your book Talk to yourself Create Models Use rhythm Get a tutor Flash Cards Say notes out loud Listen Rewrite your notes Outline the chapters in your book Use the internet (howtostudy.org) Ask your professor

Reward Yourself For Working Hard Make a goal and stick to it. Once you achieve the goal reward yourself by treating yourself to something nice or doing something you enjoy.

GOOD LUCK Get the Grade you studied for and the grade you deserve!