1. Improving Student Achievement
STUDY SKILLS:
Improving Student Achievement

2. Effective Study Skills
Time Management
Goal Setting
Listening Skills
Note taking Skills
Using a Textbook
Memory Skills
When, Where and How to Study
Test Taking Skills

3. Time Management
Minimize stress and maximize productivity
Increase the amount of “quality time” one spends on himself, with parents and friends
End result: Better grades and more enjoyment out of school

4. Goal Setting
Self-assessment is a very integral part of maturity. Each day is a growing experience, providing successes and failures. Reflect upon these and learn.

5. Listening Skills
Sixty to seventy percent of your time in class listening, your success in school and job/vocation is dependent upon how well you have mastered this skill.

6. Listening Skills
Prepare your body to listen. Sit upright and “focus” on the person who is speaking. This is ACTIVE LISTENING.
Jot down ideas, but avoid taking “word-for-word” notes.
At the end of each class period, reflect upon and write down the important facts.
Block out distractions
Ask questions when appropriate.
Listen carefully to both the questions and answers posed by other class members.
Keep in mind, listening takes effort. A, “Here we are now, entertain us.” (Cobain, 1991), attitude will not help you succeed in college.

7. Note Taking Skills: Preparation
Different colored pens, highlighters, underlining, use of upper case and indenting can be used to emphasize important facts.
For reflective note-taking, use the Cornell Notes format.

8. Cornell
Note
Format

9. Outline Format for Notes
Main Topic
Subtopic
1. Main Idea
Minor Idea
2nd subtopic
2nd Main Topic
Main Topic
Subtopic
Main Idea
Minor Idea
2nd Subtopic
2nd Main Idea
Note: bolded, underlined, or words written in different colors should be considered key vocabulary words and very “quiz worthy”. However, you should learn to focus in on what words or concepts I am emphasizing, because everything covered during lectures or reading is fair game.

10. (Overview: quickly scan) (Establish a purpose) (to answer questions)
SQ4R-Reading to Learn
(Overview: quickly scan)
(Establish a purpose)
(to answer questions)
(answers to questions with the book closed)
(Take notes!)
(at short intervals)

11. Tips on Taking Text Notes
Be an Active Reader
Think about the reading
Consider how the parts relate to the whole; how the text relates to previous ideas
Create questions about new words/ terms, why emphasized points are important
Examine what you have learned from visuals

12. Tips on Taking Text Notes
Be Aware of Textbook Organization
Look for the pattern in elements like chapter /subsection headings, summary points, graphics, bolded words
Know where to find the index and glossary

13. More on Reading Read for comprehension Do all assigned reading
Expand your notes from reading
Ask questions about reading when you return to class

14. Tips for Studying with Notes
Review
Reviewing your notes after/prior to class is an integral part of the learning proces
Increases retention
Reduce time cramming
Recite information from notes
Rewrite notes if necessary

15. When, Where & How to Study
WHEN SHOULD YOU STUDY?
Study small quantities of information on a daily basis rather than trying to cram large quantities within a short time period.
Use down time

16. When, Where & How to Study
WHERE SHOULD YOU not STUDY?
Free yourself of distractions

17. When, Where & How to Study
HOW SHOULD YOU STUDY?
It is suggested that you spend a minimum of thirty minutes per class each night on studying
Try to internalize the information
Use of flash cards
If you become frustrated understanding a particular concept, set it aside and come back to it later.

18. Ask questions if you are unclear of the directions. Pace yourself.
Preparation for Exams
GENERAL EXAM-TAKING PRINCIPLES:
Read over the directions.
Ask questions if you are unclear of the directions.
Pace yourself.
Use the process of elimination
It is suggested that you go over an exam at least three separate times. The first time, answer questions where there is no doubt. The second time, answer questions that need more thought. Finally, the third time, focus on the ambiguous and unanswered questions.

19. Preparation for Exams MEMORY SKILLS:
Remember a list of words or names in order by turning the first letter of each word into a phrase:
E.g., EGBDF- Every Good Boy Does Fine
Put list of terms or definitions into rhythmic patterns which you can recall in your mind during the exam
Use of index cards
Outlining

20. Test Taking TRUE/FALSE:
Begin your exam with the assumption that all the statements are “TRUE.” Only answer “FALSE” if you can find a reason that makes the statement false. Be sure the entire statement is true before marking the exam. A small component of the statement may be false.
“Always” and “never” statements are most likely false.

21. Quickly determine how much time to allow for each question
Test Taking
ESSAY:
Quickly determine how much time to allow for each question
Read the question carefully and decide exactly what is being asked
Answer concisely

22. Conclusion
The bottom line is: YOU MUST MAKE SCHOOL A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE, IF YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS. There is no other option.