1. Compiled by: Mrs. Sheetz JCHS Reading Specialist Room 2310 Mid-Term Exam Study Strategies 1

2. How Do You Study? Many students think they are studying by simply “reading over their notes.” This is NOT REALLY studying! Brain research shows that: We forget 65-75% of what we learn and experience in 24 hours We need to interact with new material REGULARLY before we actually remember it Most students take notes in class or out of textbooks, which is simply copying material and not really processing it. Try a three step method of note-taking: 1. COPY: Copy notes in class or from the textbook 2. CREATE: Re-copy or cut and paste notes into a new format, such as flashcards, foldables, or graphic organizers 3. INTERACT: Use the new format to actually interact with and study the material! 2

3. Know Your Learning Style What kind of learner are you? Knowing the answer to this question is the difference between the grades you want and the grades you earn! If you have not already done so, complete a learning styles inventory (try this quick one: http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/or see me in Room 2310 for a longer version) http://people.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/ You will be diagnosed as a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic/tactile learner Study to best meet the needs of your dominant learning style Incorporate more than one style if possible Ex: Create flashcards, add pictures to them, and read them aloud to yourself or to another person while visualizing the words and accompanying pictures! SUCCESS 3

4. Visual Learners Sounds obvious, but actually LOOK at all of your study materials! Suggested means of studying include using: Notes Annotate them Highlight them Make separate lists of what you still need to learn as you study Flashcards Try quizlet.com if you prefer using technologyquizlet.com iphones and Androids have various flashcard maker apps Graphic Organizers Charts, maps, and diagrams First letter or sentence mnemonics Ex: ROYGBIV to remember the color spectrum Practice visualizing or picturing words/concepts in your head. Add visuals and color to everything! Can’t draw? Google Images is your new best friend! Google You-Tube videos on the topic you are learning about Ex: Khan Academy for math topics http://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademyhttp://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy 4

5. Auditory Learners Sounds obvious, but actually LISTEN! Read everything out loud to yourself, to someone else, or to a pet while you read and study. Suggested means of studying include: Take notes and read them out loud Create flashcards and read them out loud Try quizlet.com if you prefer using technologyquizlet.com iphones and Androids have various flashcard maker apps Talk to a study partner or classmate about the material and study aloud with each other Teach the material to another person or to a pet Make up a song about the new material or put the new material to the tune of your current favorite song After you have read something, summarize it and recite it aloud Google You-Tube videos on the topic you are learning about Ex: Khan Academy for math topics http://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademyhttp://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy 5

6. Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners Sounds obvious, but MOVE while you study! While you study: Take frequent breaks and walk around Study for 15 minutes/break for 5 minutes Try studying with a tennis ball or another object in your hand Chew gum or snack while you study Suggested means of studying include: Re-copy or re-type notes several times Create your OWN study guides and study sheets Create flashcards Try quizlet.com if you prefer using technologyquizlet.com iphones and Androids have various flashcard maker apps Create foldables Create your own memory and/or matching games with your flashcards and/or foldables Choreograph dances or movements incorporating the material you are studying 6