Making a Success Out of Your Class

1. Making a Success Out of Your Class Erika Vazquez Student Support Services Program Coordinator

2. Workshop Overview • Study Skills • Note Taking • Test Taking

3. Your Study Skills and You • The importance of studying • Your attitude and studying • Secrets of studying

4. Importance of Studying • Studying is Programmed learning. • It is required to learn something new or to master a subject. • It is your ticket to the next level.

5. Your Attitude Makes the Difference • Your attitude affects your view of studying. -Think positive -View studying as your duty -Focus on the positive aspects of studying. -Mental growth -Intellectual improvement

6. Secrets of Studying • Study in the perfect setting. -choose the perfect place and atmosphere. • Schedule your study time on a calendar. -Use a calendar and avoid interruptions. • Use available resources. -Library, texts, tutoring, computers, etc. • Maintain physical and mental balance. -Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, exercise, and have fun.

7. Note Taking • Importance of taking notes • Note taking process • Techniques for note taking

8. Why is taking notes important? • The most important information in your course will be discussed by the professor in class. • Class notes keep you on track of what is being taught. • Class notes help you prepare for tests.

9. Note Taking Process • Before Class -Read background material -Have a purpose for listening • During Class -Be an active listener -Be alert, sit where you can see and listen, make eye contact with professor. -Ask questions and react to what is being said -Use abbreviations, write down key points, and leave blanks for missed information. • After Class -Review notes soon after class. -Fill in blanks left in notes. -Organize notes into categories. -Review

10. Techniques For Note Taking • Symbols and abbreviations -U=you, @= at, w/=with, *=important • Underlining • Numbering -(1,2,3) or (a,b,c) or (I,II,III) • Indenting - indent to separate topic from information

11. Always remember • Write your notes clearly- rewrite them if necessary. • Date your notes, identify class, subject, page, book, etc. • Find the appropriate notebook, folder, binder for all your classes. • Use a note taking system that works for you.

12. Test Taking Made Easy • Test Preparation Process • Test styles • Test language

13. Test Taking Process • Taking a test is NOT a single event. Test taking constitutes going through a process in which studying is a big part of. Class material given Review of material- studying Testing for knowledge of material

14. Tips for Test Preparation Survival • Use a system called Spaced Review Review class material for 15 min. each day after you receive it. Review test material for 45 min. the day before the test. Look over class material for 10 min. after class or at the end of the day. Take test

15. Do not cram. Waiting until the day before a test to study for it is useless. • Don’t just memorize the material, Embrace it. • Take breaks • Test yourself before the professor does. • Work with a study buddy or group. • Have someone quiz you on the test material. • Review test material in a creative way.

16. Test Styles • Essay • Multiple Choice

17. Essay • Read the question carefully and know what is asking you to do. • Before starting to write, write down your ideas and write your answer referring to those ideas. • Restate the question within your answer. • Proof read your answer for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. • Give yourself time to answer each question.

18. Compare Contrast Criticize Define Describe List Explain Justify Outline Summarize Trace Present main points of topic without details and illustrations. Prove the grounds for your conclusion by presenting your evidence in a convincing form. Outline the item completely by organizing it, presenting pros and cons, and using illustrative detail. Discuss the “how” and “why.” Name items briefly, one after the other. Express your educated judgment as to the correctness of the matters under discussion. Make a clear statement including all the items within the category. Stress differences. Emphasize similarities. Summarize with headings and subheadings. Describe a development starting with its point of origin including relevant details in sequences. Essay Question Language

19. Multiple Choice • Eliminate obvious answers. • Choices with terms such as always, never, and inevitable are usually incorrect. • Watch for answers that cancel each other or are the same. • Look for answers to questions within other questions. • Make sure the answer you choose answers the question. • If 3 out of 4 answers given are on the same topic, choose one of the 3 on the same topic. • Often, correct answers are the longest. • NEVER change an answer unless you are sure it is wrong.

20. ALWAYS REMEMBER • Have study materials organized and ready. • Have your thoughts in place before the test. • Over prepare • Be clear on what you know and do not know. • Don’t talk to people who are negative about stuff. • NEVER expose yourself to negative self-talk. • Realize this is only one of many tests. • Do exercise and relaxation techniques. • BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

21. Thank You! AWC Student Support Services Spring 2004 Workshop Feedback Form