Study Skill Strategies

1. Study Skill Strategies With help from Martha Williams, RN, MS

2. Objectives • Determine what type of learner you are by completing learning style inventory • Organize study materials by keeping a health sciences notebook. (handout with rubric) • Develop better listening skills • Write clear, concise lecture notes by learning a variety of methods (Cornell handout) • Utilize reading strategies for improving reading comprehension • Explore varying techniques for improving memory • Implement strategies for taking tests with various types of questions.

3. Introduction • Developing good study skills is vital to your success in this class. • If developed now, they will be invaluable to you as you make the transition from high school into college. • This lesson will assist you in developing the following skills: • Determining what type of learner you are • Organizing your time by preparing a study schedule • Following instructions • Becoming a better listener • Writing more useful lecture notes • Improving your reading skills • Developing strategies for successful test taking

4. Learning Style Inventory • Determine how you learn best through completing learning style inventory (administer inventory of choice-handout and on-line references)

5. Attitude(handout) • This survey on attitude is designed to help you know yourself better • There is no right or wrong answers, but you must be honest with yourself • To learn and apply quality study skills, it is essential to have a positive attitude • Your attitude and motivation will make all the difference

6. Time Control • Do you have a large monthly calendar? • Write all important tests, deadlines, and activities on a large monthly calendar • Place in a conspicuous location • Use color to highlight important dates

7. Time Control • Use daily planning sheet to prioritize time (handout) • Do you have a weekly study plan? (handout) • Use the blank weekly study plan to visualize and organize your time • Lightly pencil in your classes and block out times to eat, sleep, work, or study

8. Time Control • Do you plan for a least one hour of study for each class period? • By keeping a regular schedule, you study time will soon become habit forming • Do you plan for study breaks? • Remember to limit your straight study time to no longer than one hour • Take a 10 minute break between study periods to refresh yourself and rest your mind

9. 30 Minutes a Day • ’30 Minutes a Day Bring Good Grades Your Way • By reducing and reviewing your notes the same day, you keep information in your head • It will only take about 5-10 minutes to go through your notes! • Do this three different times during the day=30 minutes!

10. Apply 30 Minutes • Make and carry flashcards • Study during commercials • Go to Class-your attendance is vital to your success

11. Time Control • Do you preview text assignments? • Do you review class notes from the previous class before your study time?

12. Get Organized • Keep a notebook (handout on requirements) • Use a 1 ½-2 inch binder to keep your notes, handouts, study guides, homework, etc. organized • Date each lecture and number all pages in sequence

13. Listening • Listening means paying attention to and making an effort to hear what the other person is saying. • Good listening skills require constant practice.

14. Listening Techniques • Diversified Health Occupations (6th edition) – page 208 • Show interest and concern for what the speaker is saying • Be alert and maintain eye contact with the speaker • Avoid interrupting the speaker

15. Listening Techniques • Pay attention to what the speaker is saying • Avoid thinking about how your are going to respond • Try to eliminate your own prejudices and see the other person’s point of view • Eliminate distractions by moving to a quiet area • Watch the speaker closely to observe actions that may contradict what the person is saying

16. Listening Techniques • Reflect statements back to the speaker to let them know they are being heard • Ask for clarification if you do not understand part of a message

17. NotetakingFour Systems • Cornell Format – we will look at in detail • Outline Format • Represent key ideas by Roman numerals • Other ideas relating to each key idea by uppercase letters, numbers and lowercase letters • Paragraph Format • Involves writing detailed paragraphs, with each containing a summary of a topic • List Format • Effective when taking notes on terms and definitions, sequences and facts

18. Why should you take notes? To minimize your “rate of forgetting” Dr. Walter Pauk, Cornell University Reading Center Don’t take notes = Forget 60 % in 14 days Take some notes = Remember 60 % Take organized notes and do something with them= Remember 90-100% indefinitely! Cornell Notetaking

19. Cornell Notetaking Labeling • Dr. Pauk created the Cornell Notetaking System, which is used at Stanford, UCLA’s School of Engineering, most Law Schools, and of course, at Cornell University • The Cornell System requires you to review notes and think critically after learning has taken place Questions Notes Reflection

20. First & Last Name Class Title Period Date Topic Questions, Subtitles, Headings, Etc. Class Notes 2 1/2” 3 to 4 sentence summary across the bottom of the last page of the day’s notes

21. Subject: Why take Cornell notes? Date P R O C E S S M a i n I d e a s ( i n p u t ) P R O C E S S M a i n I d e a s ( i n p u t ) ( o u t p u t ) ( o u t p u t ) Can be used to provide an outline of chapter or lecture. Organized by main ideas and details. How can Can be as detailed as necessary. Cornell notes Sequential -- take notes as they are given by instructor or help me text in an orderly fashion. organize my After class, write a summary of what you learned to ideas? clarify and reinforce learning and to assist retention. Can be used as study tool: Which side for 1. Define terms or explain concepts listed on left side. diagrams? 2. Identify the concept or term on the right side. Can be used to provide a "big picture" of the chapter or Why use lecture. concept maps? Organized by main ideas and sub-topics Limited in how much detail you can represent. Simultaneous - you can use this method for instructors who jump around from topic to topic. After class, you can add questions to the left side What are the Can be used as a study tool -- to get a quick overview benefits to me? and to determine whether you need more information or need to concentrate your study on specific topics.

22. Summary is added at the end of ALL note pages on the subject (not page) • Summary added AFTER questions • are finished • Summary should answer the problem stated in the subject.

23. When should you take notes? Notes are a record of your learning, so take them when: You listen to a lecture You read a text You watch a film You work in a group on an activity You need to recall information about what happened to you in a class, meeting, or activity--which means always! Cornell Notetaking

24. What do you notice that is different about Cornell Notes? They are divided into two parts: questions and notes There is a reflection at the end There is room for a topic They are labeled with name, date, class, period or other information Cornell Notetaking

25. What types of questions should I place on the left side? Questions which are answered in the notes on the right Questions you still need the answer to--ask a friend or the teacher after class Questions the teacher might ask on a test Higher level thinking questions Cornell Notetaking

26. What else could I place on the left side? Key terms, vocabulary words, or dates Diagrams or figures Reference pages in a text Steps in a solution process Notes to myself about actions I need to take Cornell Notetaking

27. What are some good tips for taking the notes on the right? Write only what is most important: listen for repetition, change in pace or volume, numbering, explicit clues (“this is important,” or “on the test”); watch for gestures, or clues to organization; look for material being writtendown by instructor or shared in a visual manner Cornell Notetaking

28. What are some good tips for taking the notes on the right? Write in your own words (paraphrase) Write using abbreviations (check a dictionary for these and create your own) Draw a figure or diagram Leave space where you think you might need to “fill in” info later Use bullets, arrows, and indenting to list key ideas Write legibly Cornell Notetaking

29. What are some good tips for taking the notes on the right? Actively listen Use SLANT Maintain eye contact with the speaker, group, or presentation source Nod your head at appropriate times Frown when you do not understand Ask relevant questions Answer questions posed by the instructor Make a written record Cornell Notetaking

30. What are the steps to taking Cornell Notes? Set up your page Draw your margins Label clearly Take notes Use your best strategies Actively listen, analyze, ask questions Review, revise, reflect Look over notes and highlight, edit, or add info Write your questions and reflection Cornell Notetaking

31. Always read your assignment before you come to class Otherwise the lecture may sound as if it is in Greek Be prepared Identify some serious students and get to know them Effective Notetaking • Get phone numbers in case you have questions or need help during the semester • Copy everything the instructor writes on the board • Especially examples, solutions, outlines, & definitions

32. Take Notes on all: • Definitions • Lists • Formulas or solutions • When in doubt, write it down • In discussion in classes, jot notes on important points • Such as conclusions reached during discussion

33. Use symbols, diagrams, or drawings to simplify ideas Listen for signals from your instructor about what is important Voice changes usually indicate important points Repetition is a clue that an important point is being made Gestures may indicate a major point Stay involved with class discussion. Ask questions, especially when things are unclear Notes

34. Make it Easy • Abbreviate, Omit, Invent and Simplify • Distribute handout (abbreviations for notetaking)

35. Improving Reading Skills • Not everyone is blessed with good reading ability • Reading can be developed with practice • We will discuss a five step strategy that will improve your reading skills by becoming a more critical reader • SQ3R

36. S - Survey • Spend no more than 10 minutes to take a “sneak preview” of the reading you have been assigned • Previewing provides an overview of the way the chapter is organized • Smart travelers use a roadmap

37. S - Survey • You should examine the title of each chapter • Note heading and subheading and the relationship between the important headings in each chapter • Glance at diagrams, graphs or visuals • Quickly skim the introductory and concluding sections of each chapter • Notice any study questions at end of chapter

38. Q - Question • Begin with the first section of a chapter • Always read with the intent to answer a question • Use words such as who, what, when and where, or how • Turn each heading into a question

39. Read each section with the question you developed in mind After each section, go back to the beginning and underline, highlight, or mark material Read a paragraph or a section of the text and go back and underline only main points Do not underline the first time you read material R #1- Read and Underline

40. Read and Underline • Vertical lines -- place vertical lines in the margin to emphasize main points of several lines • Asterisks -- use asterisks for main points and for other important points or ideas that may be important • Definitions and examples -- underline all definitions. Write definition in margin. Put ( ) around examples

41. Read and Underline • Don’t highlight everything-just key points • Circle or boxes - some circle or box important concepts, ideas or subheadings

42. Once you have formed questions on your reading and found the answers, now you are ready to recite the answers Recite the answers out loud or to yourself Write brief study notes Write a sentence summary of the main idea in each paragraph if the material is extremely difficult for you R #2-Recite and Write Study Notes

43. R #3-Review the Entire Chapter • Reread each heading • Review the underlined and highlighted material • Answer the questions you formed on each session

44. Memory Training • Human beings are capable of extraordinary feats of memory • You are not born with it but develop it through the use of various techniques, and considerable practice • These memory steps if learned and practiced, can make your studying easier

45. Memory Training - #1 • A. Spread your memory work over several sessions • Shorter periods of memory work, not more than two hours each, are far superior to six hours of frantic cramming

46. Memory Training #2 • Recite material aloud • When you study or memorize, recite the answers to your study questions so you can hear them • Question yourself aloud and answer yourself • Quiz each other

47. Memory Training #3 • Expect to remember • Your attitude is the secret • Believe in yourself and in your ability to learn Elephants never forget

48. Memory Training #4 • Organize the material • People who recall long lists of numbers often can do so because they have found a pattern or relationship

49. Memory Training #5 • Test and retest yourself • Memorize the first item • Go on to the second item and memorize it • Now repeat the first item and the second by memory • When you know those two, go to the third • Memorize the third item and repeat items one, two, and three

50. Memory Training #6 • Overlearn • Review material that you have learned several times • When finals come around your will have mastered material