How to Study!

1. How to Study!

2. Developing a Schedule • Before you even begin to study, you have to have a schedule. • You need to develop a schedule to allocate your time. • A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. • A schedule should account for all of the hours in your day. • Don’t be afraid to revise your schedule.

3. Studying • When is the best time to study? • Only when you’re rested, alert, and have planned for it! • Last minute studying is a waste of time! • Make sure you take notes on what you don’t understand.

4. Studying • TIME is the most valuable resource you have! • It’s also the most wasted of resources. • Choose a good physical environment to study in – be comfortable. • Don’t get distracted.

5. Strategies • Effective thinking skills can not be studied. • Talk to other students who are good thinkers – you might pick up some good tips.

6. Strategies • Practice the SQ3R Method. • Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review.

7. Survey • Get the best overall picture BEFORE you begin! • Like looking at a map before you begin a trip. • If you don’t know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.

8. Question • Ask questions for learning. • The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. • Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help make sense of the material. • Write questions whenever you think of them.

9. Read • Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. • Read actively – read to answer questions you have asked yourself or your teacher has asked you. • When you’re reading, be sure to read tables, graphs, and pictures!

10. Recite • When you recite, stop reading periodically to recall what you’ve read. • Try to recall main ideas and concepts. • Connect what you’ve read -> What you already know.

11. Review • A review is a survey of what you’ve covered. • Re-read with the idea that you are measuring what you’ve gained from the this process. • Go over notes to clarify points. • Don’t wait until just before the test to review. • Review is “fine-tuning,” not “cramming”!

12. Taking Tests • Survey the exam first – what is the format; what is easy for you? • ALWAYS read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. • Make sure your answers are clear. • Determine the scoring rules. How will you be scored?

13. Taking Tests • Answer easy (to you) questions first – don’t waste time on questions you’re not sure of right away. • Pick out key words – objective questions often contain one or more key words. • Multiple choice – basically true/false in groups.

14. Taking Tests • Always scan every answer before you make any decision. • Completion questions – choose your words carefully. Always attempt every question. You may get partial credit!

15. Taking Tests • Essay questions – plan your time well. Make sure you can answer all of the essay questions AND complete the rest of the test. • Pay attention to key words like “list,” “describe,” etc. Answer the question directly – don’t “write around” the question. • Outline your essay question if you have time. • Always make sure your handwriting is clear and easy to read. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling count! Well-written grammatically correct answer almost always receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers – even if the answers are the same.

16. Other Tips • Begin study no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal. • Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep. • Don’t study for more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. • Have a clean, organized study space. • Writing down each word is a waste of time. THINK about what your teacher is telling you and paraphrase their notes. • Remember: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.