Study Skills Basics:
- BE AWARE OF THE "INTERFERENCE" PHENOMENON. When memorizing,
also keep in mind that interference can occur. In fact, learning
new material can interfere or cause you to forget old material. Try
to memorize material for each class on a different day. This is also
why it helps to review the night before, or a few hours before, the
test. You have less chance of other information interfering with
the acquisition of the test material.
- GO TO CLASS. Attendance is crucial. Studies have found a positive
correlation between class attendance and grades. In fact the higher
the attendance rate, the higher your grades are likely to be. Most
professors believe that their lecture material is important. If you
miss class you miss what is important to the professor; hence, what
is most likely to end up on the test.
- PARTICIPATE IN CLASS. In order to learn more in class it helps to
become involved by participating in class discussions. Asking questions
for clarification and maintaining eye contact with your professor
can increase your involvement and enhance concentration of the class
discussion. Use active listening skills. This means hearing what
your professor is saying and trying to anticipate what he or she
is going to say next. One other hint: if your course material is
difficult be sure to read the material prior to class. This may help
you understand and follow more closely.
- IF YOU NEED TO MISS A CLASS. If you have to miss class, let your
professor know. It is very helpful to have a reliable classmate from
whom you can get the notes. Exchange phone numbers so that you can
rely on each other for notes in case of an emergency.
- TAKE GOOD NOTES. Proper note taking skills can facilitate understanding
of lecture material. Don't be a human tape recorder! Try not
to write everything down. Be concise and sum up lecture material
in your own
words whenever possible. Write down unfamiliar terms. Review
your notes as soon after class as possible. You can fill in
details that
you missed and review the material while it is still fresh
on your mind.
- USE YOUR TEXTBOOK. Some professors follow the book closely.
In this case it may be helpful to take the book to class and
highlight important
topics or terms and write notes in the margins.
- TALK TO YOUR PROFESSOR. If you are struggling in your class,
talk to your professor. He or she may be able to assist you
or send you
in the right direction to get the resources you need. However,
do not wait until the last minute. Most professors have little
sympathy
for students who become concerned about failing during the
last few weeks of the semester.
- FORM OR JOIN A STUDY GROUP. Get study groups together. Chose
those students who seem interested in the class. Make sure
everyone is
familiar with the material before meeting as you do not want
to spend time re-teaching material to someone who has not learned
the material.
It helps if these study groups serve to review material already
learned or to clarify problem areas. Make sure everyone is
motivated. Beware!
Sometimes groups can become chatting sessions, just make sure
you all remember your purpose: to learn class material. After
the test,
reward yourselves with pizza and conversation.
- START AT THE BEGINNING. Start studying from
the first day. Be ahead in the reading material.
Learning Strategies:
- Click
here to open a site that will allow you to assess
your learning strategies so that you can learn how to maximize
the ways in which you learn.
Assess your Study Environment:
- Click here to open a site that will allow you
to assess your study environment.
- Click here to open a site that will allow you
assess your current study habits.
Useful Sites:
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