- Leonardo Da Vinci Which techniques are the most effective for studying science?

Let’s start with the basics…. What is studying? Application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection,” says Webster, Studying is skillful. It “requires training and practice with specific techniques that help a learner acquire, organize, retain, and use information.” - Intentional, purposeful – requires effort of the student. - Personal, individual – done by the individual. - Self-regulation, self-education – “studying is the principal means of self-education throughout life.”

- Lectures, readings, problems, and labs. - Terminology, facts, laws, and theories must be learned precisely because they are built upon other concepts. - There are several interconnected concepts within and between units

 Repetition-based: flashcards, mnemonic devices.  Cognitive-based: studying with a friend, group work.  Procedural: time management, organization, scheduling study routines.  Metacognitive: Taking quizzes to test self- knowledge.

Flashcards:  It’s HOW we use them. The brain needs time to digest the information!!  Attention: most flashcards focus on the definitions and terms, not on examples or connections between material!!  It’s also WHEN we use them.

Mnemonic devices - They are often created while cramming for exams. - If they are not used routinely, we forget them. Reading notes and the book - Not an active means of studying. "Active learning is the essence of effective studying. Good studiers are active learners, not passive recipients of facts and details."

- First and foremost, STAY ORGANIZED!! - Keep notes and handouts in the order that you receive them - Separate HW from CW from labs - Make reviewing notes and highlighting confusing concepts habitual. - ASK QUESTIONS about material you don’t understand

- Study concepts in a variety of ways. - Re-write information to help remember - Create mnemonic devices early in the unit and practice - Review CW or notes on a nightly basis - Draw pictures or diagrams if it helps you remember processes - Create flashcards continually as you work through a chapter - Use graphic organizers and charts to make connections between ideas

 Once you understand the basics, review with a classmate.  Explain the concept to another student as you would on a test using your own words and examples  Have a classmate (or parent) quiz you verbally without using your notes  Quiz yourself using end-of-the chapter reviews and old quizzes or worksheets

 Music + studying = bad. Find a location free of distractions  Try not to study in a room that is usually a place you relax. Don’t mix stress and relaxation!  Studying in different places is a GOOD thing in activating episodic memory- you may remember information based on where you were studying it!