Effective Study Habits: “Gaining Success 4 Students” By: Mrs. Gregory School Guidance Counselor

Learning Styles * Visual * Kinesthetic * Auditory In order for you to study effectively, you must develop an understanding of what your learning style may be. Here are 3 basic styles: * Visual * Kinesthetic * Auditory

Visual Visual Learners learn primarily through seeing. They learn best using visual aids such as illustrations, diagrams, charts, posters, or projectors. They tend to have difficulty listening to a lecture without visual cues. Many visual learners find that taking notes to read through later can help them remember information.

Kinesthetic Kinesthetic learners learn primarily through touching, doing something, and moving around. They learn best by experiencing things; having a hands-on experience is usually desired by these type of learners. They tend to have difficulty staying still for long periods of time. They also use educational tools such as: manipulatives (objects like blocks that a student is instructed to use in a way that teaches or reinforces a lesson), hands-on models, and field trips can greatly benefit this type of learner.

Auditory Auditory learners learn primarily through hearing. They learn best by listening to lectures and openly discussing information. These students have strong language and oral communication skills and they often have innate musical abilities as well. They have difficulty processing written information, but they do benefit from reading information out loud or having information read to them.

Cramming for a test? Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to just simply “think about” studying; you have to actually do it!! Being organized and having a schedule for study time is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute and cram to study for a test. It usually adds anxiety and stress to the situation.

Study Tips: Critically think about how to use your time constructively for studying. Think about where to study and avoid distractions. Think about strategies to use to help you study better (i.e. read aloud, review notes, ask questions, extract important or main ideas, outline in textbooks, or recite material provided. Begin studying immediately when materials for test are provided. Take a certain amount of time each day to work your self up to the test. Don’t study for long periods at a time to avoid brain exhaustion!! Take breaks if needed. Ensure you are focused and have a positive attitude about doing well on the test. Ensure you have received proper sleep and have eaten a balanced or nutritious meal before test time!! The Process of Study: Be Prepared :

Taking Examinations Survey or ask about what types of questions will be on the test. Surveying helps you know what to expect. Always read the directions!! Answering the easy questions first is a good strategy. Go back and answer questions you stumbled across as being difficult. Use the process of elimination if needed. When reading multiple-choice questions, pick the alternative that is more true than others and eliminate the false choices. Always scan the ENTIRE list of alternatives before choosing your answer. If you don’t know the answer, give it your best guess!! When answering essay questions, get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer and search for key words like “list” “describe” “outline” or “compare & contrast.” Answer the essay directly and remember to include important ideas or facts in your responses. Good handwriting is always essential. Most teachers value clear handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling counts also.

Study skills depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you don’t make an effort to try and make sacrifices for your educational needs, then you are heading for failure. You are ultimately responsible for your education and effective study skills can help you only if you apply them.

Good Study skills can lead to academic success. Work Smart, Not Hard!! Good Study skills can lead to academic success.