Study Skills Stoneburner, A., et al.

How to manage your time more effectively Take ownership of your time Planning your schedule Know your daily alertness pattern Allow sufficient time for each aspect/subject Long term Intermediate Short term Making your schedule work!

Avoid Distractions/Time Wasters Computer Phone – turn it off Visitors – do not disturb sign Clear work area of clutter Ineffective planning Procrastination!

Procrastination Why do we procrastinate? Perfectionism Fear of failure Fear of success Laziness Rebellion

Motivation Motivation can be improved! Motivation is influenced by both internal and external factors. Motivation is not a stable trait. It is not an innate part of your character. Motivation can be improved! Things both inside you and outside you can affect your motivation level. Outside – peer pressure, parental pressure Inside – Your beliefs about your ability;sick Stable – does not stay the same Innate – not part of who you are at birth You can learn to adjust your motivation levels. “I’m just not motivated!” You are motivated to do something like sit on the couch and watch TV. We are all motivated to eat, sleep.

What is the relationship? Motivation Hard Work There is a fundamental difference in the way students think about academic success. Most would say – Motivation leads to hard work –TRUE BUT, it is also true that Hard Work can lead to motivation! As you begin to taste success, you will want more of it and be MOTIVATED to get more. Discipline – Choosing to do something even though you don’t want to do it/don’t feel like it!

Tips on overcoming procrastination Set personal contract/goals Reminders Routine Do it when you think of it! Remind yourself of the consequences of procrastination Bits and pieces

Start preparing for tests in class Note taking strategies Go to every class Develop good listening habits Outline Abbreviate Identify main points Review notes that day Don’t just listen to facts – you’ll miss the big picture

NEWS FLASH! It is VERY IMPORTANT that you read your textbook Don’t wait until last minute It is best to read text before lecture

When to Review Frequently during the semester Attend study sessions run by the professor Schedule several final review sessions—not one long one The night before– briefly review main points and get some sleep Do not study immediately before test time Review subjects daily and weekly anxiety and memory loss may develop if you study right before

Ways to improve studying Develop a schedule Study one subject for one hour at a time Keep all materials for one class in same notebook Predict possible ?’s Go over previous tests (if available) Make Charts

Ways to improve studying--continued Use visual aids Instead of highlighting, use SQ4R Summarize, Question, Read, Recite, Review, ‘Riting Avoid Cramming Make information personally meaningful Quiz yourself frequently and in the way you will be tested Get help when struggling Get help when struggling Tutors, disability assistance, academic and/or personal counselors

Study Environment Keep regular study hours Be comfortable, but not too comfortable Use a clean, clear work space Assemble all required materials Limit distractions – QUIET! Ask the students – Positive study environment? Study hours – set a weekly schedule (TIME MGMT) Comfortable – Library? Where else? Work space – not cluttered ; Materials: have everything you need so you will not be interrupted. Distractions – What are distractions for you? Computer email, telephone, radio, sleep

Avoiding Cramming I Repetition Aids Retention Review (Reading and Comprehending) Daily Reviews Take 10 minutes after each lecture to review the day’s material. Do this within 24 hours. Use the recall column now. What is cramming? Not an efficient way to study! Reviewing – involves more than rereading notes. Comprehension – memorization – deep thinking Daily – 10 minutes within 24 hours Use recall now for questions, comments, summaries, important points. To add in what you forgot to write. Repetition Aids Retention

Avoiding Cramming II Weekly Reviews Allow one hour per class each week to review all material for the week. Integrate all the information to get the “big picture.” Weekends are a good time. Weekly May need to review more than one weeks material depending on length of time between tests. Keep it current in mind. Very Important – KEY to studying for exams! Most is already done! You should only have to work on difficult concepts the night before a test, maybe memorize a few terms, but not reread the textbook or memorize your notes.

Studying in Groups Keep groups small; 2-5 people Ask each other questions It’s OK to disagree. Take a break when needed, whether it’s to energize or cool off after a disagreement Explaining a concept to another person helps you learn more effectively People are going to have different ideas, especially when drawing conclusions

If you feel bogged down while studying… Get up and move Stretch Drink water Shower Then go back and review notes

Keep yourself in good shape Get plenty of sleep Eat nutritious meals Exercise Take time out for fun Play hard, study hard, and don’t worry about one while doing the other

Test Anxiety Tips to Reduce… Don’t put your whole future on the line with a single test. It’s unlikely that one test will “make or break” you Learn relaxation techniques to control anxiety Deep breathing Muscle relaxation Visualization Positive Self-talk

Test Anxiety What causes it? Pressure Past experiences Fear of failure “I’ve invested all this time and money, I don’t want to waste it or have to re-take a class.” Past experiences “I never do well, no matter how much I study, so why study at all?” Fear of failure If I don’t do well on this test, I won’t graduate or get a job.”

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety--continued Don’t fall into the trap of having low expectations - Studying can bring results! Don’t try to compete with others Improve concentration by using self-discipline learn in the way that’s best for you (use previous skills to avoid distractions)

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety--continued Budget your time during the test If you feel anxious, take a mini-break to get some water or fresh air Don’t change an answer unless you know your second one is correct! Don’t panic when you don’t know an answer Eliminate options that are incorrect and make an educated guess

Where to study Set the right atmosphere To Avoid distractions To Be comfortable (but not too comfortable) To Organize your work area Try to study in the same place every time – this will train your mind for “work mode” Try to study under same conditions as when you will take the exam

Academic success is within your reach!!!! Increase motivation Find a positive study environment Actively listen and take accurate class notes Read text before class Review daily and weekly Overview of study techniques. Beginning of semester – Great time to get a fresh start with your study habits! If time – Questions?