Study Habits and Test Taking Skills These are practices used to prepare for learning and assessment of a subject matter. 3.0

Effective Study Skills & Habits (8) Keep a course notebook. Clearly understand the assignment and follow instructions. Keep assignments up to date. Schedule a time and place to study. Don’t procrastinate. Study in short segments instead of “cramming”. Complete hard assignments first Participate in class activities/discussions.

Poor Study Skills & Habits (8) Completing easiest assignments first Studying around loud noise/ distraction Studying in a cluttered environment Letting your thoughts wander Studying when tired or hungry Failing to reflect on the meaning of the assignment Staying up late to study Cramming

Test Taking Strategies (9) Stay healthy and well-rested Avoid over-studying Develop a plan of action Relax during test administration Glance over the test; number of questions and format Read instructions completely Eliminate answers Go with your first guess Check any answers before turning the test in

Writing Strategies Write legibly Remember the 3 C’s: Clear, Concise, and Convincing Write simply in an understandable format Proofread your work

Reading Comprehension Strategies Scan the chapter Use the TEACH format. Think: What will this chapter be about? What do I need to learn from this chapter? Explain: Decide what you already know about the chapter. Ask: Who?, What?, Where?, When?, What? Clues: Title, Key words, Headings, Illustrations Handwrite chapter highlights: Definitions, Formulas, Main Concepts

Note-taking Strategies Listen carefully Write well Follow the leader Copy from the board Record repeated phrases Record topics of emphasis (teacher’s voice tone, repeating of ideas/phrases, pace) Organize your notes Outline Diagram Compare notes. Review notes within 48 hours

Memory Strategies Employ listening and concentration skills Repeat verbally or in writing Associate material with the familiar (analogies) Employ mnemonic devices Use the first letters of the material/list to make a silly sentence/story Create an acronym

Concentration Strategies Avoid distraction/keep a single focus Concentrate on the present task Study in a quiet relaxing environment Take beaks as needed/avoid over-studying

Listening Strategies Stop talking (put your lips together) Practice active listening Focus on teacher Repeat messages back to the teacher to determine understanding

Evaluation of Personal Study Habits/Test Taking Strategies Identification of current practices/habits Identification of current academic performance level (progress reports, report card, transcript) Identification of effective/ineffective strategies Determination of areas for improvement

Development of Your Personal Learning Plan The Components Location Time Goals Strategies a. Overall b. Course specific