POSITIVE LEARNING HABITS Pep Talk

Learning Habits/Skills Listening Concentration/Memory Note-taking Reading comprehension Writing

Listening Strategies Stop talking. Practice active listening. Focus on the teacher/speaker Repeat messages back to the teacher to determine understanding.

Concentration Strategies Avoid interruptions or distractions Focus on the current task Study in a quiet relaxing environment. Take breaks as needed/avoid over-studying Employ listening and concentration skills. Repeat verbally or in writing. Associate material something familiar (analogies). Employ mnemonic devices. Use the first letters of the material/list to make a silly sentence/story. Create an acronym. Rehearse (repeat over & over)

Reading Comprehension Strategies Scan the chapter Try to visualize what you are reading 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?, Why? Clues: Title, Key words, Headings, Illustrations Handwrite chapter highlights: Definitions, Formulas, and Main Concepts.

Writing Strategies Write legibly. (clearly) Remember the 3 C’s: Clear, Concise, and Convincing. Write in an understandable format. Proofread your work. Proof-Speak.

The 5 Rs of Note-taking strategies Record: during the lecture, write down all meaningful info legibly (repeated phrases, topics of emphasis based on the teacher’s voice tone Reduce: after the lecture, write a summary of the ideas/facts using key words as cues words Recite: recite all info in your own words without looking at your notes or the text Reflect: think about your own opinions/ideas. Organize your notes (outline or diagram). Raise questions & record original ideas Review: before reading new material, take 10 minutes to review your older notes. Skim over the main ideas/details (review notes within 48 hours)

Test Taking Strategies General test preparation strategies. Rest, Sleep, Eat

General Test Preparation Strategies Stay healthy and well-rested. Eat a good breakfast. Avoid over-studying. Develop a plan of action.

Read Examine Label Always X out

More Test Taking Strategies Relax during test administration. Glance over the test; number of questions, format, points per question/section, etc. Read instructions completely, then: Answer the easiest questions first. Eliminate answers. Go with your first guess. Check over your answers before turning the test in.  

Good/Effective Study Skills Keep an organized notebook. Understand the assignment, then read & follow all instructions Keep assignments up to date Schedule a time and place to study DON’T PROCRASTINATE Study in short parts instead of “cramming” Complete hard assignments first Participate in class activities/discussions

Poor Study Habits Studying around loud noises/distractions Studying in a cluttered environment Letting your thoughts wander Studying when tired or hungry Staying up late to study = lack of sleep Playing around and not studying Cramming

Long-term vs. Short-term Memory In the brain - permanent storing, managing, and retrieving information for later use. May be available for a lifetime In the brain - temporary storage, and retrieving of information for current use. Available only a short time