Study Skills and Test Taking Welcome! Study Skills and Test Taking Chynthia Siddons John T. Hoggard High School

Today I will show you several different study skills/habits, not all methods shown today will help everyone. Each student will need to figure out what study methods work best for them. Each student is different with different backgrounds, different previous teachers, classes, etc. Disclaimer! Your job is to try different things until you find out what works for YOU!

If what you’re doing is not working, something has to change. Many students keep studying the same way over and over and do not see any different results. It’s like putting a square peg in a round hole. Will it work? Can you expect different results by doing the same thing over and over?

Our way--- not their way New (to parents) Basics IPod/ MP3 Pen Word processing Pencil Internet Videos Paper Printers Binders Colored highlighters/markers

Skills to learn Study Habits/Skills Organization Study Groups Color coordination Retyping Notes Study Groups Test Yourself Note cards Practice Problems Skills to learn

Practice makes perfect Brain—How does it work? Nerve Cells--- pathway—key build the synaptic paths. Repeating tasks—creates larger pathways… that build your memory Build repetition into your study Using your senses: sight, touch, hearing Different methods for different courses

What do you study? Notes Practice problems/HW sheets Textbook/Lab Manual or sheets Online videos/games Listen to your notes

A. Notes Objectives-North Carolina Essential Standards (Previously SCOS)—Know what you are to learn. Feel free to use multiple resources- not only your class notes, but from a variety of resources. Bullets are better than lengthy paragraphs. Colors engage different areas of the brain. Use color to identify with certain points, or types. Red.. Definition, green… example problems… colors associated with content will help you learn and memorize. Be creative.

Notes - continued Headings are a high effective way to boost memory retentions. (Lists) Are your notes easy to read, can you study them without getting tired? Trying to read messy notes can be exhausting. Must be neat. Rewriting or typing written notes. Be creative. Printing out power points notes prior to lecture and using those slides to take notes. Show how to change and copy PowerPoint into outline format,

Notes - continued Printing double sided pages will help with weight and save space in your notebook. Keeping your notes organized, place them in the same place so that you don’t have to search for them. My webpage

See Examples Handout 1- Typed notes Handout 2- Written notes

B. Textbook Self-Check Exercises Problems at the end of the chapter Look at your textbooks table of contents, and link the essential standards to the chapters in the text. Self-Check Exercises Key Terms at the end of the chapter Problems at the end of the chapter

So you must use your notes and textbook! B. Textbook Books show all things equally- there is no emphasis on certain topics as with lectures So you must use your notes and textbook!

B. Textbook Brown/Tan boxes- Step wise directions for problem solving. Example problems with answers worked out. Tables Appendix

C. Practice problems & HW worksheets Do assignments right away, your brain will remember, if you wait, then you will not retain the information. The homework reinforces what is taught in class. Link new information to old information Easier to walk down paths you have already been before Practice output: write & speak

D. Online videos/games Sometimes, hearing the information once, is just not enough. Seek out help. The following sites are great for chemistry review. Video Links by topic Khan Academy Textbook flashcards Game to learn elements

E. Listen to your notes Most computers/laptops/phones all now have a way to record your voice. Read and record your notes. If you do this, you can listen to them on the go and basically double your study time!

Test Taking Skills Before the test During the test After the test

Before the test Complete all assignments-do it the night it is assigned. Prepare for class by reading the chapter and notes prior to class. (Be Proactive) Take good notes during lectures and lab Read notes each night, reading again what you read the night before. Mark any information that is confusing, write notes in the margins, determine what you need to look up, memorize, and practice You may need to go back and review previous material

Before the test Review chapter and state Objectives Tutoring- Teacher/Group/Classmates Determine your best method of study (Handout 4) Take notes during lab, bell work, & lecture ASK… if you do not understand something, first try to find the answer on your own (you will learn from this), ask a classmate, and if you can not figure it out, then ask me.

Before the test Have confidence in yourself. If you have the attitude that you can’t do it, you will never do it. Change your way of looking at chemistry. IF you are having difficulty with math problems, do more than what is assigned. Eventually, you will understand them. Think up possible test questions and answer them. Use notes and quizzes to make a test for yourself , take it, see how you do.

Before the test Review all previous material, as my tests are cumulative, and usually have about 5-8 questions from previous units on them. Use mnemonics, which are devices to help you memorize large amounts of information. Become Interested in the Subject Look for points of view Question and be skeptical Predict outcomes Look for connections/relationships

Before the test Know how to use your reference tables. Know Yourself Take advantage of your learning style Use your perceived strengths Know your limits Exclude Distractions Know your distractions and intentionally remove them Identify patterns of distraction and break them Know how to use your reference tables. If it’s on there, you need to know how to use it.

Procrastination-Avoid it Students need to study a little every day, not just cram the night before the test. Get a planner-Be aware of deadlines, and work on projects, lab reports, current events, a little at time. Time Management is key to success in this class and future classes

Get plenty of rest the night before the test! Your brain pathways will not function properly if you have not had enough rest. On chemistry tests, you need to think and be able to apply what you have learned to a variety of situations, if you are so tired that you can not think, you will not do well. Cramming does not work! (it is better than nothing, but only puts information into short-term memory)

Test Anxiety Strategies Stop negative thoughts… Think positive Admit anxiety Improve the situation

Use some or all of the following strategies to be proactive. Plan Your Attack You are in control. Use some or all of the following strategies to be proactive. Visualize – See success in your mind Relax – Think about something or someplace you enjoy Focus – Try to remember the helpful tools and study methods you have learned Breathe – Take several controlled, deep breaths Notice – Be aware of how your body reacts to anxiety and make a conscious effort to relax your muscles

During the test Read each question carefully Focus on key words or underline them if allowed to write on tests. Be alert for terms, “NOT”, “EXCEPT” in a question. Read EVERY answer choice. Pace yourself. Know how many questions there are on the test, and how long you have to take it. Check over your work before you hand it in.

After the test Go through your notes and highlight the topics that were covered on the test (remember the tests are cumulative and sometimes the same questions are used) Write down topics that you did not recall for the test.

When you get the test back Evaluate the questions that you missed, take notes on the concepts that you missed. Prepare a personalized Study Guide based on the material that you found difficult during a test. Complete a Root Cause Analysis. (Handout 5) Be sure to evaluate the questions that you may of “guessed” correctly.

Test Prep Chart Evaluate your test prep chart to get new ideas or to mark what worked for you on this test. Don’t get discouraged! Your attitude can have a huge impact on your future success!

Chemistry is Cumulative If your background is weak (as shown by difficulties with concepts or skills in problems from early chapters and you know you can’t do it.) Do extra work early to bring your level up to the expected level of knowledge. Get help when you need it! The more you get behind, the harder it is to catch up.. It may be hard to catch up but with determination you can do it.

Review these handouts 1 & 2- Example notes 3 - Ten Ways to pass your next chemistry exam 4 -Test Prep Chart 5- Chemistry Study & test taking skills 6- Root Cause Analysis Sheet 7- Note taking Skills

Thank you Today you invested time in your child's future, I hope that you can use this information not only for chemistry, but for all classes that you will take in the future.