Study Skills Week #5: September11th & 13th

What are Study Skills? When we hear the words, “study skills,” many think it refers only to the time spent reading and reviewing textbooks and notes and how well the information was learned. However, overall “study skills” consist of a combination of skills that pertain to the student’s personal activities, in-class activities, and out-of-class activities.

Study Skills Include Personal Skills Asking for assistance Setting goals Motivating oneself Finding interest in what you are doing Time-management Stress-management Maintaining a positive attitude Maintaining a healthy lifestyle In-Class Skills Attending class Listening Effective note- taking Taking tests Group work Asking questions Participating in class discussion Out-of-Class Skills Finding resources Organizing material Editing/Reviewing notes Remembering Completing assignments Comprehending material Reading effectively Talking to instructors

Study Skills Include Personal, in-class, and out-of-class skills are all learned skills that students can improve over time. Lets discuss each skill that was listed on the previous slide in groups and learn from each other

Tips Before You Begin Studying Set Priorities in your life: Attending college is a big time and financial commitment; therefore, plan to give yourself the time and resources necessary to be a success!! Develop realistic goals: Don’t expect to do everything at once. Many tasks, including studying, are better done in small chunks over time. In addition, some disciplines, such as math, computer programming, and foreign language MUST be worked on everyday for a student to become proficient in them. Develop self-discipline: Having a good plan of action will not help you succeed unless you follow it. Don’t let yourself get distracted from the studying you need to do.

Tips Before You Begin Studying Manage your time: You must balance their time wisely among classes, study time, family, friends, and possibly employment; therefore, the more efficient you become at time- management, the easier it will be for you to juggle everything you need to do. Assess your motivation: When you are motivated to study, you are more likely to stay focused and absorb the material. Utilize your personal style of studying: Not every technique or method works for everyone so take the time to learn what works best for you. Once you know what techniques work for you, then you can become more efficient at studying.

Tips For Planning Study Time The rule of thumb is that students should plan at least two hours of study time for every one hour in class per week (for instance, 12 credit hours = 24 study hours per week) Study when you are the most attentive Plan to study your most challenging class first because it will take the most amount of time and effort. Schedule study time in blocks with a 5-10 minutes break every hour. Allot time for nutritious eating & good sleeping.

Tips For Using Study Time Effectively Use a regular study area so that studying becomes a habitual task. Try to notice when your concentration is lacking and take a short break or, if possible, switch the subject you are studying to a topic that will hold keep your interest. Discuss your study schedule with roommates and/or family members that live with you so they know when you need quiet, uninterrupted time. Avoid phone calls, text messages, and visitors if they start to disrupt your study time.

Good Study Skills Begin With Active Reading Effective Note Taking Cornell Notes Mind Map (Spidergram, spidergraph, spider diagram) Test Preparation Flashcards Diagrams

Different Methods of Studying Pros and Cons Individual/Solitary Collaborative/Groups More control for you (i.e. time, style, location, etc.) Use your vocabulary Responsibility rests with you (i.e. self- testing, procrastination, distraction) No assistance in filling in knowledge gaps Only your perspective, your style, your consistent mistakes Get a new perspective on material Reduce procrastination Fill in knowledge gaps Cover more material in less time Pre-planning/Coordination required Can have distractions Reduced independence

Individual Studying Tips Where you study matters! When you study matters! Set goals for each study session Balance study time and breaks Physical preparation is as important as mental preparation!

Collaborative Studying Tips Clear communication is vital! Establish collaborative goals to increase focus Also establish individual goals to promote interdependence Actively recruit motivated collaborators Be conscious of collaborator characteristics including size, learning style, and ability

Collaborative Study Methods Jigsaw method Study groups Note sharing Tutoring

Create a Study Zone How should it look? Comfortable No Distractions Well lit Organized Necessary supplies Personalize it You remember more if you do your homework in the same place and same time each night!

Create a Study Zone Study Zone should have… a special place where your child puts parent notices monthly calendar to write down ALL activities and due dates Study times blocked off in advance

Create a Study Zone Turn off TV, radio, or any other distracting devises and remove cell phones etc. Check and retrieve additional supplies if needed Fix a snack - you don’t need an excuse to get up! Set time by estimating how long each assignment will take Number assignments in order from first to last (Most difficult or least favorite assignment first)