Habits and Strategies for Successful Studying Monarch Park Collegiate November 2017

Organization Test prep begins the first day of class Orderly binders and notes need to be maintained throughout a unit Have a least one reliable contact in each class you can contact when absent Pretend there is a pop quiz at the end of every class

Time Management Ask for help early Create a study schedule Be realistic and stick to it! Begin studying at least three days prior to a unit test Daytime studying is twice as effective as night time

Study space Find a designated space to study Eliminate distractions – turn off your wifi, and lock up your phone if necessary Do not study on your bed

STUDY space 2 A consistent study space will signal to your brain and body that it is time to focus Make sure you have all of your supplies before you begin Snacks can help with energy and motivation

Fighting procrastination Acknowledge when you are procrastinating The “5 more rule” When you want to give up, ask yourself to do five more small things before you take a break Start with the most difficult material first

Test Preparation Strategies Keep old tests Always attend class in the days immediately before the evaluation (particularly moratorium) Simulate a test scenario at home Use time limits and don’t check answers part way through

Variety is the spice of studying Study on your own, with a partner, with an adult Write, type, speak and read the information Choose the thing that causes resistance Build movement opportunities into review

Change the state Transforming the information forces synthesis From paragraph to bullet points From formulas to math problems From facts to essay

Be a systems thinker Colour Coding Mneumonics Key Word Charts Flash Cards Graphic Organizers

More tips Always set aside more time than you think you will need Anticipate questions Start with memorization pieces first Know the bolded and italicized material from the textbook Highlight key terms and content from class notes and handouts

Know the type of test Multiple choice/fill in the blank DETAILS Essays/long answer BIG PICTURE MAIN POINTS KEY FACTs

English tests/exams “You can’t study for English tests.” (this is a lie) Essay Questions Anticipate what the essay question might be Create sample essay outlines Review key themes from class notes Practice selecting evidence Write a response to the themes discussed in class

English test/exams Sight Passages Read an editorial in the newspaper and identify the thesis and supporting points Find an anthology of short stories, select one at random and identify the themes and literary devices

Time management in the test Read over the whole test before beginning Note the value of different sections Set time limits for sections Build in time for final review Bring a watch

Test taking strategies Read over the whole test before beginning (sometimes there are clues in later questions) Check both sides of the paper and the last page Answer the questions you know first

Multiple choice 1 Attempt to answer the question before looking at the possible options If you don’t know the answer immediately, move on and return to this question later Use a process of elimination.

Multiple CHOICE 2 Cross out the incorrect options, so that you can focus on fewer options Check the rest of the test for clues Once you make the decision, do not second guess yourself

Sample essay time schedule 90 minute essay exam where you don’t know question in advance 40 minutes planning and outline 5 minutes intro paragraph 10 minutes body paragraph 5 minutes concluding paragraph 10 minutes review Establish these time limits before arriving at the exam

wellness SLEEP Studies suggest that sleep enhances recall Finish studying, do something to relax and then go to bed EAT Have a good breakfast and a quick snack right before the evaluation

Wellness 2 AVOID Talking to others about the test immediately before SELF TALK Remind yourself of how prepared you are Reinforce messages of confidence and ability

WELLNESS 3 Allow a 10 minute break for every hour studied Build in rewards (going for a walk, hanging out with friends, watching your favourite show) Set Goals: increased motivation helps focus and retention Be kind to yourself – trying your best is the most anyone can ask of you

Good luck with the studying! Thank you! Good luck with the studying!