Bell Ringer Learning Target – I can describe how to effectively prepare for tests. Bell Ringer:

Reading and Studying for Tests Lessons 9 - 10

Two Basic Tools of Test Preparation Reading – used to understand information Studying – used to store information

Goals Good grades Understanding over memorization I Corinthians 10:31 Understanding – can you explain the information to someone else?

Use the study methods that work for you. Know the various methods. Practice the various methods. Determine what works for you. This may change over time.

Six Steps for Reading and Studying for Tests Determine what to study Preview information Scan and Skim Mark the text Construct study notes Review and Recite information

1. Determine What to Study Study information presented in class. Study information in textbooks. Terms, lists, formulas, rules, theories, processes, sequential events and ideas Bold or italic type Repeated information Topic sentences SRQ’s and CRQ’s Study information on the white board or screen. You cannot memorize and remember everything. If the information is not in the textbook, use teacher cues to determine if it will be on test

Determine What to Study Listen for teacher’s cues. Study any handouts. Record teacher-review comments. Star or highlight notes. Record information that is missing from notes. Review old tests and quizzes. Determine unimportant information. Study with a friend. Choose wisely! You and your study buddy should have studied separately before you study together!

2. Preview Information Getting an overall understanding of topic and its presentation. What to preview Major features Headings and subheadings, lists, graphs, pictures, SRQ’s and CRQ’s, summaries Emphasized words When to preview At the beginning of the course, unit, and chapter Major features of the book, chapter, article preview major features of the book at the beginning of the course Previewing should take 5-10 minutes

3. Scan and Skim Reading quickly Not word for word Two to three times your normal rate This takes practice Not word for word

Skimming Reading quickly to gain a general understanding Similar to previewing Watch for cue words. First, second, in conclusion, next, finally, furthermore

Scanning Reading quickly to locate specific information Read phrases or short sentences, not every word of the selection.

Scanning Identify how the information is organized. Prose or poetry Alphabetical, outline, or list Locate the information you need. Focus on key words. Read quickly and accurately. Focus on key words - Identify key words before you begin Avoid irrelevant information Slow down when you find the information you think you want.

4. Mark the Text Underlining or Highlighting Permanently locates important information

Mark the Text Read a section before you mark. Determine the most important information. Select key words and phrases Analyze and evaluate Review Use a writing utensil that stands out when you mark. Too much marking is as ineffective as to little marking. Terms, definitions, sequences, causes, structures and functions ? Indicates disagreement or need for further explanation Important information Personal comment in margin

5. Construct Study Notes Writing the notes in your own words helps you learn and remember the information. Study notes reduce the amount of information you need to learn.

Types of Study Notes Carefully marked class notes Specially created personal notes 3 x 5 cards Easy to carry Easy to organize Convenient for short study periods Allow for easy assessment

Constructing Note Cards Write legibly. Number the cards. Write a question on the blank side. Write the answer or information to be learned on the lined side. The question may be a descriptive heading such as “Types of Mountains”

6. Reviewing and Reciting Review – to reexamine information with the intention of remembering it long term Selective Review

Review Strategies Remember the goal! Keep an organized notebook. Schedule multiple study times. Focus on important information. Determine how the major ideas relate to each other. Review from multiple sources. Focus on your weak areas. Use a variety of methods.

6. Reviewing and Reciting Reciting – repeating information silently or aloud for the purpose of recalling it later.

Improving Your Memory Short-term memory – holds information from a few seconds to about two days Long-term memory – permanently stores information Goals Store information in long-term memory. Be able to retrieve the information whenever you need it. Takes periodic review

Improving Your Memory 1. Pay close attention to what you read and hear. 2. Focus on comprehension. Be able to explain it in your own words. 3. Connect new information to “old” information. Association 4. Regularly review the information until you have instant recall.

Improving Your Memory Recall – the ability to instantly remember information Spelling words, fill-in-the-blank questions, essay questions Recognition – the ability to associate known information to unknown information Multiple choice and matching questions Relearning – information that was forgotten because it wasn’t used or reviewed Books of the Bible

Improving Your Memory: Mnemonic Devices Coincidental Association Acronyms – a word made from the first letters of other words Acrostic – Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge King Phillip Came Over For Good Stuff Mnemonic devices – clues that aid in memory; act like a hook to hang the information on Coincidental Association – see p 25 for ideas

Improving Your Memory: Mnemonic Devices Rhymes Thirty days hath September… Rhythm Mississippi Grouping Phone numbers Visualization