Study Skills Workshop Session 1 – Oct. 9, 2018 Ronald D. Fedele, M.S. Learning Specialist

Use a variety of strategies to best gain and master knowledge! What are Study Skills? Methods and approaches that reinforce knowledge. Utilize the senses. Modified based on the task at hand. Personalized based on individual preferences and aptitudes. Ongoing process. Use a variety of strategies to best gain and master knowledge!

How do you Study? For English / Social studies I…. For Math/Science I…

Combine Learning Strategies to Maximize Performance. Three main categories _____________ Use a combination of strategies that bridge the three categories  impactful!

Visual Learning See/take detailed notes from handouts/whiteboard/smartboard Use diagrams/webs/charts/lists/tables to understand ideas and concepts Organize information with color Visualize information for memory Learn from videos/web pages Enhanced by illustrations and presentations that use color Separate visual stimuli from auditory and kinesthetic distraction Visual chains and mnemonics

Auditory Learning Take detailed notes from a verbal source Enhanced by proximity to source of information Knowledge reinforced with discussion and debate Talk to self to augment reception of information Connect information to rhymes/tunes Acquire information by reading aloud or using lip movements Verbalize lessons to remember “Talk through” maps/charts/diagrams Separate auditory stimuli from visual and kinesthetic distraction Hindered by background noise/distraction

Tactile Learning Participate in learning activities Active while learning and utilize frequent (physical) breaks Solve problems by doing – seek “hands-on” Use hands and gestures to convey ideas “Tinker” to discover Perception enhanced through cooking, construction, engineering and art Field trips/tasks that involve manipulating materials Use real life experiences to explain concepts Associate feeling with learning (manipulatives, flash cards) Repeated motion enhances learning (rewriting)

How Can We Combine Strategies? See / Show Hear / Say Do! Where do you already combine these strategies?

Create a Conducive Study Environment for Effective/Efficient Learning vs

Do… Be “honest” about the process (admit that you can’t REALLY study AND text, listen to music…) Eliminate distractions (music, smartphones, social media, etc.) Listen to quiet obscure classical music Establish a comfortable (but not too comfortable) quiet/organized space with proper lighting and temperature Organize required materials - make sure they are readily available Have a system for filing older classwork/notes/tests (color coded) Goal: set aside the same time each day to do homework/schoolwork

Do… Limit screen time – not all screen time is equal Limit blue light (use night shift) Sleep – recommended 10-11hrs – min. 8hrs Eat well and stay hydrated Reduce stress and anxiety – put everything into perspective Look for assistance when things get “tough”

Growing Up in 2018 Does anyone “multitask?” How adept are you at dividing your time? ______________________________________

Growing Up in 2018 Now… try to “multitask!” How well can you complete two tasks? ______________________________________

Don’t multitask! Your brain is NOT “wired” to do more than one task at a time! Your brain is just “switch-tasking”  this can “re-wire” your brain and lead to many negative effects increases stress hormones “fun stuff” becomes more impacted than important information will actually increase the amount of time required It’s a Challenge – in 2018 more and more “things” compete for your attention!

Time Management / Organization Monthly / Weekly / Daily planners – “active” color code etc. “New school” & “Old school” methods Setting alarms on smart phone Written notes to self (not on body parts!) Work to establish realistic time allotments for assignments Planning ahead allows you to SLOW DOWN which avoids cramming and sloppy rushed work Long term review is more effective and creates more impactful pathways in the brain Break down work into manageable components 20-30 min blocks – separated by “good breaks-” get up and move/stretch, healthy snack (avoid social media/texting) ** Every block of study time should be goal oriented not time oriented