Effective (and painless!) study skills Jessica Pitts Writing Studio Coordinator

Active studying means... Understanding the material Processing the material

What does active learning look like? Have a framework Think about the purpose of the study task What’s the best strategy to approach the task Reflect and review

Active learning Hands-on learning Work with a study group! We learn best when we teach each other Walk your peers through the concepts and topics assigned

Listen closely! Be alert for hints and clues Instructors want you to succeed! They often tell you what will be on the exam or assignments Ask fellow students Share your readings with each other Preview the material before you read in depth

Notes Your summary notes Review your notes Exams Or Essays Source

Get thinking Ask questions What is the point of view of the author? Evaluate all evidence Form your own opinions

Ask yourself… Who Who does this issue impact? Who benefits? Who suffers?

What What’s at stake? What is the state of the situation? What is being done?

Where Where is this most relevant/predominant? Where is the action? What is the background situation?

When When has this been noted? Has the issue changed over time?

Why Why is this so important? Why is this issue an issue? Why do the people involved do what they do?

How How did this issue come about? How do people react? How do people act towards each other?

FYI: There is a high correlation between attendance and good grades Keep a planner Digital (like Todoist, any.do, or Asana) Paper weekly/daily planner Submit assignments on time Go to office hours! Teachers will happily answer questions and explain concepts Read chapters in advance Use class time to ask questions about the material