Improving Student Achievement STUDY SKILLS: Improving Student Achievement

Effective Study Skills Time Management Goal Setting Listening Skills Note taking Skills Using a Textbook Memory Skills When, Where and How to Study Test Taking Skills

Time Management Minimize stress and maximize productivity Increase the amount of “quality time” one spends on himself, with parents and friends End result: Better grades and more enjoyment out of school

Goal Setting Self-assessment is a very integral part of maturity. Each day is a growing experience, providing successes and failures. Reflect upon these and learn.

Listening Skills Sixty to seventy percent of your time in class listening, your success in school and job/vocation is dependent upon how well you have mastered this skill.

Listening Skills Prepare your body to listen. Sit upright and “focus” on the person who is speaking. This is ACTIVE LISTENING. Jot down ideas, but avoid taking “word-for-word” notes. At the end of each class period, reflect upon and write down the important facts. Block out distractions Ask questions when appropriate. Listen carefully to both the questions and answers posed by other class members. Keep in mind, listening takes effort. A, “Here we are now, entertain us.” (Cobain, 1991), attitude will not help you succeed in college.

Note Taking Skills: Preparation Different colored pens, highlighters, underlining, use of upper case and indenting can be used to emphasize important facts. For reflective note-taking, use the Cornell Notes format.

Cornell Note Format

Outline Format for Notes Main Topic Subtopic 1. Main Idea Minor Idea 2nd subtopic 2nd Main Topic Main Topic Subtopic Main Idea Minor Idea 2nd Subtopic 2nd Main Idea Note: bolded, underlined, or words written in different colors should be considered key vocabulary words and very “quiz worthy”. However, you should learn to focus in on what words or concepts I am emphasizing, because everything covered during lectures or reading is fair game.

(Overview: quickly scan) (Establish a purpose) (to answer questions) SQ4R-Reading to Learn (Overview: quickly scan) (Establish a purpose) (to answer questions) (answers to questions with the book closed) (Take notes!) (at short intervals)

Tips on Taking Text Notes Be an Active Reader Think about the reading Consider how the parts relate to the whole; how the text relates to previous ideas Create questions about new words/ terms, why emphasized points are important Examine what you have learned from visuals

Tips on Taking Text Notes Be Aware of Textbook Organization Look for the pattern in elements like chapter /subsection headings, summary points, graphics, bolded words Know where to find the index and glossary

More on Reading Read for comprehension Do all assigned reading Expand your notes from reading Ask questions about reading when you return to class

Tips for Studying with Notes Review Reviewing your notes after/prior to class is an integral part of the learning proces Increases retention Reduce time cramming Recite information from notes Rewrite notes if necessary

When, Where & How to Study WHEN SHOULD YOU STUDY? Study small quantities of information on a daily basis rather than trying to cram large quantities within a short time period. Use down time

When, Where & How to Study WHERE SHOULD YOU not STUDY? Free yourself of distractions

When, Where & How to Study HOW SHOULD YOU STUDY? It is suggested that you spend a minimum of thirty minutes per class each night on studying Try to internalize the information Use of flash cards If you become frustrated understanding a particular concept, set it aside and come back to it later.

Ask questions if you are unclear of the directions. Pace yourself. Preparation for Exams GENERAL EXAM-TAKING PRINCIPLES: Read over the directions. Ask questions if you are unclear of the directions. Pace yourself. Use the process of elimination It is suggested that you go over an exam at least three separate times. The first time, answer questions where there is no doubt. The second time, answer questions that need more thought. Finally, the third time, focus on the ambiguous and unanswered questions.

Preparation for Exams MEMORY SKILLS: Remember a list of words or names in order by turning the first letter of each word into a phrase: E.g., EGBDF- Every Good Boy Does Fine Put list of terms or definitions into rhythmic patterns which you can recall in your mind during the exam Use of index cards Outlining

Test Taking TRUE/FALSE: Begin your exam with the assumption that all the statements are “TRUE.” Only answer “FALSE” if you can find a reason that makes the statement false. Be sure the entire statement is true before marking the exam. A small component of the statement may be false. “Always” and “never” statements are most likely false.

Quickly determine how much time to allow for each question Test Taking ESSAY: Quickly determine how much time to allow for each question Read the question carefully and decide exactly what is being asked Answer concisely

Conclusion The bottom line is: YOU MUST MAKE SCHOOL A PRIORITY IN YOUR LIFE, IF YOU WISH TO ACHIEVE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS. There is no other option.