Study/Review Phase Begin the review process.

Prioritize your resources 1.Ask yourself, “Where is the best place to get info that I will be tested on: lecture notes, textbook or other source?” If all sources have an equal emphasis, then start with the source that makes the most sense to you and use that to help you with the source that makes the least sense to you.

Organize the course information 2. What is the “big picture” or “framework” of what you have learned this semester? Where do the individual topics/lectures fit into this framework? Answering these questions will help you to study more effectively since test questions at the college level often focus on application and integration of information.

Integrate course information 1.Integrate information by topic beginning with the syllabus. Review chapters and any other readings along with the lecture notes on the same topics. 2.If there is a study guide, use it to help you determine what you know and what you do not yet understand. If no study guide is provided, make your own by reviewing lecture notes and/or text book chapters and anticipating what questions may be asked from the material (headings and subheadings can be turned into questions for this purpose).

Integrate course information (cont.) 3. Finish reading any information that you have not yet completed and/or complete your lecture notes with any information that you may have missed if you were absent from class.

1) Rote Memory – repetition of isolated facts (strategy: mnemonic devices) 2) Associative Memory – “associate” / relate two or more items, make connections -more long term and stable than rote memory -associate previous knowledge/experience -review smaller bits of information more frequently to help transfer info to long-term memory (cannot read/review material just once) 3) Strategies: -Put info to be learned into a “story” format -Visual diagramming (webs – Inspiration, charts), pictures to represent definitions, functions, processes, the “story” above, -Orally discussing/reviewing information with others, including examples as well as definitions of concepts/terms and the “story” above. Types of Memory and Memorization Strategies:

Memorization Strategies 1.Mnemonic devices (used primarily for rote memory tasks) – - Use first letter of every word to remember and make it into a word or phrase -Use key words to remember the information -Use flashcards to repeat info and quiz yourself 2.Associative Memory Strategies -Put info to be learned into a “story” format, when possible -Visual diagramming (webs – Inspiration, charts), pictures to represent definitions, functions, processes, the “story” above, -Orally discussing/reviewing information with others, including examples as well as definitions of concepts/terms and the “story” above.

Memorization Strategies (cont.) 3. General Memory Strategies (for rote or associative memory) -Group similar items -Review smaller bits of information more frequently to help transfer info to long-term memory (cannot read/review material just once in college) The KEY for a good associative memory strategy is that it has to be a meaningful association for you.

Final Review Phase

1.Make appointments with the professor and/or TA to address questions/information you do not understand. By starting your studying and reviewing well in advance of exams, you have the opportunity to follow up with your professor and/or TA to ask questions about whatever does not make sense to you while you are studying.

Final Review Phase 2. Focus more now on reviewing information and memorization instead of learning it for the first time. If there is still reading that you have not completed, consider skimming the reading or reviewing lecture notes, if the lecture covers the reading, to save you time.

Final Review Phase Review test preparation and test-taking strategies. GOOD LUCK!!

Resources (incl. DRES and University) DRES Student Services Resources: 1.Case Manager (accommodation changes?) 2.Academic Coaching 3.Personal 4.Learning Strategies University Resources: 1.Professor, TA 2.Counseling Center Workshops 3.Tutoring

Resources for Learning and Study Skills Learning Style: Learning Strategies and Study Skills: Time Management Skills: Test Preparation Strategies: ep.html Test Taking Strategies: king.html

Where do you go from here? Consider employing at least one strategy you have learned in this Powerpoint presentation as you prepare for your next exam. Consider utilizing DRES resources: learning strategies, coaching, counseling; and consulting with your professors from now on through the end of the semester to increase your opportunity for success!