STUDY METHODS THAT WORK

How Do YOU Study?

Ways You Can Study Acronyms/Acrostics Location Method PRWR Method Verbal Repetition Study Tree/Web Compare/Contrast Grid Flashcards Note Review Homework Review Study Groups Practice Exams Study Guides

Acronyms  An acronym is a word that is formed through a combination of letters.  Example: HOMES – 5 Great Lakes Huron Ontario Michigan Erie Superior

Acrostics  An acrostic is a sentence that has been made-up using a combination of letters.  The 1 st letter of each invented word is a prompt to remember a fact, concept, event, math problem, or even musical lines.  Example: KHDMDCM – Metric System King Henry Died Monday Drinking Chocolate Milk Kilo-, Hecto-, Deka-, Meter, Deci-, Centi-, Milli-

Acrostics

Location Method  This is used to memorize certain items on a list by imagining where each one is located in a specific location.  Example: Your Closet Cupboard Planets Alphabet

PRWR Method  Preview, Read, Write, Recite:  Preview the assignment by skimming through it.  Read the chapter or assignment straight through and re-read it.  Write down important information that can be used as study notes such as title, subheadings, vocabulary words, definitions, facts, dates, etc.  Recite the material/notes to yourself several times.

Verbal Repetition  Repeating things over and over is a highly effective way to commit information to memory.  Read out loud to yourself or in a study group.  Create rhymes, acronyms, or acrostics and practice.

Study Tree/Web  Using a study tree/web that branches out is an excellent way to fill in the gaps for areas that you have not memorized yet.  This is a study method for scientific or technical subjects where you need to know a lot of information for just a few main points.

Compare/Contrast Grids  Compare – shows how two items are alike.  Contrast – shows how two items are different.  Great way to study for tests that require written responses.  The grid helps you to organize information in a different way and think about how it is all connected.

Flashcards  Flashcards are excellent tools for memory recall that can be used in a variety of ways.  Example: Spelling Words Places Facts Languages Multiple-Choice True/False Vocabulary

Note Review  Regularly review your notes in anticipation of exam preparation and classroom discussions.  This will reinforce your memory.  The more you review your notes, the quicker you will be able to recall them.

Homework Review  This is recommended when preparing for exams that involve problem-solving techniques for classes like math, science, physics, etc.  Every day select a couple of challenging problems from your homework.

Study Groups  Great study method for exams, reports, or class discussions.  Can help you understand new ideas and concepts by sharing with one another.  Can offer support and encouragement to peers.

Study Groups  Decide when, where, and how long you are going to meet.  Plan an agenda for the group and set specific goals.  Assign each member specific responsibilities so they will feel part of the group and be more inclined to participate.  Keep focused and stay on task to avoid getting distracted.  Remember this is not a gab session!  Reward yourselves after by doing something fun.

Practice Exams  “Practice makes Perfect”  Recommended when preparing for tests that involve multiple choice or problem-solving techniques for classes like math, science, physics, etc.  Example: PSAT End-of-Chapter Tests

Study Guides  Using study guides are important when you are going over a lot of material that will be covered on an exam.  You can make your own from your notes.  Textbooks often contain study guides at the end of chapters.

Ways You Can Study Acronyms/Acrostics Location Method PRWR Method Verbal Repetition Study Tree/Web Compare/Contrast Grid Flashcards Note Review Homework Review Study Groups Practice Exams Study Guides