By:Anthony Johnson Assistant Football Coach

Introduction

How To study Smart.  How do you study?

Learning Styles  Visual Learners- Learn best by seeing the material. Exp-Films, pictures, readings,and demonstrations. Use Flashcards, Charts, and Diagrams.  Auditory Learners-Learn best by hearing the information. Exp-Lectures, discussions, and Listening to tapes. Use Memory Tricks.  Kinesthetic Learners- Learn best by being active in the learning process. Exp-Role playing ideas, concepts, and technology

Organize your study Time.  Before you start make a plan. -Make sure it is realistic.  Do difficult assignments first.  If that subject is overwelming break it down into smaller parts.  Alternate types of assignments.  Make sure you put enough time for the things that are most important.  Always allow more time then needed.  Take Breaks.

How to take a test. Multiple choice-read the question. Try to come up with the answer before you look at the anwsers Read all the questions. Cross out the choices that you know are incorrect. Essay questions Read all the essay questions first. Pick the easiest one first. Brainstorm Begin Writing. Write legibly and use clear, concise, and complete sentences True / False Questions Statements with all, always, never, every, and none in them are usually false. Statements with usually, often, sometimes, most, many are most likely to be true. Open book Test Key point- you most locate information quickly. Put self stick notes or book marks in your textbook. Write down all the information that you will need on one sheet of paper Go through notes and highlight the key points in the book.

Test Preparation  Go to review sessions.  Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test.  Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...  Eat before a test.  Don't try to pull an all nighter.  Make a review sheet.  Try to show up at least 5 minutes before the test will start.  Set your alarm and have a backup alarm set as well.  Go to the bathroom before walking into the exam room.

Test Taking Tips  Bring at least two pens/pencils with good erasers, a calculator with enough batteries and any other resources that your instructor allows you to.  Bring a watch to the test with you so that you can better pace yourself.  When you first receive your test, do a quick survey of the entire test so that you know how to efficiently budget your time.  Do the easiest problems first.  Do the problems that have the greatest point values first.  Ask the instructor for clarification if you don't understand what they are asking for on the test.  If you don't know an answer, skip it.  Don't worry if others finish before you. Focus on the test in front of you.  If you have time left when you are finished, look over your test.  Double check to make sure that you put your first and last name on the test.

Post Test Tips  When you get your test back look it over and make sure that there are no grading mistakes.  Look over the test and make sure that you understand your mistakes.  If the teacher reviews the test in class, be sure to take notes on what the teacher wanted for an answer on the questions/problems that you got wrong.  If you aren't satisfied with your grade, go to your instructor and see if there's a make-up exam or any extra credit you can do.  Save the test as study material for future cumulative tests.

Final Thought  In order to do well on any test or exam, you must study hard and be prepared. Having done that, you can Further improve your test performance by using these test taking tips.  “Students learn 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 50% of what is discussed with others, 80% of what they experience personally, and 95% of what they teach to someone else.” Linda O’Brien.