1. Study Habits and Test Taking Skills These are practices used to prepare for learning and assessment of a subject matter

2. Effective Study Skills & Habits (8)
Keep a course notebook.
Clearly understand the assignment and follow instructions.
Keep assignments up to date.
Schedule a time and place to study.
Don’t procrastinate.
Study in short segments instead of “cramming”.
Complete hard assignments first
Participate in class activities/discussions.

3. Poor Study Skills & Habits (8)
Completing easiest assignments first
Studying around loud noise/ distraction
Studying in a cluttered environment
Letting your thoughts wander
Studying when tired or hungry
Failing to reflect on the meaning of the assignment
Staying up late to study
Cramming

4. Test Taking Strategies (9)
Stay healthy and well-rested
Avoid over-studying
Develop a plan of action
Relax during test administration
Glance over the test; number of questions and format
Read instructions completely
Eliminate answers
Go with your first guess
Check any answers before turning the test in

5. Writing Strategies Write legibly
Remember the 3 C’s: Clear, Concise, and Convincing
Write simply in an understandable format
Proofread your work

6. Reading Comprehension Strategies
Scan the chapter
Use the TEACH format.
Think: What will this chapter be about? What do I need to learn from this chapter?
Explain: Decide what you already know about the chapter.
Ask: Who?, What?, Where?, When?, What?
Clues: Title, Key words, Headings, Illustrations
Handwrite chapter highlights: Definitions, Formulas, Main Concepts

7. Note-taking Strategies
Listen carefully
Write well
Follow the leader
Copy from the board
Record repeated phrases
Record topics of emphasis (teacher’s voice tone, repeating of ideas/phrases, pace)
Organize your notes
Outline
Diagram
Compare notes.
Review notes within 48 hours

8. Memory Strategies Employ listening and concentration skills
Repeat verbally or in writing
Associate material with the familiar (analogies)
Employ mnemonic devices
Use the first letters of the material/list to make a silly sentence/story
Create an acronym

9. Concentration Strategies
Avoid distraction/keep a single focus
Concentrate on the present task
Study in a quiet relaxing environment
Take beaks as needed/avoid over-studying

10. Listening Strategies Stop talking (put your lips together)
Practice active listening
Focus on teacher
Repeat messages back to the teacher to determine understanding

11. Evaluation of Personal Study Habits/Test Taking Strategies
Identification of current practices/habits
Identification of current academic performance level (progress reports, report card, transcript)
Identification of effective/ineffective strategies
Determination of areas for improvement

12. Development of Your Personal Learning Plan
The Components
Location
Time
Goals
Strategies
a. Overall
b. Course specific