1. Habits and Strategies for Successful Studying
Monarch Park Collegiate
November 2017

2. Organization Test prep begins the first day of class
Orderly binders and notes need to be maintained throughout a unit
Have a least one reliable contact in each class you can contact when absent
Pretend there is a pop quiz at the end of every class

3. Time Management Ask for help early Create a study schedule
Be realistic and stick to it!
Begin studying at least three days prior to a unit test
Daytime studying is twice as effective as night time

4. Study space Find a designated space to study
Eliminate distractions – turn off your wifi, and lock up your phone if necessary
Do not study on your bed

5. STUDY space 2
A consistent study space will signal to your brain and body that it is time to focus
Make sure you have all of your supplies before you begin
Snacks can help with energy and motivation

6. Fighting procrastination
Acknowledge when you are procrastinating
The “5 more rule”
When you want to give up, ask yourself to do five more small things before you take a break
Start with the most difficult material first

7. Test Preparation Strategies
Keep old tests
Always attend class in the days immediately before the evaluation (particularly moratorium)
Simulate a test scenario at home
Use time limits and don’t check answers part way through

8. Variety is the spice of studying
Study on your own, with a partner, with an adult
Write, type, speak and read the information
Choose the thing that causes resistance
Build movement opportunities into review

9. Change the state Transforming the information forces synthesis
From paragraph to bullet points
From formulas to math problems
From facts to essay

10. Be a systems thinker Colour Coding Mneumonics Key Word Charts
Flash Cards
Graphic Organizers

11. More tips Always set aside more time than you think you will need
Anticipate questions
Start with memorization pieces first
Know the bolded and italicized material from the textbook
Highlight key terms and content from class notes and handouts

12. Know the type of test
Multiple choice/fill in the blank DETAILS Essays/long answer BIG PICTURE MAIN POINTS KEY FACTs

13. English tests/exams “You can’t study for English tests.”
(this is a lie)
Essay Questions
Anticipate what the essay question might be
Create sample essay outlines
Review key themes from class notes
Practice selecting evidence
Write a response to the themes discussed in class

14. English test/exams Sight Passages
Read an editorial in the newspaper and identify the thesis and supporting points
Find an anthology of short stories, select one at random and identify the themes and literary devices

15. Time management in the test
Read over the whole test before beginning
Note the value of different sections
Set time limits for sections
Build in time for final review
Bring a watch

16. Test taking strategies
Read over the whole test before beginning
(sometimes there are clues in later questions)
Check both sides of the paper and the last page
Answer the questions you know first

17. Multiple choice 1
Attempt to answer the question before looking at the possible options
If you don’t know the answer immediately, move on and return to this question later
Use a process of elimination.

18. Multiple CHOICE 2
Cross out the incorrect options, so that you can focus on fewer options
Check the rest of the test for clues
Once you make the decision, do not second guess yourself

19. Sample essay time schedule
90 minute essay exam where you don’t know question in advance 40 minutes planning and outline 5 minutes intro paragraph 10 minutes body paragraph 5 minutes concluding paragraph 10 minutes review Establish these time limits before arriving at the exam

20. wellness
SLEEP Studies suggest that sleep enhances recall Finish studying, do something to relax and then go to bed EAT Have a good breakfast and a quick snack right before the evaluation

21. Wellness 2 AVOID Talking to others about the test immediately before
SELF TALK
Remind yourself of how prepared you are
Reinforce messages of confidence and ability

22. WELLNESS 3 Allow a 10 minute break for every hour studied
Build in rewards (going for a walk, hanging out with friends, watching your favourite show)
Set Goals: increased motivation helps focus and retention
Be kind to yourself – trying your best is the most anyone can ask of you

23. Good luck with the studying!
Thank you!
Good luck with the studying!