Developing Effective Study Strategies

Welcome to class!

TopicsStudy EnvironmentStudy Strategies for Multiple Intelligences and

Learning StylesNote-TakingMemory SkillsTest PreparationTest AnxietyEffective Test-TakingTime ManagementProcrastination

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Study EnvironmentYou need a good environment to optimize your

studyingMinimize distractions—external vs internalTake care of yourself physically—diet, exercise, restHave the right furniture and lightingStudy the hardest subjects when your biorhythm is

at its peakTake breaks when neededUse downtime productivelyGet adequate rest – exercise during the day and

then relax before bed3

Study Strategies for Multiple IntelligencesVerbal-Linguistic—flash cards, highlight words, outlinesMathematical-Logical—Summaries, analyze step by step,

charts and graphsVisual-spatial—Mind-mapping, models, color coding,

diagramsMusical-rhythmic—Study w music, create raps or songsBodily-Kinesthetic—Build models, Role playing, move

while studyingInterpersonal—Study groups, Teach to others, DiscussionIntrapersonal—Journal, quiet study spot, reflectionNaturalistic– Keep notebook of findings, collect

specimens, field trips, study outside

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Study Strategies for Learning StylesSensor—Ask for specific real-world examplesIntuitive—Ask for the theories behind the

factsVisual/Verbal—Rewrite notes, Organize

materials into charts or tablesVisual/Nonverbal—Draw diagrams,

visualization, Auditory—Recite material out loud, tape

lectures for later playbackKinesthetic—Incorporate movement into

studying, keep active in class5

Study Strategies for Learning Styles (cont.)Active—Study group for discussion, work with

material in different waysReflective—Write summaries of class notes,

as you read, think of possible test questionsGlobal—Skim through chapter before you

read in detail, relate new information to what you already know

Sequential—Outline material in logical order

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Note-TakingNote-taking makes you listen more effectivelyNotes highlight what is importantYour own notes are easier to understand than

the textThe act of writing helps you remember4 Requirements for Strong Note-Taking

PreparationOrganizationListening SkillsNote-taking System

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PreparationCome to class with all supplies needed—

paper, pens, etc.Come to class on timeDon’t sit in the back of the class—make eye

contact with the professorPay attention to

Material on blackboardAnything the professor says more than onceEmphasisReviews

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OrganizationMake sure your notebook is big enough for all

notesIf you are given handouts, punch them and

put them in the notebookWrite notes on just one side of the pageNumber your pages

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Listening SkillsSit closer to the speaker so you will be

motivated to listen attentivelyIf you cannot hear the speaker, move to a

place where you canPractice Active Listening

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Active ListeningHearing and Listening are NOT the sameHearing is purely a sensory phenomenonListening is an active process

Set a purpose for listening What do you want to achieve?

Eliminate distractions External distractions (outside noise, late arriving

classmates Internal distractions (thoughts about personal

issues,worry over other stressors)

Think of questions—informational or clarifyingConsider what is going on

Predict what is next, evaluate Listen for transitions—introduction, next part,

summary, sequenceHear the speaker out—don’t give up or jump

to conclusionsBe alert for other verbal and nonverbal cues—

specific emphasisBe prepared and flexible—read material

ahead of time, be patient with other’s questions

Key Words and Signal PhrasesCategory Examples

Example Words Specifically, to illustrate, for example, for instance

Cause and Effect Words

Consequenlty, therefore, as a result, if….then…., thus hence,so, accordingly

Enumeration (Number) Words

The four steps are…..First…second…third…fourth….

Contrast Words On the other hand, in contrast, conversely, although, however, despite, whereas

Emphasis Words More important, above all, remember, in other words, finally

Summary Words For these reasons, on the whole, in conclusion, to sum up, finally

Test Words This is important, Remember this, You’ll see this again, Here’s a potential problem… 13

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Inventory of Listening Strategies

• I attend every (or almost every) lecture in each of my courses. Yes No

• I prepare for class by reading the relevant parts of the text before the lecture Yes No

• I consult my course outline and I know which topics are going tobe covered. Yes No

• I go to each lecture intending to learn as much as possible. Yes No

• I sit in a location where I can see and hear easily. Yes No

• I avoid external distractions in a lecture: friends, doors, or windows. Yes No

• I try to control internal distractions: hunger, worrying, or daydreaming. Yes No

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• I use abbreviations to capture the meaning of what is being said. Yes No

• I can listen and take notes at the same time. Yes No • If I get lost during a lecture, I work hard to reconnect

with the instructor. Yes No • I work on my notes and make sure they are easy to

read. Yes No • If I don’t understand something in a lecture, I ask for

help. Yes No •I review and edit my notes soon after each lecture. Yes No • As I consolidate my notes after each class, I look for

and highlight the important information. Yes NoHow many Yes answers did you have? How many No

answers?

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Note-taking tipsTake meaningful notesKeep notes briefUse a short-hand system for phrases and punctuation

Do you text message? It’s just the same thing Use abbreviations as much as possible:

@ b/c w/ +

w/o >ex. <*

Number your pagesDate your notes

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Note-taking Tips (cont.)

Have a system of organization so you can add things later

If the professor gets sidetracked—go back and fill things in

Don’t write down every word—but write down KEY words

Put notes in your own words except for things like formulas, direct quotes

Review and clarify your notes after class

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Note-Taking SystemsCornell MethodConcept MappingOutliningSQ5R

Cornell MethodDivide notepaper in 2

by drawing a line 2 inches form the left-hand margin. On the right hand of the line, take down info. You hear in class. On the left side, write key words & phrases that will make the review process easier.

Concept map(provides visual clues how ideas are related)

Go to: http://www.text2mindmap.com/for an online tool to convert text to a concept map

OutliningSummary of key pointsOrganizational toolMajor pointsAn outline shows the relationship between

major points and supporting ideas

SQ5R—Survey, Question, Read, Reduce, Recite, Reflect Review (5 R’s)Survey

Read summaries, headings, graphics, bold typeQuestion

Turn headings into questions about materialRead, Reduce, Recite, Reflect, Review (5 R’s)

Read the material while looking for answers to questions

Reduce it to the most important pointsRecite material (good for auditory learners)Reflect on how the material relates Review—every day

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