s tudy s kills b asics study smarter—not harder. a nswer the following questions : what has worked...
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STUDY SKILLS BASICSStudy smarter—not harder
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What has worked for me? What has not worked?
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT—YOUR BRAIN! Nourishment Sleep (memory consolidates during REM
sleep) Movement/exercise
WORDS OF WISDOM Review notes same day for 10-20 minutes
per class Visit with professors Always review tests in prof.'s office Become a morning person Study ahead Put away the phone/email/text when
studying and in class Pay attention in class (PATP)
3 MOST EFFECTIVE PRACTICES
Preview before class Even 5 minutes is helpful
Concentrate during class Review briefly class material same day
10-20 minutes
GET ORGANIZED
3 ring notebook Hole punch Insert handouts/extra materials immediately Use post-it tabs to note location of
test/review sheets/summaries Make schedule
LEARN ACTIVELY
Discuss or explain topics to others Study in (well chosen) groups “Do something” with the material Involve movement with studying Draw or flow charts Make audio flash cards Quiz self
The Study Cycle
1 Set a Goal (1-2 min) Decide what you want to accomplish in your study session
2 Study with Focus (30-50 min) Interact with material- organize, concept map, summarize, process, re-read, fill-in notes, reflect, etc.
3 Reward Yourself (10-15 min) Take a break– call a friend, play a short game, get a snack
4 Review (5 min) Go over what you just studied
*Intense Study Sessions
Attend
Review
Study
Attend class – GO TO CLASS! Answer and ask questions and take meaningful notes.
Preview before class – Skim the chapter, note headings and boldface words, review summaries and chapter objectives, and come up with questions you’d like the lecture to answer for you.
Review after class – As soon after class as possible, read notes, fill in gaps and note any questions.
Assess your Learning – Periodically perform reality checks•Am I using study methods that are effective?•Do I understand the material enough to teach it to others?
Preview
Center for Academic Success
B-31 Coates Hall ▪ 225.578.2872 ▪www.cas.lsu.edu
Assess
Study – Repetition is the key. Ask questions such as ‘why’, ‘how’, and ‘what if’.•Intense Study Sessions* - 3-5 short study sessions per day•Weekend Review – Read notes and material from the week to make
connections
KEYS TO LEARNING BASED ON COGNITIVE SCIENCE FINDINGS
Deep factual and procedural knowledge of a discipline is required to solve complex problems
Learning is a continuous process; repetition is the key
New knowledge must be tied to existing knowledge
Learning should involve both sides of the brain and several learning styles
REFLECT ON WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED Think about the material and potential
applications before memorizing Summarize notes or readings in your own
words Re-reading is the least efficient form of
study
TIPS FOR IMPROVED MEMORY
Study during the day (60=90) Study while relaxed/meditate 5 min before
studying Study actively and in variety of ways Breaks help memory storage Sleep is essential to memory Repetition across time Breakfast and Snacks!
PRACTICE TAKING TESTS
Take tests when blood sugar is up—eat a snack before each test.
We remember most what we are tested on…
WHEN REVIEWING EXAMS
Review the entire test Pay attention to right answers Figure out why answers are wrong Check scantron for accuracy
CONCENTRATION!
Be intentional Notice where your thought are wandering Be aware of your daily peaks and valleys Use exercise to help your alertness Choose topics based on your alertness
BE FLEXIBLE
Each course may require different techniques
PUT OFF PROCRASTINATION!
Realistic Goals Reward Yourself One Minute Rule Set Ending Time Keep Desk Clear-Organized
NOTICE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you cheer for self or heckle?
PRACTICE POSITIVE THINKING
Notice Negative Thoughts Challenge them Replace with positive thoughts