Basic Study Skills

Get the most information out of the time you have available.

The easiest, most efficient way to get the information is to actively attend every class

—beginning to end

10 Bad Listening Habits

1. Calling the subject dull2. Criticizing the speaker3. Becoming over-stimulated4. Listening only for facts5. Trying to outline everything6. Faking attention7. Tolerating distraction8. Choosing only what’s easy9. Letting emotion-laden words get in the way10. Wasting the differential between speech & thought speed

Note-taking Strategies

Information included in class most often includes the central concepts of the course &

will undoubtedly appear on exams.

Develop a system that enables you to:

Review regularlyRecite

(repeating key concepts from class)

Reflect

(connecting class ideas to other notes and readings)

Cornell Note Taking System

2 ½ inchesRecall Column

2. Reduce: ASAP, summarize as concisely as possible.

6 inches

1. Record: During the lecture, record meaningful facts and ideas, legibly3. Recite: Cover this column and recall as much as you can using only the cues in the Recall Column. Use your own words.4. Reflect: Mentally add your own opinions and previous knowledge.5. Review: Spend 10 minutes weekly reviewing all notes.

SQ3R Reading Method

Before you read, Survey the chapter

Question while you are surveying

Read each section separately

Recite after you’ve read a section

Review: an ongoing process

Review:

Day One:Read your notes; ask yourself questionsDay Two:Page through the text &/or your notebookDevelop mnemonic devices for material to memorizeMake flash cards for difficult terms, etc.Days Three, Four, & FiveAlternate between notes, flash cards, & questionsWeekend:Use textbook & notebook to list all topics & subtopicsMake your own study guide for periodic review

Preparing for THE TEST

Test performance begins the first day of class, with attendance and participation.

Budget your time so you are well-preparedBe sure to be alert in class immediately before the test; that’s when key information of often definedReview class notes & practice testsEat a sensible meal before a testGet a reasonable amount of sleep before a test.Set your alarm a little early so you won’t feel hurriedUse the restroom before walking into the classroom.Arrive about 5 minutes before the test will start.

Test Taking tips

When you first receive your test, survey the entire test.First do: -easiest items -items with greatest point value Read the entire question carefully Write legiblyWork at a speed that is comfortable for you but allow time to complete the test.Double check for your first and last name written legibly

Multiple Choice Tests

Read the question before you look at the answersCome up with an answer of your own before looking at the choices.Read all choices before selecting your answer.Eliminate answers you know aren’t rightAlways select an answer unless there is a guessing penalty.Usually the correct choice is the one with the most information.

True-False Test Tips

Read through each statement carefully, noting qualifiers and key words.If any part of the statement is false, the answer is falseQualifiers like “never,” “always,” and “every” mean the statement must be true all of the time. Usually they indicate a false answer.Answer every item unless there is a guessing penalty.Qualifiers like “usually,” “sometimes,” and “generally” usually lead to a true answer, but statements must be read carefully.

Short Answer Tests

Read the question carefully, and make sure you answer everything that it asks for.Try to anticipate questions ahead of time. Most instructors emphasize key words.If you can’t come up with the word(s) you need, finish the test and come back to the item.Often words that are needed for short answers appear elsewhere on the test.If you don’t know the exact answer, come as close as you can.

Essay Tests

Read the directions carefully.Make sure you write every that is asked of you and a little more.Budget your time.If the questions is asking for facts, avoid giving an opinion.Essay grading is always somewhat abstract. Neat papers usually receive higher marks.Proofread for mistakes.

Open Book/Note Tests

Study as you would for a closed book exam.Familiarize yourself with the book.Highlight important ideas.Use post-it notes and bookmarks.Bring all the resources you’ll be allowed to use.Answer questions you know first, and use your book for the rest.Use information from the book to support your answers.

Online Tests

Master the login process to access the test.If you take the test at home make sure your computer has the correct software and internet speed.Be aware of whether or not the test is timed.Know if the test is continuous, or if you can leave and return.Read and be sure you understand instructions.Be sure you save and exit correctly so your work is not lost.

After the Test……..

When your test is returned, check it over for grading errors.If you don’t understand your mistakes, ask the instructor to explain.If you review the test in class, take notes for future reference.If you’re grade is low, ask the instructor if there is a make-up exam or if there’s extra credit work.Save the test as study material for future tests.