Study Tips

Why Should I Study?

Good study skills can help you succeed:

• In school.  Learning how to study can help make you a better student

• In the future.  Many skills that make you a success in school can also help you succeed on the job.

Your attitude about studying is important.

• Think positively.

• Keep your goals in mind.

• Use your time wisely

Plan your study time each day.

• Keep a planning notebook to help balance your schedule.  Your time is valuable-use it well.

• Plan for deadlines.  Don’t leave assignments until the last minute.

• Do the assignment as soon as possible after class.

• Break large assignments into several small ones.

Make studying your job.  Do it efficiently.  Here are some tips…

• Keep regular study hours.

• Be comfortable (but not too much so).  Have a straight chair and good light (with no glare).

• Face away from windows and other distractions.

• Clear off the top of your desk or worktable.

• Assemble needed materials ahead of time.

• Keep it quiet.

• Consider forming or joining a study group.

Taking notes is an important key to success in studying and learning.

• Don’t try to write everything down.  Listen for key words.

• Listen for clues such as “the 4 causes were” or “to sum up”.

• If your class discusses the topic, note any major conclusions.

• If your teacher emphasizes a point, such as by writing it on the board, put it in your notes.

Develop your own shorthand system.

• Abbreviate words.

• Use common symbols.

When taking notes from books or articles…

• Get the “big picture” first.  Glance through chapter headings, section headings and subheadings.

• Read summary paragraphs at the end of each section or chapter to get a general idea.

• Then read the entire chapter, looking for the key points of each paragraph.

How to take notes:  Choose a method that works best for you.  Here are some suggestions…

• Have a plan.  Show the importance of key information by size or by understanding.

• Write clearly.

• Organize facts.

• Don’t try to write down every word.

• Use Roman numerals.

• Date each sheet.

How to write a report

• Know your subject.

• Take notes.

• Think of your main points.

• Make an outline.

• Arrange your notes.

• Write a first draft.

• Include footnotes.

• Review and Revise.

• Check your final draft.

• Ask someone else to check it too.

Tips For Taking A Test

Before the Test:

• Consider it a contest (you vs. the test-maker).

• Try to guess the questions-can you answer them?

• Review your notes, outlines, note cards, quizzes, etc.

• Look up points that aren’t clear.

During the Test:

1.  Relax and forget about other people

2.   Read directions carefully.

3.  Look over the whole test first.  Plan how to budget your time.

• For objective test questions (true/false, multiple choice, etc.)

*Read each question twice before answering.

*Answer the ones you know first.

*Circle the ones you skip and do these last

• For essay and short-answer questions.

*Cover only the points asked for in the question

*Think before you write

• Before you turn in your paper, check it carefully, if you have time.  Ask Yourself:

*Did I follow the directions?

*Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?

*Did I answer each question fully?

After the Test:

When the test is returned, read any comments carefully so that you understand any mistakes you made.  Talk with your teacher or instructor if you have any questions.