Study for Success

Notes on Taking Notes

- Sit near the front of the class room to reduce distraction

- Keep your attention focused on what the teacher is saying

- Listen for information not found in the assigned reading

- Include only the most important information

- Arrange your notes as you compile them

- Take note of the teacher's gestures and verbal clues

- Place a "?" next to notes which need clarification

- Write neatly. If you can't understand your notes they're worthless

- Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important information

Time is Essential

- Use a planner to make the most of your time

- Realistically estimate assignment lengths

- Assign nightly study goals and meet them

- Set priorities. Give important assignments more time

- Find the balance between study and fun

Before Every Test

- Read your notes and the assigned text

- Reduce the notes and text to the most basic information

- Rebuild the details around those basics in a way that is easy for you to remember

- Repeat what you know aloud to a friend or yourself, or write it down over and over

- Clear your mind and relax

- Rest. You need a good night's sleep before the test

Read to Retain

- Find a good, quiet study place

- Skim the bold text. Familiarize yourself with the concepts and terminology of the assignment

- Return to the beginning of the assignment and skim all of the material. Pick out important points

- Read the text a third time more thoroughly. Attempt to digest the information. Take notes

- Finally review what you have read. Quiz yourself using the words in bold print

Lastly

- Don't study one subject for more than two hours at a time

- Eat healthy foods

- Get enough sleep

- Try to exercise everyday

- Plan to study every night

- Avoid study distractions

- Be positive

- Don't procrastinate

- Always do your best work