Five-step Study Cycle

Source: http://libguides.usask.ca/ld.php?content_id=34099033

Maximize Class Time 

Step 1: Before – Prepare! 

• Look over class slides, textbook readings, review past notes.

• Bring the required text and notes to your classes.

• Be prepared for class! 

  • Bring items like:

    • printed slides, 

    • a fully charged laptop, 

    • coloured pens or highlighters to take notes.

Step 2: During – Stay Focused! 

• • Ask for a seat near the front to avoid distractions and to stay focused on the lesson.

  • Take meaningful notes and jot down any questions that come to your mind: 

    • underline important points; highlight with different colors; use symbols, charts, graphs;

    • create lists and headings; take complete class notes

  • Join in on class discussions and engage in both asking and answering questions.

  • Connect with at least one of your classmates.

  • Attend all classes!

Step 3: Right After – Review!

• • Review your notes and highlight the key points within 24 hours.

  • Summarize the material that was covered in class in your own words and/or images, diagrams, charts.

  • Identify spots in your notes where you missed information or you have questions.

  • Consolidate textbook readings with notes:

    • elaborate on material and fill in missing pieces;

    • use the chapter summaries in the text book.

  • Note the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve!

Step 4: Later

• • Throughout the week, organize your time & create goals! 

  • Start studying early to allow time for repetition and retrieval practice.

  • Create a study schedule using a weekly calendar or journal.

  • Develop your own strategic study sessions: create a goal, study, take a break, review and, repeat. Be sure to: 

    • plan to study more difficult material during your peak time of focus in the day,

    • schedule time for your physical, mental, emotional, and social needs,

    • schedule longer breaks every couple of hours,

    • look at online study skills resources.

  • Learn about different study techniques - study smarter, not harder (from LSU):

    • Visual

      • Use highlighters to colour-code notes;

      • Underline notes and text; highlight notes and text; summarize with images and concept maps.

    • Reading/Writing

      • Summarize key notes by hand: in writing or a visual map;

      • ID key words; reread notes and summarize; reread and summarize old tests; answer review questions.

    • Aural (or Auditory)

      • Read notes out loud to yourself or a study buddy.

      • Discuss material in study group; summarize notes, then read aloud; read onto recorder, then listen.

      • Have a study buddy quiz you orally.

    • Kinesthetic 

      • Create personal examples; use pictures to illustrate notes; stand, move, walk; study in an exam-like environment.

  • Minimize distractions during study sessions: PUT YOUR CELL PHONE IN ANOTHER ROOM!

  • Look for extra help; talk to your teacher, classmate, or someone who has taken the course

  • Solve textbook chapter/unit questions and those given by your teacher

Step 5: Finally - How well do you understand the material?

• • Self-test in ALL ways that you can: use past exams, create your own questions, flash cards, mind maps.

  • Teach course material to your peers, friends or family.

  • Regularly monitor your study approach, assessing your study techniques and adapting as needed.

  • Accept feedback on assignments and exam results as a way to focus your studies.

  • Did you attend all classes as well as complete marked and unmarked assignments or quizzes? 

Sources: Frank Christ; Louisiana State University, Centre for Academic Success (2018)