Learning and Study Skills
Researchers of the brain have found that neural pathways will grow with use and effort. That means that YOU have great, untapped potential and that the development of your mental ability is largely within their own control! You simply need to employ good study skills! The following outlines 5 categories of learning skills and how these can be used.
You can make your own learning plan with the My Challenge document. It will help you decide which learning skills you will work on for an upcoming test or assignment.
Attention & Concentration - Click here for strategies!
Attention is like the spotlight of your mind. Whatever you shine that spotlight on is what you learn. If you’re not paying attention, you won’t form a permanent memory. Remember, things you pay attention to get into your working memory—the “scratch pad” of your mind. And new things need to go through working memory before they can get to long-term (permanent) memory. This is under YOUR control!
Organization & Time Management - Click here for strategies!
Learning happens in your brain, but you need to make sure you have the tools and materials that you need to learn FROM! By keeping organized, you will be sure that you don’t forget something that you need to do or learn. Your brain needs time to form new memories and to build skills. Be realistic and give yourself enough learning time.
Learning & Memory - Click here for strategies!
Learning is like building a house: you have to start with the foundation, and build from there. When you’re building up the network of connections in your brain, you need to make sure you have the basic elements that support more complicated knowledge.
Emotion & Motivation - Click here for strategies!
A negative mood or emotions can get in the way of learning—it distracts you and makes your brain release chemicals into your bloodstream that can give you a panic attack! Don’t handicap yourself! Keep a positive attitude and focus on what you can do to achieve your goals. Click above to find ways you can stay calm, positive, and motivated.
Performance Strategies - Click here for strategies!
When it comes to a test or other performance, be ready with strategies to meet the challenge. Don’t focus on how well you will do or worry about failing. Remember that you are getting smarter with everything you learn, and your performance will show it over the long run. Just do your best!