The Learning Process - Part 5 of 5

This is the final part to the learning process – putting it all together.  How do you combine variety and repetition with spacing your learning out over time?  Here are some ideas (don’t be surprised if you have read a lot of this before!):

* Of course you are reviewing each day’s notes after each class.  Then, at least one a week, review all of the notes that will be on the next exam.


* As you are learning each day’s notes, make study cards, mini concept maps for a specific topic or concept, write out some questions and answers, and – of course – use recitation.  After you have read a section, close your notebook, restate the information from memory, and then check yourself.


* Annotate (take brief margin notes) as you read your textbook.


* Read and outline your textbook.  OR – turn each heading into a question, read to answer the question and write out the answer.


* If you have made study cards, review them a few minutes every day.  This is above and beyond reading the textbook and learning your notes.


* Go to any additional study sessions (tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, professor-led reviews).  You are getting an additional exposure to the information in a different format and possibly from a different person.


* Form a study group.  Assign tasks such as re-teaching different sections of the notes, making practice tests or quizzing each other.


* Take advantage of any computer-based study aids that go along with the course or textbook.


* As an exam approaches, make large-concept study guides, review charts, concept maps, etc.


You get the idea.  Use as many different strategies as possible and start to study NOW for the next exam.  Then - enjoy your success!
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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.