Get into the HABIT of learning

Learning requires repetition and variety spaced out over time.   This is one of the first things I tell my students in the Learning Strategies classes I teach each spring.   Students often think they can take lecture notes but then never look at the notes again until a day or two before the exam.  This does not work!   One way to practice this repetition is to follow this study cycle each time the class meets:

Ø  Go to class >>

Ø  Review and start to learn notes >>

Ø  Read textbook (either to prepare for next class or review what the lecture covered) >>

Ø  Briefly review the notes again before the next class.

This works best for a Monday/Wednesday/Friday class.  If the class only meets once or twice a week, review and learn notes at least two or three times during the week.

Of course this is just the beginning, but by getting into this habit you have incorporated both repetition and spacing out over time into your schedule.  (Habit is an important word – do this all the time and it will be second nature and not at all a chore.)

The next blog will address variety – what are different strategies you can use with learning notes to help your understanding and retention.

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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 amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.