Back to Basics - How to Study

I promised we would go back to the basics and look at exactly how to study – WHAT you should do and WHEN you should do it!

Let’s start with WHEN:

·       Review you notes as soon as possible after each class, before the class meets again.

·       Once a week review all of the notes that will be on the next exam

·       Read the textbook before the lecture

·       If available, review power point slides before the lecture

·       Start to study several days (if not a full week) before a major exam

Then, WHAT should you do when you study:

·       Use a variety of strategies, don’t just reread and reread.  For example, turn the information into a study guide, make study cards of the important people, events, vocabulary

·       Test yourself – after reading a section of notes or the textbook, shut the cover and see if you can restate the information in your own words.  If yes, go on.   If no, reread and try it again.

·       Take notes from the textbook or write margin notes in the margins

·       Rewrite your lecture notes if they are unorganized or messy

In future blogs we’ll go into more detail, but this is a good, basic start.  Keep learning!

*****
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.

Characteristics of a Successful Student

I asked my probationary students what they thought a successful student was like. Keep in mind that we defined a successful student as someone being securely in academic good standing.   Here are their thoughts:

·       Spends time on task

·       Is confident they can master hard topics

·       Purposefully thinks about getting their work done.

·       Understands themselves – knows how they learn

·       Willing to put in effort

·       Disciplined and dedicated

·       Learns from past mistakes

·       Stays organized and minimizes turmoil

·       Is involved on campus

·       Looks and plans ahead

·       Has specific times dedicated to study

What I thought was interesting is that these qualities could be used to describe any successful person, no matter what field or stage in life.

One new thing I have been doing in class this semester is asking students to give me a “ticket out” at the end of each class.  A frequent ticket is to have them tell me what they have been doing to be a successful student and to practice the above qualities.

The next blog will go back and review basic study and learning strategies.  Keep learning!

*****
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.