How to Learn - A Mid Semester Review

As you head into spring and the second half of the semester, here is a review of what you need to do to learn:

Review – Be sure you are reviewing your notes after every class.  This starts the learning process.  Read over the notes and make corrections, add information from the textbook, identify any confusions, and be sure the notes are clear enough to be understood later.

Rework – Once your notes are in good shape, do something else with them such as rewriting, making a study guide, making study cards, highlighting main topics, adding color, etc.

Repetition – Learning does not happen in one session, you need to go over and over the information, doing different things with it, not just rereading!

Reflect – Learning also takes time to get securely into your long-term memory.  Start early (as soon as you get the information) and space your learning over time.

Recitation – One very important part of the learning process is to practice recalling the information just like you will do on the exam.   You can do this by covering up your notes and restating the information in your own words from memory, taking practice quizzes (either one you created or ones provided by textbook or professor), forming a study group and explaining the information to each other or quizzing each other, putting the information on study cards and using those to test yourself.  Be creative – there are many fun ways to do this!

Learning is not an act – it is a process that takes time!  Be sure to start early and study often!

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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.