The first step in learning information is to concentrate and pay attention to the material. This may be easier said than done if your mind constantly wanders. Two strategies my students said are helpful to extend concentration are:
1. During
a lecture make a “hash” mark at the top of your page every time your mind wanders
and pull you attention back to the lecture.
Over time you will find that you have an easier time sticking with the lecture.
2. Set
a timer for a short period, perhaps 15 minutes.
You will be able to concentrate on your studying for that time period
because you know if will end. Gradually lengthen the time and you will notice
your concentration becoming much easier and longer.
Remember that, besides paying attention, learning requires the four strategies listed below with some examples:
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Repetition
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Variety
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Self-testing
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Over
Time
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Repeated exposure to the information
Read textbooks
Attend class
Review notes after class
Review all notes once a week
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All strategies in the previous column plus:
Rewrite notes
Highlight important information
Make study cards
Attend tutoring sessions
Form/join a study group
Take turns reteaching the information to the others in group
Study in a different location
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Cover notes and restate in own words
Use study cards to test yourself
Quiz each other in study group
Make practice tests and share with group or put aside and take later
Use any online study quizzes with textbook
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Regularly attend class
Attend any review sessions offered
Review notes after each class
Review all notes once a week
Start to study at least one week before an exam
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Next: how to get the most out of your textbooks and maybe save time!
*****
First Semester Success: 2nd Edition, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available as an eBook and hard copy from amazon.com and a hard copy from wordassociation.com. Click on the upper right link.
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