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Successful studying means:
Getting involved in class discussions – a good way to exchange ideas and polish communication skills.
Getting the most out of reading – the backbone of academic success.
Taking good notes – an indispensable study aid.
Listening actively – an essential, but often neglected, skill.
Scoring higher on exams – one way to make studying pay off.
Successful studying is an investment in today and tomorrow:
It can help you:
• Make the most of the time you devote to studying.
• Gain and maintain control of the subject matter.
• Utilize the skills you acquire today, in the work environment tomorrow.
Become an active listener -- what you learn in class comes through listening:
• Move closer –to the front so you won’t have any trouble seeing, hearing or paying attention.
• Focus your attention – on what the speaker is saying, not on the upcoming weekend or the sound of the speaker’s voice.
• Evaluate what you hear – think about what the speaker’s words mean and how they relate to what you already know about the subject.
• Take notes – since it’s impossible for even the best of listeners to remember all that has been said.
Develop a system for taking notes. The better your notes the better your chances of doing well at exam time.
What to record:
• Record the speaker’s main points in your own words – don’t try to write down everything that’s said.
• Listen for key words that tell you what’s important – “The major cause was…,”
• Copy all information written on the board.
How to record it:
• Use as few words as possible. Abbreviations are useful.
• Leave a wide left margin so you can add notes and questions.
• Take notes in outline form, if possible.
• Review your notes as soon as possible after class:
• Highlight points that seem particularly important.
• Go over your notes at least once a week to keep; the information fresh in your mind.
• Be sure to attend class regularly, you can’t take notes if you’re not present, its not a good idea to rely on someone else’s note-taking skills.
• Also, reviewing your notes regularly can make studying for exams easier and more efficient.
Ask the instructor:
What to expect?
What material will be covered?
What should you concentrate on?
What format will the test take ( multiple choice or essay)?
Finally, successful studying means budgeting your time.
Here are some tips:
• Develop a schedule that includes all “regular” activities, such as classes, a part-time job, etc..
• Reserve time for sleep, exercise and recreation. Schedule review time for right after a lecture or right before a discussion, if you can.
• Plan ahead for major projects and exams.
• Break up the task.
• Try to study the same subject at the same time each day.
• Take short breaks. You need –and deserve them.
• Remember, where you study is important. Choose a quiet, well-lit place that is free of distractions, such as– telephone, TV, music, friends, etc., and try to study in the same place each day. Use that place for studying only.
