Effective Study Skills

1. Effective Study Skills Better ways to prepare for tests and exams

2. Source 1: Effective Study Skills  Dr. Bob Kizlik Original date of creation: September 19, 1997 Latest update: February 1, 2009 How to Study and Make the Most of Your Time http://www.adprima.com/studyout.htm

3. Source 2: The Ten Study Habits of Successful Students

4. No two people study the same way, and there is little doubt that what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one would argue that every subject that you have to take is going to be so interesting that studying it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish. Everyone is different, and for some students, studying and being motivated to learn comes naturally. Many of us are not motivated or great at studying. We need to develop the skills.

5. A schedule • A schedule allocates your valuable time • you know when you are going to study • A schedule saves time • It keeps you on task • Making every hour count • You manage your “free” time • Don’t be afraid to revise your schedule if it is not working for you

6. When to study • The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.

7. Try not to do too much studying at one time. If you try to do too much studying at one time, you will tire and your studying will not be very effective.  Space the work you have to do over shorter periods of time.  Taking short breaks will restore your mental energy. 

8. How much time? Study for 40 minutes and then take a 20 minute break or Study for an hour and then watch your favorite ½ hour show Marathon study sessions DO NOT work

9. Try to study at the same times each day. this establishes routine you will be mentally prepared to work

10. Plan specific times for studying. Study time is any time you are doing something related to schoolwork.  It can be completing assigned reading, working on a paper or project, or studying for a test.  Schedule specific times throughout the week for your study time.

11. Set specific goals for their study times. Goals will help you stay focused and monitor your progress.  Simply sitting down to study has little value.  You must be very clear about what you want to accomplish during your study times.

12. Where to study You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all, the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.

13. Do not watch movies/TV/videos while studying • Do not listen to your favorite music • It is a distraction • If you need background noise consider classical music (particularly when studying Math) or musicians like Enya • Have all the tools you need • Pens, paper, texts, binders from class • A comfortable chair • Enough light • Not too hot, not too cold

14. NO Calls Please! Tell your friends not to call you during your study times.  Two study problems can occur if your friends call you during your study times. 

15. 1. your work is interrupted.  It is not that easy to get back to what you were doing.

16. 2. your friends may talk about things that will distract you from what you need to do. 

17. Here’s a simple idea – turn off your cell phone during your study times

18. How to use your time Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.

19. Strategies

20. Reading • Read with purpose • Get the main ideas • Learn important details • Don’t read aloud – this is slow • Take notes • Be efficient • Be clear- you need to be able to read them again

21. Ask for help Call another student when you have difficulty with an assignment.  This is a case where “two heads may be better than one.”

22. Be active while you study • Highlight as you read • Create rhymes or acrostics • Doodle • Bounce a ball on the floor while studying • Write on flash cards • Have different colours for different units

23. Draw thought webs • Make connections between course ideas • Name the unit • Name the topics • List main points, • add colour, • add pictures, • highlight dates or numbers or key terms

24. Most importantly

25. Take care of yourself Get enough sleep 7-8 hours per night Eat healthy fruit, vegetables, protein not too much salt NO energy drinks or pills Drink enough water not too much caffeine Get enough exercise

26. relax If you have done everything you can to prepare properly for an exam, then you have done everything. Too much stress put on yourself undoes all the efforts you have made.