Study Skills

 

 

 

Good study habits:

 

~ Decide what to study and how long to study. Set and stick to those deadlines.

 

~ Do difficult tasks first. Start off with an easy and interesting aspect of the project.

 

~ Have special places to study. Take into consideration the lighting, temperature, and availability of materials.

 

~ Study 50 minutes, then take a 10 minute break. Streach, relax, have an energy snack.

 

~ Allow longer time periods for organizing relationships and concepts, outlining, and writing papers. Use shorter time periods for rote memorization, review, and self-testing. Use odd moments for recall/review.

 

~ If you get tired or bored, switch tasks, subject, or environment. Stop studying when you are no longer being productive.

 

~ Do rote memory tasks and review, especially details, just before you fall asleep.

 

~ Study with a friend. Quiz each other, compare notes and predicted test questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test taking strategies:

 

1. Arrive early instead of barely on time, so you can be organized and ready instead of in a panic.

 

2. Regard a lapse of memory as normal, do not let it throw you into a panic.

 

3. Make certain that you fully understand the test directions before attempting to solve any problems or answer any questions.

 

4. Plan how you will use your time during the test. Quickly look over the entire test and divide up your available time as appropriate to the number and type of questions you have.

 

5. Read each question carefully and completely before marking or writing your answer. Re-read if you are confused at all.

 

6. Ask your teacher for help interpreting a test question that is unclear to you.

 

7. Be careful not to give the impression of cheating.

 

8. Do not be disturbed by other students finishing before you do. Take your time and don't panic.

 

9. If you have any time left over, edit, check, and proofread your answers. Use all of the time available to eliminate careless errors and to improve your answers.